Contents
Sides
Overview
Summer reveals Charlotte’s list dividing students into Jack’s side, Julian’s side, and neutrals, exposing how isolated Jack and August remain. The trio confronts the “Plague” label, with August’s humor defusing awkwardness. The scene confirms entrenched social lines but strengthens Jack, August, and Summer’s bond.
Summary
At lunch, Summer produces an “official” list Charlotte made, dividing boys into three columns: Jack’s side, Julian’s side, and neutrals. Jack, August, and Summer scan the names, noting Jack has only a handful of supporters while many align with Julian or remain neutral.
Jack reacts with sarcasm about his allies, and Summer defends them. When Jack refers to the social shunning as “the Plague,” an awkward pause follows. August reveals he already knew about the avoidance game and compares it to the “Cheese Touch,” joking that “the Plague” sounds cooler.
The tension eases as they banter. Summer asks about dating; Jack says he can’t while ostracized, and Summer says they’re too young anyway. August caps the moment with a self-deprecating joke about “babes” throwing themselves at him, making everyone laugh and reaffirming their small circle’s solidarity against the wider split.
Who Appears
- Jack WillNarrator; reviews Charlotte’s list, feels the social split, blurts out “Plague,” and bonds with friends through humor.
- August Pullman (Auggie)Learns about the ‘Plague’ term, jokes to defuse awkwardness, and helps lighten the mood at lunch.
- Summer DawsonPresents Charlotte’s list of sides, mediates tension, and states they’re too young to date.
- Charlotte CodyOffstage; compiles the list showing Jack’s, Julian’s, and neutral sides, clarifying the social divide.
- Julian AlbansAntagonist by influence; his camp claims many names on the list, underscoring Jack and August’s isolation.