Will Grayson, Will Grayson Summary
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Here you will find a Will Grayson, Will Grayson summary (John Green's book).
We begin with a summary of the entire book, and then you can read each individual chapter's summary by visiting the links on the "Chapters" section.
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Last Updated: Monday 1 Jan, 2024
Chapters
Chapters Will Grayson, Will Grayson Summary Overview
The narrative alternates between two high school students, both named Will Grayson, from different suburbs of Chicago – Evanston and Naperville. The Evanston Will Grayson's life mostly revolves around his long-time best friend, Tiny Cooper, a larger-than-life, openly gay personality. Despite Tiny's numerous romantic endeavors, Will prefers to keep his personal life low-key, living by two straightforward rules – “don't care too much” and “shut up.” A twist of fate leads him to Jane, a friend of Tiny's, and a shared love for music sparks a connection between them. On the other hand, the Naperville Will Grayson struggles with depression and harbors negative, destructive tendencies. His friendship with Maura is complicated by her romantic feelings for him – feelings he cannot reciprocate as a closeted gay. His solace comes from an online relationship with an empathetic, understanding Ohioan named Isaac. The story takes a turn when Evanston Will learns of Tiny's self-centered musical, "Tiny Dancer," and their group of friends plan to attend a concert together. A mishap with a fake ID leaves Evanston Will stranded outside the venue, leading him to seek refuge in an adult bookstore. Coincidentally, Naperville Will Grayson also arrives at the same bookstore to meet Isaac, who, as it turns out, is a fictitious character created by Maura. The betrayal sends Naperville Will into an emotional tailspin, leading to an unexpected encounter between the two Will Graysons. A series of misunderstandings and miscommunications continue to unravel, leading to a romantic spark between Naperville Will and Tiny, and a deepening bond between Evanston Will and Jane. Amidst the chaos, Tiny's musical gets the green light, but he decides to shift its focus from his life to broader themes of love. The interpersonal dynamics continue to evolve, with Naperville Will and Tiny's relationship growing despite their differing socioeconomic backgrounds. However, a conflict over privilege leads to their breakup. Meanwhile, Evanston Will and Jane take their relationship to the next level. The climax of the story comes at the end of Tiny's musical, where a heartwarming display of appreciation towards Tiny unfolds, reuniting Naperville Will and Tiny, and showing the depth of the bond between all the characters.
chapter 1
Will Grayson, a high schooler from Chicago, is best buddies with Tiny Cooper, “world’s largest person who is really, really gay and also the world’s gayest person who is really, really large.” They had a fallout when Will started hanging out with a new crowd, but they're back to being friends. Will, in a public letter, supports Tiny's desire to be on the football team, regardless of his sexuality. After being insulted by a new friend, Will ditches his new mates and gravitates back to Tiny and his Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) friends. Will criticizes Tiny for his excessive emotional displays, as he himself adheres to the rules of "Don’t care too much” and “Shut up.” Tiny and Will meet at a local bar with two GSA friends, Gary and Jane, for a supposed secret gig by Neutral Milk Hotel (NMH). Being underage, they distract security so Will can sneak in. However, it's not NMH playing but a less popular band, Ashland Avenue. Tiny's latest romance fizzles out via a Facebook breakup, leaving him distraught and drunk. Will speculates about Jane's sexuality. Finally, Will and Jane escort a sobbing Tiny back to his plush residence on his wealthy parents' estate. Jane’s beauty strikes Will, but he dismisses her as not his type. When Tiny collapses, Will, concerned about his friend choking on his own snot, cleans him up, while Jane observes silently.
chapter 2
The story is told from the perspective of a second Will Grayson, residing in Naperville, just outside of Chicago. This protagonist's story unfolds entirely in lowercase, expressing his ongoing struggle with depression, even while medicated. His gloomy and cynic outlook on life is evident through his statements, like “every morning i pray that the school bus will crash and we’ll all die in a fiery wreck.” Will's social circle in school is limited to three friends; Maura, Derek, and Simon. Maura harbors romantic feelings for Will, which aren't reciprocated. Derek and Simon are computer enthusiasts. Will's perception of his teachers ranges from pitifully desperate for control over students to trying too hard to be friendly. His defiant behavior in French class reflects his apathy. He takes on a part-time job at CVS to financially support his single mother. Despite her well-intentioned queries about his day, he finds them irksome and wishes to be left alone. After school, Will engrosses himself in Law & Order episodes and chats with Isaac, an online friend from Ohio. Bereft of a car, both rely on their online sessions for communication. Will eagerly anticipates these sessions, keeping them a secret from everyone else. Isaac's email confession, “you completely unscatter me,” followed by a heartfelt, “GOD I AM SO IN LOVE,” marks a significant turn in their relationship.
