Contents
Understudy
Overview
August attends Via’s school play after Daisy’s death and braces for attention at the larger school. Though listed as an understudy, Via unexpectedly appears onstage as Emily, replacing Miranda. Justin begins the show as the Stage Manager. The moment delights August’s parents and marks a proud turn for Via.
Summary
A few days after Daisy’s death, Via brings home tickets to her school play and, before leaving early with Justin, hugs August and tells him she loves him. August, Mom, and Dad go to Via’s new and much larger school, where August feels self-conscious about his hearing aids and misses the cover of hats or his old astronaut helmet.
They find seats as Mom realizes she forgot her glasses. Looking through the program, they see Justin’s picture but not Via’s, and Mom explains that Via is listed as an understudy. August keeps asking what “understudy” means while Mom and Dad briefly discuss Miranda’s family news, underscoring how distant that friendship has become.
As the lights dim, August quietly asks Dad not to call him “Auggie Doggie” anymore, and Dad agrees. The play begins with Justin onstage as the Stage Manager, introducing Our Town. August is drawn in by the more mature tone of the production.
When Mrs. Webb calls for Emily, the family expects to see Miranda, but it is Via who walks onstage. Mom and Dad react with surprise and pride as Via performs the lead role, revealing that she has replaced Miranda for this performance and affirming Via’s quiet persistence and talent.
Who Appears
- August (Auggie) PullmanNarrator; attends Via’s play, feels self-conscious with hearing aids, asks Dad to drop “Auggie Doggie.”
- Via (Olivia) PullmanAugust’s sister; listed as understudy but unexpectedly performs Emily, earning her parents’ pride.
- Mom (Isabel Pullman)Accompanies August; forgets her glasses; recognizes and celebrates Via’s surprise performance.
- Dad (Nate Pullman)Attends the play; supports August’s request about his nickname; delighted by Via’s role.
- JustinVia’s boyfriend; opens the play as the Stage Manager, setting the scene for Our Town.
- MirandaVia’s former friend; absent from stage, replaced by Via as Emily; family news briefly mentioned.