Thirteen Reasons Why

Content Warning: The following summaries and analyses contain discussions of suicide and sexual assault.

Courtney Crimson is one of the prettiest, most popular girls in school. Hannah thinks that Courtney’s “sweet” nature is a façade that she adopts to make herself liked. Hannah includes Courtney on her list to show how small actions affect others, especially Hannah.

Hannah feels that she and Courtney bonded over the Peeping Tom incident and is hurt when Courtney does not become more than a casual friend. Hannah feels deceived and thinks that Courtney treats others the same way until she needs them for something. Courtney invites Hannah to a big party, saying she wants to hang out with her. Hannah is skeptical but agrees. When Courtney wants Hannah to drive, Hannah knows she is just a ride, and that Courtney will ditch her at the party, which she does.

The party is a “rager.” Hannah witnesses a crowd cheer on a fistfight and feels mentally overwhelmed. A cute boy talks to Hannah, having heard that she is “fun to hang out with” (114). Hannah is flattered until she realizes he overheard Courtney talking about the sex toys she found in Hannah’s room.