“13 Reasons Why”

Discussion Guide

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 Notes From the Editor

Watching through these episodes multiple times proved to be tougher than I thought and took an
emotional toll. In order to really dive in and pull out the important messages, I had to take a lot
of space between the episodes.

My hope is that you will consider the show from a bigger perspective than a suicide show that
addresses bullying, but rather a show that digs in deep to systemic issues and asks us to consider
how each person's identity and experience shape how they operate and roll through the world. I
ask you to consider how we can support young people to have empathy for the characters. Not
because we are excusing the behaviors, but because in order to create change we must first
understand. In order to understand, we need to have empathy for where that character is coming
from.

Each episode will contain a summary, quotes to focus on and discussion questions. The first few
episodes provide more details to set you up for success, with each episode tapering off. Please
consider your audience and change quotes and questions as appropriate. For instance, you may
want to edit out the swearing.

I’ve designed the guide to give as much detail as possible so you don’t have to catch it all as you
watch the show. You have detailed quotes and questions to pull from as a parent or classroom
teacher.

I hope you start to see each episode through a different lens and add your own perspective and
insights that I may not have identified.

Let's support young people to be the change they wish to see in the world! I encourage you to
also check out the guide created by the creators of the show:
https://afsp.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/US-FINAL-13-Reasons-Why-Discussion-Guide.pdf

Thank you so much and I sincerely hope you find the guide helpful.

Marci Reichert, MA
Founder, 2B Education, Training and Consulting

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 What This Guide Includes
● Series major themes
● Overarching questions
● Episode summary
● Key Quotes to pull from every episode
● Episode guided questions
● Character Guides
● Checklist of what to look for in each episode
● Lesson plan and activity ideas

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 Overarching Questions

What is motivating each character's behavior? What can we learn

from it?

What makes doing the right thing complicated?

How do we know when something is typical behavior and when to

worry?

Do adults give teens the right: tools, advice and help?

Where do you notice teen brains driving the car?

Is it helpful to tell people they "should" have done something? Is it

our right?

What would a compassionate boundary look like vs. avoiding

situations?

What exactly is a good kid? How might that concept trap people
in?

Would typical teens try to cover up a situation they knew would

make them look bad? What is and isn't realistic about their
responses?

Which character do you relate with the most? Why? Who do you
empathize with the most?

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 Show Themes – taken from 2B Instagram posts

Parents and adults just don’t understand (adults don’t seem to get it,
aren’t always helpful)

Identity shapes how we roll through the world (Affluenza, athletes

get special treatment, male rage, boys don’t cry, girl’s worth is tied up in
how boys see them, it’s okay to call a girl a slut, social media likes and
the acceptability of ranking girls)

Teen brain remodeling is real (wired to their peers, stepping out from
your peers is hard, pressure to make unhealthy choices like drinking)

Protect yourself at all costs (But you’re a good kid, mistakes aren’t
allowed)

The struggle to manage emotions (hurt people hurt other people, fear
and anger blinds/creates tunnel vision, masking pain, blaming others for
how you feel)

Relationships are a struggle (crushes are complicated, rejection and

links to rage, lack of ability to communicate effectively, conversation
below the conversation, friendships are hard, lack of empathy for other
perspectives)

Emotional stability takes work and support (people often show signs
they are struggling, those that have it together the most may be really
hurting and struggling, unhealthy coping mechanisms)

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 Episode Theme Checklist

Episode Theme Examples

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 Character Reflections

Character What interests you or What challenges you? How might you empathize
stands out about this with this character?
character?

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Character What interests you or What challenges you? How might you empathize
stands out about this with this character?
character?

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 Activity Ideas

1. Journaling
2. Post pictures of characters around the room. Put questions on the board and have them
move to the character that resonates with
3. Four Corners activity. Anonymous survey of questions. Switch papers and have students
represent another person’s paper.
4. Writing poetry as this is a theme throughout the show.
5. Coping skills to discuss alternative ways to manage emotions in a way that serves each
character more effectively.
6. Teen Brain lesson and use the show to hi-light where that shows up with the characters.
7. Lesson on crushes and how the characters are dealing with them.
8. Lesson on teen drinking and drugs.
9. Lesson on toxic masculinity and how it shows up throughout episodes.
10. Lesson on empathy building. Encourage students to have empathy for the characters
that trigger them the most.
11. Practice debating skills as that character.
12. Theme BINGO – Students have to block off the themes that show up in that episode,
with specific examples if they get a win.
13. Write an essay on specific quotes.
14. Print quotes around the room and have students rotate to them based on questions you
ask.
15. Write an essay from one character’s perspective about why you should have empathy
for them and understand where they were coming from.
16. Lesson on mental and emotional health. Students could pick topics for reports and then
students have to look for signs throughout the show that person demonstrates and then
discuss ways you could support a friend dealing with that.

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 Episode 1 - Justin

Episode one sets the stage for the entire series. We start the episode with Clay distraught over
Hannah. The episode moves to school where students are taking selfies of themselves at
Hannah's memorial locker and saying things like #neverforget and she was so pretty.

Audiences get an idea of how Clay felt about Hannah in a flashback to them working together.
We learn a bit about Clay's family dynamics when he gives short answers to his dad and lies to
his mother about knowing Hannah. He is often avoidant when talking with his parents.

Bryce plays the main antagonist, yet we don't know much about his life. There is a telling point
when you hear him on the phone with his parents saying "I'm fine, just stay in Aspen" in
response to the school's email about Hannah's suicide. This is a pivotal point because Bryce is
always home alone throughout the series left with a ton of money and time on his hands to do as
he pleases.

Courtney's character is introduced as caring and demonstrates caring for Clay as she questions
how he is doing, which Clay doesn't respond to well. This sets the stage for Courtney's need to
appear perfect, be friends with everyone and playing up the image as a grieving and caring friend
to Hannah.

Tony plays a pivotal role throughout the series and it is an interesting juxtaposition to see how he
relates with his father compared to how Clay communicates with his family. This is a great
opportunity to talk about the ways Tony brings up class and race differences in subtle ways
throughout the show.

As readers are introduced to the first tape, the tone is set. Viewers learn how Hannah viewed her
reality. There is a consistent tone where Hannah demonstrates wanting to be in control, wanting
the others to hear and wanting them to possibly feel her pain.

During the flashback of the party, Hannah's friend Kat, who moved away gives us an idea of how
she related compared to how Hannah related to the boys. She warned Hannah about who to look
out for, could tell that Clay had a crush on her and states Justin is the sweet kind of dumb. This
point is worth noting as Justin comes off as a confused character at times.

Justin and Hannah demonstrate clear differences in how they show up as stress impacts their
lives. Have teens pay attention to how Justin and Hannah behave and how they look in the
beginning compared to current day as an opportunity to create conversations around signs to look
for.

Crushes are a major theme in this episode as Clay struggles to let Hannah know he likes her, and
she struggled with him. We see the banter between Justin and Hannah.

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The scene at the park is important because it allows for an opportunity to discuss intent vs.
impact. It seems clear Justin did not intend to hurt Hannah and genuinely liked her. The photo
itself was unintentional, however, as friends became involved, Justin allowed things to happen.
This provides a great opportunity to discuss not only teen brains, but power and equity as Bryce
and Justin come from two different worlds. Justin is reliant on Bryce in many ways for safety.

