A bully wakes up with no memory—and gets the one thing no bully gets: a second first impression.
Who drives the story
The school's feared bully-king who falls off a roof, loses every memory, and gets a blank slate he didn't ask for. He must choose daily between the person everyone remembers and the person he's becoming.
Chase's project partner and fiercest hater—her twin brother landed in the hospital because of Chase. She watches her hatred run out of evidence, and becomes his most reluctant defender.
Shoshanna's twin, hospitalized by bullying and sent away to recover. He returns terrified of Chase, then finds his voice—literally, through his violin—and his own terms for peace.
Chase's former best friend and partner in bullying, furious that the new Chase won't play king. His sabotage and threats make him the story's warning: some people never want the restart.
A video club kid once stuffed into lockers and dumpsters by Chase's crew. He's the first victim to give the new Chase a chance—and the one who catches Aaron's vandalism.
A former football star who sees his son's identity as a family inheritance. He pressures Chase back onto the team, standing for the old definition of who Chase is supposed to be.
How they are connected
Chase's project partner and fiercest hater—her twin brother landed in the hospital because of Chase.
Chase's project partner and fiercest hater—her twin brother landed in the hospital because of Chase.
Shoshanna's twin, hospitalized by bullying and sent away to recover.
He returns terrified of Chase, then finds his voice—literally, through his violin—and his own terms for peace.
Chase's former best friend and partner in bullying, furious that the new Chase won't play king.
Chase's former best friend and partner in bullying, furious that the new Chase won't play king.
A video club kid once stuffed into lockers and dumpsters by Chase's crew.
Brendan EspinozaChase's father
A video club kid once stuffed into lockers and dumpsters by Chase's crew.
Brendan EspinozaAaron Hakimian
He's the first victim to give the new Chase a chance—and the one who catches Aaron's vandalism.
He pressures Chase back onto the team, standing for the old definition of who Chase is supposed to be.
Go deeper
Actions over memories · The possibility of change · Bullying and its aftermath · Identity as a choice
Themes explainedThe full story act by act, the ending explained and a quick quiz.
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