Key Plot Events
What happens immediately after Charlie kisses Sam during Truth or Dare while he is dating Mary Elizabeth?
Mary Elizabeth gets upset and breaks up with Charlie.
Who asks Charlie to drive her to the clinic when she becomes pregnant?
His sister, Candace.
What does Charlie do to be welcomed back into the friend group after the Truth or Dare conflict?
He protects Patrick during the cafeteria fight, stopping Brad’s friends from attacking him.
Who says, “we’re infinite”?
Charlie.
What meaningful gifts does Charlie receive at the Secret Santa exchange?
A Typewriter and Suit. (Either answer is acceptable, double points for getting both.)
How does Charlie’s friend group treat him after the Truth or Dare incident?
They avoid him and give him space for several weeks.
Who does Charlie spend almost every day with to help them cope after a breakup?
Patrick.
How does Charlie support Patrick when Patrick starts drinking and feeling lost?
He drives Patrick home, stays with him, and listens to him talk.
Who tells Charlie, “You need to participate. Stop just watching life happen”?
Bill.
What is the last major scene Charlie shares with Sam before she leaves?
They kiss in her room after talking honestly about their feelings.
Why does Patrick become upset and start drinking heavily after Brad breaks up with him?
Because Brad publicly rejects him, and Brad’s father forces them apart.
What does Sam tell Charlie is the reason she often chooses the wrong boyfriends?
She didn’t think she deserved better.
How does Charlie help Patrick cope with being publicly humiliated and rejected by Brad?
He spends time with him, keeps him company, and offers emotional support.
Who reassures Charlie during Patrick’s breakdown by saying, “You didn’t do anything. We’re okay”?
Sam.
Who says: “Write about us”?
Patrick.
What happens at Brad’s house?
Brad's father sees Patrick and Brad together in the basement.
What advice does Bill give Charlie when giving him his final book assignment?
That Charlie is special and ready to start writing his own stories.
What does Charlie do when Sam tells him she is leaving for college soon?
He helps her pack, listens to her, and talks honestly about his feelings.
Who tells Charlie the truth about Aunt Helen, helping him understand his trauma?
His doctor/therapist at the hospital.
What does Charlie do on the way to the tunnel that shows how he has changed?
He climbs into the back of the truck.
What event triggers Charlie’s mental breakdown near the end of the story?
He recalls that Aunt Helen abused him as a child.
What important conversation and action happen between Charlie and Sam before she leaves for college?
Sam kisses Charlie and tells him he needs to participate more in life.
What action does Charlie take when he feels overwhelmed by his memories and fear near the end?
He calls his sister for help, which leads to him being hospitalized.
Who is Charlie addressing in all his letters and narration?
Friend.
What does the type writer symbolize?
His process of recovery. (X3 points)