As the scenes unravel we see that Bryce leads the way in passing the photo around, but students
also continue to allow it to happen and make comments. Hannah's narration lets Justin know how
angry she was with him, as well as anger at herself, which is a common emotion among teens,
especially girls.

The final flashback with Hannah and Clay is interesting because we start to understand how
Hannah didn't feel like adults understood teens, as demonstrated by her Communication teacher's
advice. Another telling moment, which shows up in other scenarios for Clay is how he sees the
world and lives in it. Hannah questions whether he has ever really had any real issues to deal
with, which might be impacting how he sees the situation. These are wonderful conversation
starters with teens, getting them to understand how their experiences and identity shape how they
see the world and it can be frustrating for those who have a different experience trying to explain
it. Another pivotal point is the idea that adults may not be supporting teens in a way that is
effective or helpful for them.

Episode 1 - Quotes:

"She's so pretty" "#neverforget - random students

".....you're not that innocent, I don't care what she says." - Justin

"Can we be done with this?......It's been a week, it's depressing." - student in class

"I'm fine, just stay in Aspen." - Bryce

"You're being watched."

"Follow my instructions." - Hannah narrating

"That damn smile." - Hannah

"I know what you're thinking. Hannah Baker is a slut." - Hannah narrating

"That's all that happened. Why did you hear something else?" - Hannah narrating

"We're sending that shit around." - Bryce

“30 minutes seems like an awfully long time for two trains going full speed." - Hannah narrating

"I'm not angry you betrayed me. I'm angry I trusted you in the first place." - Hannah narrating

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"Hey Helmet, can I eat with you?" - Hannah

"Pardon me, but you really hurt my feelings." - Hannah

"I thought she had some good ideas." - Clay

"Have you ever in your life faced an issue head on? Have you ever even had an issue?" -
Hannah

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 Episode 1 - Guided Questions

How do characters look in current day vs flashbacks? Why does this matter?

In the opening scene you see students saying how great Hannah is, yet she clearly felt like she
had no friends. Why do you think the students behaved that way? Have you seen other situations
like this with your peers?

Have you ever seen teens say something with sincerity, but you question whether they mean it?
What clues or signs do they give you? How do you respond?

What frustrates you about having discussion with parent figures and other adults? What would
make talking about things easier with them? What blind spots do adults have?

Why do you think teens lie to their parents and say they're okay when they're actually not? What
pressures or expectations might be going on for Clay that lead him to lie to his parents?

What moments happen in your life where your peers have blind spots to your experiences in life?
Why would Tony be aware of their differences, but Clay is not? Why might Hannah be frustrated
with Clay when he says the teacher's advice for dealing with conflict was helpful?

Do you think Hannah wanted to gain some control by telling people what to do do and making
them uncomfortable? What is the downside of blaming others? Do you think the characters are
more or less likely to consider their actions the way Hannah talks about it?

What makes telling a crush you like them so hard? What are the risks? What are the potential
rewards? What makes flirting so hard?

At one point Clay says "the gay rumors just subsided", what do you think that is about and how
does our culture contribute to those stereotypes?

In what ways was the flirting between Hannah and Justin accurate? Do you think Justin set out to
hurt her? Why might he have allowed the passing of the photos to happen?

Why do we like to label people so much? Justin is referred to as the sweet kind of dumb and
Bryce, Bryce as Darth Vader and Hannah as a slut. What do you think that is about? Does it
happen with your peers? Do you find yourself contributing even when you don't mean to?

Hannah was really excited about Justin, do you think that made it hurt on a deeper level? Are
there similarities in how she relates with Clay and her crush on him?

Do you ever find that you want to say something, but the words just won't come out? Or they
come out wrong?

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 Episode 2- Jessica

Episode two gives us a glimpse of how Hannah felt about Jessica and the importance of her
friendship, as well as the sadness of losing that friendship. This is another opportunity to reflect
upon how Jessica looked in flashbacks compared to current day. Much like Justin, Jessica looks
and acts like a different person. There are clear cues she gives throughout the series that she is
not doing okay. Pay attention to the happy and healthy young person in the flashbacks. At the
end of the series we learn Alex shot himself in the head. This first episode shows clear
differences compared to current day as well. Have teens pay attention to the clear signs Alex
exhibits demonstrating a decline.

Episode 2 - Quotes

“Maybe you did something cruel or maybe you just watched it happen or you didn’t even realize
you were being cruel. Maybe you didn’t do anything at all and maybe you should have.” -
Hannah narrating

“Too late” “I think you know exactly what you did and after these tapes you’ll never forget” -
Hannah narrating

“Secret keeping is learned behavior…..as is the silence.” Clay’s mom

“I can guarantee the reason you’re still listening is you really want to know….who are the
others? Who are the others responsible for my death?” - Hannah narrating

“What? Feeling paranoid? On edge? Yeah, it does that to a person.” - Hannah narrating

“Who are you?”

“I’m in your 5th period history.”
“Oh yeah, quiet kid.” - Conversation between Clay and one of the coaches

“No matter what, I’m here.” – Basketball coach

“Friendships are complicated.” - Sheri

“Don’t believe everything you hear, okay?” - Jessica

“One + one + one is not a simple equation.” - Hannah narrating

“But we have so many students” - Mr. Porter

“It was fine Jess. You’re the kind of girl boys like to like, not spread rumors about….The kind
that becomes a cheerleader.” - Hannah narrating

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“You see that’s just how it works in high school, boys talk, girls listen and everything gets
messed up.” - Hannah narrating

“Of course I’m okay. What are you my bitch now?” - Justin

“Losing a best friend is never easy, especially if you don’t understand why you lost them in the
first place.” - Hannah narrating

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 Episode 2 - Guided Questions

How can we reframe conversations so we aren’t telling people what they should do, but rather
what we would like from them? What is the risk we take when we tell someone what they should
have done? Why might we be more likely to get our needs met when we communicate from our
perspective vs. blaming?

Hannah starts out the narration telling Jessica she was cruel and that she knew exactly what she
did. Do you think Jessica is likely to hear that and understand? Is it possible Jessica had no clue
that she was actually hurting Hannah? How could she state this differently?

Hannah states that people are listening to the tapes to find out who else is responsible for her
death. Why is this not true and a problematic statement? What might be a more effective way of
talking about her pain?

Hannah seems to want the listener to feel paranoid and on edge. She even states, “yeah, it does
that to a person,” how might deep pain motivate someone to want others to come along for the
ride with you? Why might that not be a very helpful approach?

Coach Patrick has Clay in class and yet doesn’t even know who he is. We also see him falling
asleep while teaching his class. Yet later he seems genuinely concerned for Justin? Have you
noticed that people can be caring for some folks and not at all for others? Why do you think that
is? Have you noticed athletes getting preferential treatment in your schools?

Do you think Sheri is genuine as she approaches and tries to befriend Clay?

How might Jessica moving so much impact how she approaches and deals with friendships and
social issues? Jessica tells Hannah that her previous best friend shared her secrets on social
media. Later in the episode she blames Hannah for the list. How do are past experiences
influence are current relationships? Is that fair to the new person? Is it realistic though?

