Contents
The Performance Space
Overview
In the auditorium, Charlotte enthusiastically describes school theater while Julian grows increasingly rude toward August, questioning his abilities and appearance. Jack defends August and urges him to speak up. August asserts himself by correcting Julian’s word choice, and Julian pointedly obstructs him as they continue the tour.
Summary
Charlotte leads August, Julian, and Jack into the school auditorium while chattering about last year’s production of Oliver! and the annual school play. August notices Julian watching him and sees Jack lingering in the back, bored. Charlotte lists elective options, suggesting offstage roles if August avoids acting.
Julian mocks those choices and then targets August’s plan to take the science elective, belittling his homeschooling and questioning his mother’s qualifications. Charlotte tries to defend August, but Julian persists, pressing about August’s face and whether he was in a fire. Charlotte calls him rude; Jack tells him to shut up.
Jack leads August out toward the library and quietly advises him he’ll have to talk. August, buoyed by Jack’s support, acknowledges him with a smile that Jack understands. When the group regathers, August corrects Julian’s misuse of “supposably” to “supposedly,” and Charlotte backs him up. Julian denies it.
As they head downstairs, Julian deliberately cuts in front of August, making him stumble, and offers a false apology. The moment confirms Julian’s hostility while affirming Jack’s emerging allyship and August’s willingness to assert himself.
Who Appears
- August (Auggie) PullmanProspective student; endures Julian’s rude questions, appreciates Jack’s support, and asserts himself by correcting Julian’s word choice.
- JulianAntagonistic tour guide; belittles August’s homeschooling, asks about his face, denies rudeness, and pointedly cuts August off.
- Jack WillTour guide who seems bored but defends August, urges him to speak, and shows quiet solidarity.
- CharlotteTalkative tour guide; describes theater, suggests electives, defends August against Julian’s rudeness.