Adrian Mole Doreen Slater, whom Adrian privately refers to as "Stick Insect". Brett makes a reappearance in the later books as a successful yet unpleasant businessman who loses his fortune during the credit crunch. Doreen is killed off in "Prostrate Years". Pauline temporarily marries her younger lodger Martin Muffet, who eventually leaves her for Adrian's girlfriend Bianca Dartington, giving Adrian and his mother a shared heartbreak. Later, George and Pauline effect a partner swap with Ivan and Tania Braithwaite (parents of Pandora), only to reunite after Ivan's untimely death. Adrian's half-sister, Rosie Germaine Mole (after feminist Germaine Greer), grows up to be
Adrian Mole and the Weapons of Mass Destruction which began at this time. This is a recurring theme throughout the book. The story also deals with an issue that has affected Sue Townsend directly; she was registered blind in 2001, as a result of long-term diabetes. "Adrian Mole and the Weapons of Mass Destruction" was typed by Townsend's husband from dictation. In her review of the book, Mary Wakefield felt Mole's immature and angst-ridden personality has lost its appeal as he approaches middle-age, where it was endearing in a younger man. Bruce was Adrian's old schoolmate in the first book. He was very clever although he couldn't grasp