Hannah states one + one + one is not a simple equation. Later we learn Alex and Jessica started
dating and instead of talking to Hannah, Hannah says they ghosted her. Why do you think people
just avoid these situations, rather than just letting Hannah know? Is it possible that Hannah
actually started avoiding them, but felt like they abandoned her? What makes friendships so
scary and complicated? Why is human nature often to avoid when it often makes things so much
worse in the long run?

Hannah makes a comment to Clay about not being as pretty as Jessica as if that was the reason
for being abandoned. Why do you think girls assume their looks are the reason for their
circumstances? What messages do they receive? How does this hurt them?

Jessica references mean girls and not wanting to get a bad reputation that follows you. Why do
mean girls have so much power and how do they influence other people’s decisions? What could
be done to change that dynamic?

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Bryce is seen as the bad guy in the series and doesn’t seem to treat people well, nor does he have
a reputation as a nice guy. Yet when the pep rally happens, the student body cheers the loudest
for him, what is that about? How might this impact someone like Justin or the other guys from
challenging him? What are the benefits you gain when you are linked with someone that holds
the power that Bryce holds? If you challenge that what might you lose?

Hannah says “you see that’s just how it works in high school, boys talk, girls listen and
everything gets messed up.” Is this a realistic statement? Does anyone challenge those dynamics?
What makes challenging them difficult? What keeps these dynamics in place?

How is school privilege different than world privilege? For example, could a person have an
identity that experiences oppression from a systemic and cultural perspective yet have privilege
in a social perspective? How does this impact talking about some of these dynamics?

Why do you think people tell themselves what they need to believe? How do we challenge our
own thinking?

Hannah and Jessica were initially forced by the school to try and be friends, where do you see
adults trying to do this with teens?

Justin hides from the world and disappears. What might be going on in his life as well as his
identity that contributes to this? Why do you think he is so afraid of what Clay might do? What
is at stake for him?

Most of the characters continue to lie throughout the series, what are the risks a person takes
when trying to hold onto a story that isn’t true?

Clay and Hannah seem to argue and then go back to normal, do you think this is a normal part of
teen relationships? What makes them complicated?

In current day Jessica looks really different than in flashbacks, what are some of the signs she
exhibits that she is not doing so well? Alex is the same way, what examples do you see for him?

Why do you think people snap or avoid instead of talking about how they are feeling?

How does Justin benefit from linking to Bryce? Where else in the world do you see people
aligning themselves with those who have power, but aren’t necessarily good people?

Why do you think Justin worries so much about how people perceive him?

We see the characters drinking a lot and smoking pot, how common do you think it is? What
pressures are at play besides peer pressure that makes these choices desirable to teens?

Why do you think Jessica blamed Hannah for the best and worst ass list? What examples of these
types of incidents show up in your community?

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What could Jessica and Hannah possibly have done differently to clear up some of the
miscommunication and assumptions that happened between the two of them? What makes being
direct and honest so difficult?

Why do you think Hannah’s parents responded so differently when they found the best/worst ass
list? Is it ever a compliment to anyone? Why are these lists so problematic?

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 Episode 3 - Alex

Hannah starts out the episode referring to the chaos effect, referring to the fact that Alex’ list as
the starting point. There is a pivotal moment where Hannah confronts Alex in the men’s locker
room about creating the list and Justin tells him “be careful, Hannah is a crazy bitch.” This theme
plays out throughout the series as Hannah is referred to as drama, providing an interesting
conversation about the balance of how we navigate how others treat us and identifying effective
ways to deal with conflict and harm. Later in the episode, Clay goes to the liquor store that sells
to underage folks. Audiences see flashbacks of Bryce buying alcohol there as well as the store
clerk ignoring how Bryce. Hannah’s narration blames Alex for Bryce grabbing her butt in the
store as Bryce tells her that the list got it right. As the episode progresses we see Alex’ mental
health deteriorating and his guilt coming through as he says they all killed Hannah. As the
episode ends all the boys are at Bryce’s drinking as usual. These scenes provide great quotes to
discuss teens drinking, coping and toxic masculinity and the ways boys trap each other in.

Episode 3 - Quotes

“Chaos effect - tiny changes in a big system can affect everything.” - Hannah narrating

“Your girlfriend is texting me.” - Bryce

“Why don’t you put a poster up that says don’t be a dick?” - Alex

“Alex you didn’t walk that hall, feel those eyes on you. You’ve never heard the whispers.” -
Hannah narrating

“You guys get the best stores in your side of town, rich white folk.” - Tony

“You never really know what’s gonna hit how. You never know what is going on in someone
else’s life.” Tony

“Be careful, Hannah is a crazy bitch.” Justin

“There’s two ways you leave Jensen. Buzzed or beat down.” - Justin

“And if you’re a pussy.” - Justin

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 Episode 3 - Guided Questions

How might Justin’s home life impact some of his behaviors?

What do we learn from watching Justin and Bryce interact when Bryce says “your girlfriend is
texting me”?

Hannah refers to the chaos effect, where in your life have you observed a ripple impact of
changes from one thing? Is it fair to blame one person like Alex for all the other character’s
choices?

Why is it important to notice that Alex seems different in band practice in current day?

What are the impacts of bathroom walls and horrible remarks like the ones Mrs. Baker found?
How is a community impacted by this? Why do people do these sorts of things?

When Mr. Porter and the principal are talking they seem to think Hannah and Jessica were still
best friends. Where in your life do you see adults not knowing what is actually going on with
teens? Why do you think that is?

We see Justin at Bryce’s house looking at his family photos, appearing sad, yet we never see
Bryce with his family. What do you think Justin sees in Bryce’s family that he might not have?
What might Bryce be missing in his life that no one sees? Why do you think Justin went missing
and is crying when Jessica finds him?

How responsible are schools when suicide happens? Is it realistic to expect they should have
known what is going on in Hannah’s life? What is going on in Mr. Porter’s life that might make
it difficult to be there for all students?

Do you think the students really were all talking about Hannah and the list or is it possible some
of it was in her head? Is Alex responsible for their reactions? Who is?

What signs are we continuing to notice that Alex is struggling in current day that friends could
be paying attention to?

In Communications class they discussed social learning theory and how one person’s opinion or
bias can affect the whole group. Where is this happening in Hannah’s school? How aware or
unaware are the adults? What are adults doing to help teens navigate these issues effectively?

Clay doesn’t understand why Hannah is so upset about making the hot list? What is different
about them that might make them see things differently in terms of their identity? Hannah
responds with anger towards him, but is that a fair expectation that Clay should understand how
she is feeling? How do we have better conversations so that Angie can have an experience where
she likes being on the hot list and Hannah does not? What was Hannah not understanding about
how other people might respond to being on the hot list?

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Justin tells Alex “Be careful, Hannah is a crazy bitch.” Why do you think people do this when
they have actually wronged the person? How might blaming Hannah in this situation make him
feel better about what he did with the picture of her?

Hannah could have made some different choices in how she coped and dealt with the situation,
even though it was absolutely not her fault. What are some examples of choices she made that
didn’t get her needs met or her voice heard? (While it is important to not victim blame, it is also
important to support young people in self-efficacy and finding their power where they can)

Hannah blames Alex for Bryce’s behavior in the liquor store where he grabs her butt. What
might be problematic with blaming Alex? Where might there be some truth that it impacted
Bryce’s behavior? Are there places in the real world that you find these sorts of examples? For
example some people say current politics has emboldened people’s racism and made space for it
to be okay.

