Gregory's Girl is a story about an awkward, gangly Scottish 16-year-old named Gregory who is in the midst of puberty.
The object of Gregory's affection is Dorothy, a talented striker who took his place on their school's boys' football team, demoting him to distracted goalkeeper.
Gregory tries to insinuate himself into Dorothy's life as much as possible through her interests, such as learning Italian, without directly telling her that he likes her.
Gregory's male friends are no help in advising him on how to get into a relationship with Dorothy.
The only person in whom he confides that provides any constructive advice is his 10-year-old sister Madeline.
When Gregory finally works up the nerve to ask Dorothy out, he doesn't get the answer he expects.
He learns that Dorothy talks to her girl friends about such issues as much as Gregory does with his friends, each side strategizing to their own desired end.