What is the problem with liquor stores not being concerned with how old teens actually are?
What role do they play in contributing to the problem of teens binge drinking?

Do you think it was appropriate for Mr. Porter to ask Courtney and Marcus if Clay was the one
that tore the posters down at school?

What signs are we seeing in Jessica and Justin that their mental health is deteriorating?

The boys tease Clay about drinking and we see the scene continue back at Bryce’s house. How
are these messages boys give to each other problematic and harmful?

Everyone is often at Bryce’s house. Again, we see people attaching themselves to Bryce even
though he does all these harmful things. Why do you think everyone surrounds him? How do
they benefit from his life?

The final scene shows Alex struggling and the boys looking annoyed that he isn’t having fun.
What gender expectations might be at play here? What might make it difficult for the boys to
seem concerned rather than annoyed?

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 Episode 4 - Tyler

This episode focuses on the character Tyler and his stalking and taking of photos. Of note in this
episode is that Marcus lies to Clay and denies being on the tapes. The principal blows off the
school having a bullying problem at one point and then realizes later they have writing in the
bathroom stalls. The episode is interesting because much of the focus is on humiliating Tyler, as
everyone goes outside his window to throw rocks that listens to the tapes. There are several
moments related to the boys drinking together and the culture of shaming each other if they don’t
drink, don’t drink the right alcohol or don’t drink enough. They are at Bryce’s house later in the
episode, stressed and getting high. We also start to learn more about Courtney in this episode.
Hannah wants to set up the stalker and ends up kissing Courtney and there is a photo that is
taken. Courtney rushes out and completely ignores Hannah. The episode ends with Clay taking a
picture of Tyler’s butt and sending it out to the school and Tony texts him “what the hell”?

Episode 4 - Quotes
“Have you ever wondered what it would be like to watch someone? To invade someone’s
privacy?” - Hannah narrating

“Facebook, Twitter, Instagram - they’ve made us a society of stalkers. And we love it. Of course
stalking someone in real life is a whole other thing.” - Hannah narrating

“I get that it’s a thrill, looking into someone’s life. My hearts pounding right now. Can you hear
it?” - Hannah narrating

“I didn’t really think anything of it at first. Must have been the sound of the tree branch in the
wind…….I was too scared to move, even to shut the blinds.” Hannah narrating

“Yeah because they were strawberry.” - Zach

“What on earth is a cum dumpster?” - Principal

“Are you kidding, with my schedule? Power naps are essential.” - Courtney

“You of all people should know what a picture can do to a person’s life.” - Courtney

“The police in my neighborhood are a little different.” - Tony

“Fuck you Clay. You are done, you are so done.” - Justin

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 Episode 4-Guided Questions

Why do you think Hannah didn’t trust herself initially when she thought she had a stalker? Have
you had moments like that where you were unsure? Have you ever felt paralyzed to do anything
the way she described? Do you think girls are taught to trust their gut?

Clay’s Dad makes a joke about the hangover, seemingly playing the cool dad. Do you think that
is a good or bad thing? Have you ever witnessed parent figures playing off each other like that?
What is the impact on the teen?

Much of the episode centers around the idea of Mrs. Baker blaming the school and the principal
seems perplexed about this. Is anyone to blame? Is the principal aware enough of what is going
on? How does this show up in your school? What is something you wish adults were more aware
of that was happening in your community?

Sayings like “cum dumpster” were written on the stalls. Have you seen harmful and violent
language like this in your school or other areas? Have you heard phrases like this used? Why do
you think women are referred to in such derogatory ways?

We learn more about Mr. Porter’s stressors in this episode. Do you believe staff are supported in
schools enough to be able to support students properly? Have you ever thought about how an
adult’s life might impact how they support young people?

Why do you think families have stopped shopping at the Baker’s store? Do you think the suicide
has anything to do with it?

Courtney says the only way she survives is by sleeping in class. Do you think this is a Courtney
issue or are teens expected to take on way too much? Where does this pressure come from? What
patterns do you notice about Courtney’s behavior that would explain why she blew Hannah off
after the incident with the photo and kiss?

There are various moments where Hannah and Clay are flirting and it looks like they’ll kiss, but
they just hug. This shows up later with Hannah and Courtney where they have alcohol first and
are “pretending” and ending up really kissing. What do you think makes flirting so complicated?
How might a person’s sexual orientation add to the already complicated dynamics?

Tony once again tells Clay his neighborhood is different, this time regarding the police. What do
you think he means? Why do you think Clay is unaware of this?

Where does Justin’s anger come from when he sees the group text? Do you think Tony’s reasons
for being upset are the same as Justin’s?

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 Episode 5 - Courtney

This episode deals with the fallout of Courtney and Hannah kissing and being photographed.
Courtney appears to make amends with Hannah and they go to the dance together with a few of
Courtney’s friends. Hannah is the driver for them. At the dance one of the boys suggests the
picture of the girls kissing is Courtney and Hannah so Courtney starts a rumor about Hannah to
divert attention from her. By the end of the episode Courtney admits to struggling with having
two gay dads and not wanting them to have to deal with a gay daughter and the comments people
will make. Clay and Hannah had a moment during the dance, but it didn’t last. Current day Clay
was picked up on the side of the rode and threatened by a few of the boys who want him to leave
the Hannah situation alone. Throughout this episode we continue to see signs that Clay, Alex,
Justin and Jessica are doing worse.

Episode 5 - Quotes
“Boys are assholes. Some are assholes all of the time. All are assholes some of the time. It’s just
how boys are. Well maybe not all boys.” - Hannah narrating

“Mostly boys are assholes, but girls, girls can be evil.” - Hannah narrating

“You’re nice to everyone. All the time.” - Courtney’s Dad

“Can’t the best ass in the grade find a date?” - Teen girl to Hannah

“You made your point now shut it down. If we fall, you go down with us.” - Justin

“If you ever want to swing the other way, give me a call.” “You’d be the last person I’d call
before calling the police.” – Bryce and student in class

“Lets start with what you can do to protect yourself. What are you doing that might be provoking
other kids?” - Mr. Porter
“The school I transferred from kids shot each other. Pants I don’t know.” - Mr. Porter
“You should be talking to the kids that make other kids want to kill themselves.” - Tyler

“Hannah your friends aren’t going to like you or dislike you based on a car.” - Mrs. Baker
“Yes, they will. I’m in high school.” - Hannah

“Seriously how does he get all of the hot chicks? His dick must be huge.” Bryce

“I know a fine piece when I see one.” - Bryce

“You don’t get to fuck with my life because you don’t like who you are.” - Hannah

“I don’t get it Courtney. It’s the 21st century. How is this hard for you?” - Clay

“What people think of you isn’t more important than Hannah’s life.” - Clay to Courtney

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www.whodowewant2be.com 25
 Episode 5 - Guided Questions

What do you think about Hannah’s opening remarks regarding all boys being assholes and girls
being evil?

Courtney’s dads are gay, yet they tell her she should date Marcus. Why do you think they
assume she is straight? They also talk about how nice she is all the time. What kind of pressure
might these comments put on her to be a certain way? How might this be influencing her
behaviors?

Throughout this episode we see Clay continue to be threatened by the guys. Do you think the
guys believe this will change anything? What might be their motivations?

In the scene where Tyler and Mr. Porter are talking it is clear that he comes from a very different
kind of environment than this school. How do you think his experiences and people’s
experiences in general shape how we see varying situations?

This episode tackles several scenes of hurt people hurting people. For example, Tyler feels
bullied at school and also harasses and stalks others. Justin is abused at home and is threatening
Clay. Courtney is scared to be outed and she in turn did hurtful things to Hannah. Why do you
think people do this? Does it ever solve the problem?

Clay tells Courtney it is the 21st century and she should be fine coming out. What is problematic
with this statement, especially coming from Clay? What challenges do folks face in coming out,
even though we have made great progress?

Clay also tells Courtney she can’t mess with other people because of her story, which is also
true. What makes dealing with our own issues so complicated? When he says it wasn’t more
important than Hannah’s life, what do you think about this statement? If Hannah was actually
responsible for her responses, how could we talk about how Hannah was treated without blaming
other people?

Hannah is often talking about through her narrations about what the characters “should” have
done or why she was a better friend than the character she is describing. While that might feel
good, why is framing issues that way not helpful? Do you think people are more or less likely to
get their needs met when discussing issues this way?

Hannah tells her mom that people will like her more based on a car and that her mom doesn’t
understand because she was pretty and popular in high school. What are the truths is in this
statement and why does it matter?

Jessica is really worried that people will think what happened on the tapes is true, which we as
viewers are not sure of what happened yet. What do you think her concerns might be? If
something happened to her, why would she be worried about how people would view her?

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 Episode 6 - Marcus
The episode begins with Alex losing his temper and going after one of the kids joking around
about hitting him in his jeep. We are continuing to see Alex decline and lose control of his
emotions and demonstrate more anger. We also continue to see Clay show signs that he is not
doing well. The episode focuses on the Valentines the school is selling and Clay and Hannah
trying to match up with each other. As the episode progresses we learn Marcus is matched with
Hannah and they end up setting up a date even though she is disappointed. Marcus walks in
really late with his friends to the date and tries to grab Hannah under the table when she calls
him out. He gets angry and walks out. The episode ends with Zach coming back to sit with
Hannah after everyone is gone and she is still alone. Jessica’s start to become more prevalent and
she starts a fight with Justin and is drinking alone in her bedroom at the end of the episode.
Viewers are slowly learning more about Tony and his life as well through subtle storylines. How
Tony deals with and views being gay compared to Ryan is a storyline worth exploring as well.

Episode 6 - Quotes
“Maybe it wasn’t my fault. Maybe none of us can say who we truly are.” - Hannah narrating

“He is serious about the Zine and his shoes.” - Tony

“Yeah the honor board, because you’re all so honorable. So anyone can get away with anything
and no one gives a fuck.” - Alex

“Maybe it was all your faults. Did that ever occur to any of you?” - Clay

“It seems like lives have already been ruined.” - Clay

“I just thought you were cooler than, a Sheri.” - Skye

“I waited for you Marcus and I just had to sit there and imagine all the scenarios in my mind.” -
Hannah narrating

“My mom is going through one of her things.” - Justin

“Make a girl wait. If she’s still there after you show you know she is DTF.” - Marcus’ friend

“You would never be a bully. You’re a good kid.” - Clay’s mom

“Maybe there aren’t any good kids.” - Clay

“We want to believe there are good guys in this world.” - Hannah narrating

“You stood up for yourself. Sounds like you stood up for those other kids too. You took the other
kid to task for it. You paid a price. You showed real strength of character. You always do. I’m
proud of you pal.” - Alex dad

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 Episode 6 - Guided Questions

Why don’t students intervene when they see a fight breaking out at school and one student
clearly getting more hurt than the other?

How does a school worrying about public perception and what parents think impact how they
make decisions in the school? Does this benefit or hurt students?

Sheri uses charm and sweetness to try to influence Clay, while the male characters use violence
and threats. Is one better or worse than the other?

Marcus doesn’t take no for an answer when he asks Hannah out. Is this romantic or actually
pushy and disrespectful? What cultural values might be underlying this conversation?

Hannah is trying to hint to Clay that she wants to go out with him that night, but when he doesn’t
respond she says she should just go out with Clay and Clay tells her to. As viewers we can see
they like each other, but what makes it hard in real life?

No one seems to be reaching out to Alex as he is clearly not doing well and is self-destructing.
What do you think gets in the way of helping someone when they are acting out?

Alex and Clay both call out the honor board. Do you think there is similarities in the real world?
The folks that represent doing the right thing are actually the ones getting away with things?

We continue to see Hannah’s parents not doing well as they process the pain their daughter must
have been going through. What makes knowing what is actually going on in a teen’s life so
challenging? Do you think most parents are aware if their teen is suffering?

Cheerleaders are seen as popular in schools, yet there is also a tone in the episode of judging
them such as in the opening narration and Skye’s comment regarding hanging out with Sheri.
How can both things be true at the same time? How can people have both a negative and popular
connotation? Why does an activity define someone?

Hannah tells Marcus on the tape she waited for him and how everyone around her knew she was
set up. Realistically this likely isn’t true, but why might it feel this way? Why do we make up
stories in our head and assume the worst? How does this hurt us? How does this make things
worse for Hannah? Have you ever felt that way?

Tony is keeping Clay a secret from his boyfriend for a reason, but how do you think his
boyfriend might be feeling? How do you balance one person’s feelings (Hannah’s secret) with
your partner’s feelings?

Tony navigates being gay very differently than characters like Ryan and Courtney. How often in
the media do we see a range of experiences like this? What is the problem when we don’t allow
room for multiple experiences?

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Jessica and Justin get in a fight because Justin doesn’t want to hook up and Jessica keeps
pushing. If the genders were reversed what would people say? Do you think a girl might be
impacted negatively if her boyfriend turns her down for sex? Why or why not? How might
people use sex as a way to connect and find intimacy when they don’t know how to talk?
Contrast to current day with Clay and Sheri, how does he communicate with her differently?

Do you think that what Marcus and his friends did on the date is realistic? How might that
actually play out? Why do you think Marcus looks back at his friends first and acts so cocky?
How might he be compensating for insecurities? Do you think he intended to treat Hannah that
way or did the pressure of the situation get to him?

Clay says maybe there aren’t any good kids when his mom tells him he would never be a bully
because he is a good kid. What do you think about this exchange? What makes a “good kid”?
How does framing people as good possibly cause more problems? Why are some people seen as
better than others?

We see Alex getting worse and we also learn more about his home life. How do you think the
ending scene with his dad correlates to how Alex is coping with life?

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 Episode 7 - Zach
This episode focuses on Hannah’s interactions with Zach. We learn that Zach was really sweet
to Hannah after Marcus mistreated her and seemed to be flirting with her, eventually asking her
out. Hannah assumed he was trying to hurt her and yelled at him in front of everyone when he
asked her out. Following this Zach started stealing notes out of Hannah’s bag in
Communications class. Hannah talks a lot about being really lonely and needing that in this
episode and suggests that maybe Zach was lonely as well and just can’t admit it. Clay continues
to deteriorate as does Jessica. Jessica and Justin continue to fight and it is obvious there is
something else going on. Jessica lied to Justin and went to Bryce’s house and was in the hot tub
with him. Clay keys Zach’s car after a basketball game and Zach’s mom takes him to Clay’s
house to accuse him, in turn Clay admits it. Clay and Zach talk and we learn that Zach feels
guilty about what he did, but didn’t know how to handle Hannah and that she was wrong about
him throwing the note away as he still has it. This opens the door to multiple perspectives about
what actually went down with Hannah.

Episode 7 - Quotes

“You’re going to tell me this one’s no big deal, but let me tell you about being lonely. Humans
are a social species. We rely on connections to survive. Even the most basic interactions help
keep us alive…….If it sounds like I’m quoting from a school text book, I am. Too bad nobody
bothered to read it. Let me tell you, there are multiple ways to feel lonely.” - Hannah narrating

“The popular kids are always mean. That’s how they get popular. I know, ironic.” - Hannah
narrating

“The kind of lonely I’m talking about is when you feel like you have nothing left. Nothing and
no one.” - Hannah narrating

“I always feel stupid…….It’s kind of soul crushing.” - Zach

“Seriously, it’s Zach Dempsey, does he really need compliments?” Sheri

“I’m going to play mind games with you, just like you played with me.” - Hannah narrating

“After the way you played on Saturday.” - waiter giving Zach a free milkshake

“Have you ever felt that lonely? Is it possible to know when you’re one of the most popular jocks
in school? Have you ever noticed us?” - Hannah narrating

“Enough to win the election.” - Marcus

“I like you for more than your ass.” - Zach

“You’re such an idiot.” - Hannah

“This shit that happens to you. Some of it you bring on yourself.” - Zach

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“He is just desperate to lose it before his dad has to buy him a hooker.” - Bryce

“You said something stupid and I yelled at you. You should have let it go.” Hannah narrating

“You can’t imagine why a little piece of paper could mean so much.” - Hannah narrating

“No one knows what’s really going on in someone else’s life and you never know how what you
do affects someone else’s life. And if that goes for me, it must go for everyone.” - Hannah
narrating

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 Episode 7 - Guided Questions

Hannah’s note was read in Communications class and other students made comments about that
person being messed up or so what, everyone has problems. How might teens responding that
way make it less likely for anyone to possibly reach out or seek help?

People say Hannah was too much or drama, have you ever felt like trying to support and deal
with a friend was too much? What makes someone’s issues too much? How could a person
practice better self-care and set boundaries and still be there for their friend?

Zach clearly comes from a lot of wealth and everyone knows it, how might this actually make
him feel lonely? Why might even the best looking and most athletic person still be really
struggling? What makes helping them a challenge?

Once again, we hear quotes with the guys posturing and saying things like “I didn’t cry”. Why
do boys have to cover up their feelings at all possible costs?

What is the responsibility, if at all, to take care of another person when they are feeling lonely?
What is our responsibility to manage our own emotions?

Do you believe some people are truly sweet or does everyone actually have a dark side to them?
Can we all be pushed? How does our need to self-protect factor in?

Hannah makes a lot of assumptions about Zach in her narration and how he is feeling and his
motivations. Have you ever done that and been wrong? How does it feel when someone does that
to you? How is this line of thinking problematic?

How might a need to be perfect and look perfect contribute to negative behavior that might come
off as hurtful to others?

How might Zach be impacted by knowing that other people are listening to the tapes?

How might having money and being seen a certain way make Zach even more lonely?

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 Episode 8 - Ryan
This episode focuses on Hannah’s poem and Ryan betraying her trust and posting the poem in
the zine he publishes. There are some good storylines related to Ryan’s need to succeed and how
people sometimes bowl over others trying to get their own need’s met. We continue to see Alex
giving more signs that his health is getting worse and the group of teens on the tape are getting
more anxious, nervous and making more threats.

Episode 8 - Quotes

“It all started because I was feeling lost. I needed direction. Any direction.” - Hannah narrating

“And sometimes you take whatever way out you can find.” - Hannah narrating

“One thing, one thing. If one thing had gone differently down the line maybe none of this would
have happened.” - Zach

“Dude, go see a fucking doctor.” - Justin to Alex

“Dream big they say. Reach for the stars. Then they lock us up for 12 years, tell us what to think
and when to pee.” - Hannah narrating

“You only have to manage a C- to play here…..Look at the tits on that cheerleader.” - student

“Allow yourself to dream a little. Hell dream big about all the things that you could be. Don’t
settle.” - Mrs. Baker

“Come on. Are you a man or not?” - Tony

“You make people feel the things they’re feeling.” Hannah

“I wonder what skank wrote this.” - Marcus

“You knew the shit I shared was personal. You knew where it came from and you knew it would
get people talking.” - Hannah narrating

“I liked Hannah. She was a friend, but she was drama.” - Tony

“Whomever wrote it is dark and I like the poem, but I’m not sure I’d want to hang out with her.”
- Clay

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 Episode 8 - Guided Questions

What kinds of symptoms is Alex starting to show physically that he isn’t doing well? In what
ways were people trying to support him?

What makes taking responsibility for your actions so difficult?

Hannah seemed desperate to find a space that was safe and where she could open up. How
common do you think this is for teens? Why?

How much having certain privileges open doors for people and reduce some of their stress?

How would it be to be told my an educator that your goals were unrealistic? What might be a
better way to have that conversation?

How is it that Marcus makes the sort of hurtful comments he makes and yet still has a good guy
reputation?

What motivations might be at play for Ryan making the choice to put Hannah’s poem in his
zine?

Again Hannah is referred to as drama, what do we mean by that?

What is it about the vulnerability of Hannah’s poem that makes people judge her and make
comments about it?

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 Episode 9 - Justin’s 2nd tape
This episode is a difficult one to watch as it deals with the sexual assault of Jessica and Hannah
hiding in the closet as it happened. There are some pivotal moments to dissect as we see Bryce
treat Jessica as less than human and Justin shows his lack of ability to stick up for what is right.
Another storyline to focus on is the idea of starting over and expectations of what a fresh start is
going to look like compared to reality and how we deal with that. Jessica’s drinking problems are
also becoming more obvious.

Episode 9 - Quotes
“What’s the best part of high school?........No, we both know the best part is summer break.” -
Hannah narrating

“Because you can’t change other people, but you can change yourself.” - Hannah narrating

“Is this vodka? Since when do you drink at school?” - Justin

“Since when do you turn down vodka?” - Bryce

“Don’t be a bitch Justin.” - Bryce

“I’m trying to protect you, but I can’t do that if you keep running your mouth. What’s your play
here?” - Marcus

“What’s mine is yours…...She is just a summer hookup.” - Bryce

“And we both know the rules are different for us in more ways than one.” - Marcus

“That night was a first time in a long time I didn’t feel invisible.” - Hannah narrating

“Parents always think we don’t pick up on that stuff. Like not only do they not see me, they
don’t see me seeing them.” - Hannah

“I was nervous because I felt so good. I didn’t want to screw it up. I was trying to act normal, but
I didn’t know how anymore.” - Hannah

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 Episode 9 - Guided Questions

Hannah talks about summertime being a reset button, do you find this to be true?

If one of your friends started to drink at school like Jessica was doing do you think people would
step in? What might make it difficult?

Marcus speaks to Clay as if he is trying to protect him, who and what is he actually trying to
protect?

Marcus tells Bryce the rules are different for him, what is he referring to?

What might have been going through Hannah’s head that made her freeze up when Bryce
assaulted Jessica?

If Jessica can’t remember what happened to her why is it that she is still impacted by it?

Bryce refers to Jessica as a summer hook up, have you seen other times where people are
deemed worthy of mistreatment and violence?

What would it look like for teens to use alcohol more responsibly?

Hannah says people don’t really change, what do you think about this statement?

Realistically would teens go after Clay the way the characters do? What would that look like in
the real world?

Is it possible to have empathy for Justin regarding not intervening when Bryce assaulted Jessica?
What stops people from doing the right thing?

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 Episode 10 - Sheri
Episode 10 addresses Jeff being killed in a car accident, a storyline that was alluded to, but not
obvious through previous episodes. Hannah leaves the party with Sheri and the storyline centers
around them hitting a stop sign and leaving the scene. This is pivotal as Hannah was present for
two crimes where her peers were hurt in one evening.

Episode 10 - Quotes
“Sometimes things just happen to you. You can’t help it, but it’s what you do next that counts.
Not what happens, but what you decide to do about it.” - Hannah narrating

“When you do something wrong, you can’t just ignore it.” - Hannah

“Other people, they know my secret, but you’re different.” - Sheri

“I made the biggest mistake of my life and I’m trying to keep it from ruining my life.” - Sheri

“What are you crying about? You barely even knew him.” - Clay

“Keep your mouth shut. You speak of this to anyone and we both pay the price. It’s probably
best if we both stay away from each other.” - Sheri

“Why are you acting so crazy?” - Justin

“Why aren’t you?” - Jessica

“First time I came I tried to tell them, I just couldn’t get it out.” - Sheri

“There is so much wrong in the world. There’s so much hurt. I couldn’t take knowing I made it
worse and I couldn’t take knowing it wouldn’t get any better.” - Hannah narrating

“She took her own life. We didn’t let her know that she had another choice.” - Tony

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 Episode 10 - Guided Questions

What do you think about the fact that Hannah ignored a rape, yet got upset with Sheri in the
same night for ignoring a crime?

Why do you think Sheri cares so much about what Clay thinks about her?

Alex is often the one interjecting and taking responsibility in the group for his role in Hannah’s
life. What is different about his life and experiences?

Does a reputation/past behavior determine how we respond to someone? Might this make it more
difficult to meet someone where they are and possibly prevent us from being real and authentic
in the moment?

Have you seen peers behave the way Justin and Jessica are where the underlying issues aren’t
coming out so the emotions come out in other ways? What gets in the way of having more honest
moments?

Is Jessica hanging out with Bryce, flirting with him and getting high a way to pretend and bury
what happened? Another explanation?

The district wants to commit to an anti-bullying program. Do you believe this is really at the
center of the issue and why people are struggling so much?

Have you ever felt stuck where you wanted to tell someone what you did, but you just couldn’t
get it out? What makes doing the right thing such a challenge?

How realistic is it that Jessica’s parents don’t know she has access to the guns in the safe? Do
you find parents are often in the dark about their kids?

Shame doesn’t typically motivate others to change their behavior, in fact it typically has the
opposite effect of getting the behavior to change. Why do you think we tend to shame others to
try and get them to change their behavior if it doesn’t work?

Tony says they didn’t let Hannah know she had another choice. What do you think about this
statement? Do we support each other in our communities? Is it one person’s responsibility to
make sure others know not to make certain choices?

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 Episode 11 - Clay
Episode 11 addresses Clay’s fears regarding his role in Hannah’s life. We learn more about the
night of the party and their hook-up gone sour. Audiences also learn that Hannah saw Clay as the
one bright light in her life who was truly good.

Episode 11 - Quotes

“You are who you are and you don’t care and I’ve always cared what other people thought. As
much as I acted like I didn’t” - Hannah

“It’s a party so I’m pretending to have fun.” - Alex

“I talked to you a million times before, but tonight was different and I didn’t know what to say to
you. “ - Hannah narrating

“She’s telling her truth.” - Tony

“I’m not going to let them pin this on my staff.” - Principal

“I got a family of brawlers, that’s what I got here. Gotta keep you two on the right side.” - Alex’
Dad

“You don’t know what’s going on in hers.” - Tony

“I wanted you to do everything you were doing so I don’t know why my mind took me
somewhere else and I thought of every other guy and they all became you.” - Hannah narrating

“You’re good and kind and decent and I didn’t deserve to be with someone like you. I never
would. I would have ruined you. It wasn’t you. It was me.” - Hannah narrating

“What are you, God? You think you could have changed or said something that would have
made it different?” - Tony

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 Episode 11 - Guided Questions

What do you think motivated Hannah to let Clay think he did something wrong since he had to
wait until Tape 11 to hear his story?

Hannah lets Clay know what she was actually thinking. Have you ever wanted to tell someone
the truth, but just couldn’t in the moment?

Clay’s tape addresses Hannah’s idea that Clay was who he was, yet he says that isn’t the case.
Do you think anyone truly feels like they can be themselves?

Tony tells Clay that Hannah is speaking “her truth”, why is that an important distinction and
what does he mean by that? How is our perspective intertwined with our truth? What makes
having our own truth and perspective difficult as we navigate relationships and difficult
conversations?

On the night of the party Hannah tells Clay he made it all seem so easy, yet he was so scared?
Have you ever put up a front and others thought something that wasn’t true?

Both Zach and Jessica start to really ignore and blow Justin off. How do you think this might be
impacting him and what do you guess are their motivations? Do you think teens hold back from
reaching out to their friends because they are afraid they won’t be there?

How do people know when to make a romantic or sexual gesture toward someone they like?
What are the challenges and fears that go along with that?

Zach’s mom tells him how wonderful and talented he is, do you think this helps or hurts him in
some ways?

When Justin stays at Alex’ house he begins to scarf his food down. What does this tell us about
his lived experience?

Alex dad talks about having a family of brawlers and speaks with pride. How might this impact
Alex?

Hannah rejected Clay in the moment based on her own fears and experiences. How does that
form of communication create a self-fulfilling loop for her?

Do you believe it is normal that Clay is blaming himself for Hannah’s death? Tony tells him he
isn’t God and couldn’t have changed anything, do you believe this is true?

To have healthy relationships we have to clearly communicate, yet most people struggle. What
makes it such a challenge?

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Ever replay something in your mind over and over the way Clay does with Hannah? Is this
helpful in that it helps you change your behavior next time or is there another outcome? Does it
depend?

How might Justin feel when he sees Zach and Jessica and Bryce’s after they have been ignoring
him all night? What prevents him from saying anything to them about it?

Do you believe Bryce knows what he did was wrong? Why or why not?

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 Episode 12 - Bryce
This episode presents really intense issues as the opening scene is Hannah being sexually
assaulted by Bryce in his hot tub. Watching these scenes can be incredibly triggering and hard
for audiences, particularly teens. What springs up in this episode is how unaware Bryce seems to
be of the violence and harm he committed. We see this as he leaves messages to Justin and how
he responds when Clay confronts him. Having a conversation with teens about whether Bryce
knew or not allows for larger conversations about systemic sexism and rape culture. The door is
then open to discuss strategies for systemic change.

Episode 12 - Quotes

“You didn’t do anything. You’re not that kind of kid. I see how kind you are to your sister.” -
Zach’s mom

“So talk to me, please. I love you man.” - Bryce

“I just want you to understand.” - Justin

“And I want you to understand what it’s like to be raped.” - Jessica

“Could a person be that sick?” - Hannah narrating

“If you believe Hannah.” - Courtney

“We’re not. We’re protecting ourselves.” - Marcus

“It seemed like no matter what I did I kept letting people down. I started thinking how
everyone’s lives would be better without me. And what does that feel like? It feels like nothing,
like a deep endless always blank nothing. And for those of you that will be looking for signs
everywhere. What does it look like? Here’s the scary thing. It looks like nothing.” - Hannah
narrating

“She wanted me to fuck her, she practically begged me. If that’s rape then every girl at this
school wants to be raped.” - Bryce

“I know some of you listening might think there is more I could have done or should have done,
but I lost control and in that moment it felt like I was already dead.” - Hannah narrating

“Respect. Jesus Jensen. Respect.” - Bryce

“She didn’t say no.” - Bryce

“And sometimes that unpredictability is overwhelming.” - Hannah narrating

“You’re a good kid Alex.” - Alex’ dad

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 Episode 12 - Guided Questions
Why do you think Courtney continues to avoid having an honest conversation with her parents?

How does the way adults tell teens they are “good kids” trap them in from being honest?

Marcus’ anxiety continues to show through. Do you think it is possible there are other things he
is worried about having uncovered?

Can a person be both good and bad? How do we define it? We see Bryce breaking up
Montgomery choking Tyler, yet he is the antagonist of the show. Is anyone all good or all bad?
How do we discern and what do we do about that?

Is Justin using his bad experiences as an excuse for allowing Jessica to be raped and not telling
her about it? Or is it more complicated than that?

Is it that Bryce is that sick or is it that his privilege and the way people treat him blinds him?
Other explanations?

Hannah’s parents say that taking a year off would jeopardize her future. What do you think about
this statement?

Hannah pretends she and Clay didn’t have a fall out after kissing and then starts to flirt with
Clay. What could be behind this behavior? Why might it be problematic and get her the opposite
of what she is wanting?

We see Tyler in an alley purchasing a gun. What about our culture makes males turn to violence?
What makes people feel like violence is the only option.

Alex says he is good to tell the truth. Is there a difference for him since he feels like he has
nothing to lose?

Courtney is particularly harsh with Tyler in this episode, almost cruel, what do you think
motivates her to dig in this way?

What do you think it is about characters like Bryce that makes others want to be like him when it
is obvious he can be so cruel?

Hannah says it looks like nothing when someone is hurting. How can we look for signs of
nothing in our friends?

As an audience it is clear what Bryce did was illegal, but from a cultural perspective how are we
talking about consent? What are teens learning about consent in schools and from their parent
figures?

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Bryce expresses respect for Clay taking a beating, what is that about?

When Hannah says unpredictability can be overwhelming and that makes us feel small and
powerless we see Courtney sitting down with her parents. What might we learn about Courtney
from this statement?

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 Episode 13 - Mr. Porter
Episode 13 deals with the final moments of Hannah’s life in a really intense final scene showing
her suicide. This likely is not an appropriate moment to show to students as the episode shows
her slitting her own wrists and ending her life. Due to suicide contagion this particular scene
would be possibly dangerous for vulnerable students. Mr. Porter is visited by Clay during this
episode and we see flashbacks to Hannah’s visit with him after the rape. Clay calls out Mr.
Porter and ends up leaving him with the tapes.

Episode 13 - Quotes

“Yeah, I heard and I said some things myself.” - Zach

“I think I might have hurt Hannah’s feelings, but I didn’t mean to.” - Marcus

“You’re the only one who tried to tell me the truth.” - Jessica

“Do you know what happens when girls try to get help?” - Jessica

“Jocks rule the world and teachers feed into it. You try going to school with a bunch of
neanderthals who are told they are the only thing of value at that school. The rest of us are
merely there to cheer them on and provide them with whatever support they need.” - Kat

“We can’t know that for sure.” - Mr. Porter

“But what if we could?” - Clay

“You can know all the signs and understand the issues and still come up missing something.” -
Mr. Porter

“ I cost a girl her life because I was afraid to love her.” - Clay

“You can’t love someone back to life. We don’t know what was on her mind and in her heart.” -
Mr. Porter

“Because guys talk at our school, they do things to girls that no one ever talks about or does
anything about.” - Jessica

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 Episode 13 - Guided Questions

What do you think made Zach be honest in the interview? Do you think Marcus was being
honest when he said he didn’t mean to hurt Hannah?

Hannah refers to Mr. Porter as failing her. What kind of pressure does this put on adults to
support teens?

Do you believe that self-preservation overrides hurting other people sometimes?

How does parents overprotection hurt teens at times? Courtney’s dad still continues to blow off
Courtney’s involvement in the deposition. How might this hurt her?

Clay seems to care deeply about what happened to Jessica, but realistically what might make it
hard for others to do the same?

How do we strike a balance of victims coming forward when coming forward sometimes harms
them more?

Have you seen athletes treated this way in your community?

Is there a different way Jessica could have responded to Justin when he was expressing suicidal
thoughts and still keep a boundary with him?

Hannah tells Mr. Porter she has no friends and he brings up the teens he has seen her with. How
is this an example of the way adults miss what is actually going on sometimes?

Clay is insinuating that having the tapes means we know what was going on for Hannah, but
even then can we really know?

While talking with Mr. Porter Hannah brings up the list and how this led to other issues. Is the
list the problem or how Hannah responded to it? In what ways does Hannah continue to give up
her power and become a victim to everyone around her?

What things could Mr. Porter have said to Hannah that might have been more helpful?

Mr. Porter tells Hannah her only other choice is to move on then. What other choices might she
actually have?

Clay tells Mr. Porter that Hannah wished Mr. Porter had come after her. Yet wishing someone to
do something doesn’t get your needs met. How did Hannah keeping quiet and then getting
frustrated not serve her?

At the end of the tape Hannah says no one cared enough to help her. Is this true? How do we
know?

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What is problematic about Clay saying he cost a girl her life because he was afraid to love her?

Clay says how we treat each other has to get better, while this is absolutely true do you believe
we can ever get rid of human pain? Do you think humans would stop suffering just because
people treated them better? Is this a realistic goal? If not, what is?

What makes intervening so difficult? Jessica speaks to the harms done to girls in the school and
no one does anything? What gets in the way?

At the very end we see Tyler taking down a photo of Alex with a flashback to Alex sticking up
for him. Is the show insinuating Tyler is going to harm the student body and because Alex stuck
up for him he won’t be harmed? What do you think about this insinuation?

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