chapter 3
Tiny persuades Will to go to a GSA meeting, advising that the school's finance depends on attendance. Jane, through Facebook, flirts with Will, who says this breach his self-imposed rules. He even considers adding "never snog a girl you fancy" to his rules. At the GSA meeting, he meets Jane and Tiny, and observes that Gary and Nick, two other attendees, have split up. The faculty overseer, Mr. Forston, leads a discussion on the group's priorities – focusing on awareness and education, or funding Tiny's musical, Tiny Dancer. During this, Gary dismisses Jane's thoughts because she is straight. Tiny, on the other hand, tries to play matchmaker for Jane and Will, causing Will to feel uncomfortable. Post-meeting, Tiny asks Will to another gig, but as Will lacks a fake ID, Tiny gets Jane to accompany Will to a photocopy shop in the city. Jane attempts to kiss Will during the journey, but he stops her, stating he likes her but not in a romantic way. Jane handles the rejection coolly. In the copy shop, Paulie, a staff with multiple tattoos, charges 100 dollars for fake ID. Jane foots the bill and Will gets a card with the name Ishmael J. Biafra, aged 22. Will's attraction to Jane causes him internal conflict as it goes against his rules. Once they have the perfect fake ID, Jane and Will are elated, skipping down the pavement together.
chapter 4
Maura pays Will a visit at his workplace, CVS, and inquires about his sexuality. Will reacts harshly, not viewing her as a confidant. He realizes that divulging his sexuality would end Maura's romantic pursuit of him, but he's also worried she'll turn him into her "gay pet." After upsetting Maura, he's left annoyed knowing he'll have to make it up to her. Upon returning home, Will's mother is engrossed in the Pride and Prejudice miniseries. With Isaac unavailable online, he joins his mom. Maura shows up at his house because he has been avoiding her calls. He escorts her to his garage for a private conversation. Maura asks again about his sexuality and about Isaac, whose name she's noticed in his notebook. She suggests that if he's hiding his sexuality from her, their friendship is superficial. To avoid upset, Will explains that Isaac is just a fictitious character. Maura takes this to mean he isn't gay. Worried she will subject him to her dark poetry, and potentially accuse him of leading her on, he concludes he should find her a boyfriend. After Maura's departure, Will confides in his mom. He sees she's down and tries to cheer her up. He then chats with Isaac online. Isaac describes a tender moment between them which leaves Will feeling a mix of happiness and sadness as it's just words, not reality. Isaac proposes they meet the following Friday, which is just six days away. The idea excites Will but he chooses to keep it a secret from his mom and friends.
chapter 5
Will is asked by his dad, who works in a hospital along with his mom, to consider an advanced medical program at Northwestern University. Even though he's not a senior, he agrees, believing his parents have his best interests at heart. At school, Clint, who wishes to embarrass Will, seeks to approve Tiny's musical. Will lends Jane his jacket, which he later finds back in his locker. He confronts Tiny about the musical, hoping to convince him to abort the plan. Tiny informs him that Clint has managed to secure $1000 for the show. Tiny insists that the character “Gil Wrayson” in the musical is a work of fiction and not based on Will. They end up arguing about Jane and Tiny suggests that Will join the musical's cast, a suggestion Will rejects. Ahead of Friday's show, Will downloads all songs by the band, Maybe Dead Cats. He calls Jane and they chat about the band. Jane questions if he discovered the note she left in his jacket. The note says she watched him open his locker and adds “I guess chivalry isn’t dead.” Will is even more confused about his feelings for Jane after this. He tells her the note is “cute,” but she dismisses it and admits she misses her boyfriend and saw Will as a potential replacement. Will shares everything with Tiny, who accuses him of acting “like a girl.” At school, Will sneaks a peek at Jane's locker combination. He then contacts the Maybe Dead Cats and asks them to dedicate their song, “Annus Mirabilis” to “25-2-11” (Jane's combination). Upon reaching the show with Tiny and Jane, Will can't get in due to his ID showing he's only 20 because of Paulie's error. His friends go on without him, and he ends up in the adult bookstore across the street, hoping to create a good story with his fake ID. He is puzzled by most of the items in the store but ends up buying a magazine, Mano a Mano.
chapter 6
Will anticipates his upcoming meeting with Isaac in Chicago. However, he is reminded by Derek about a mathletes event happening the same day. When Will shares his prior commitments with Simon and Derek, he's asked to find a substitute. Upon revealing his date plans to Simon, Will convinces Maura to fill his spot on the team. He manages to persuade her by offering a favor and fifty dollars. During his train journey to Chicago, Will reflects on his past romantic encounters, including an uncomfortable one with a girl named Carissa. This incident had stirred up jealousy in Maura, despite Will not finding it entirely pleasant. He is focused on building a substantial relationship with Isaac rather than something merely physical. Having perused Isaac's online profile numerous times, Will is confident he isn't being lured into a dangerous situation. Isaac had suggested they meet at a place called Frenchy's, recommended by his friend, which turns out to be an adult store. This leaves Will bewildered and uneasy. Considering it might be a prank and Isaac could be inside, he decides to enter the store.
chapter 7
Will from Evanston is at the adult store counter when he spots Will from Naperville enter. He awkwardly tells Naperville Will that the magazine isn't for him. The cashier loudly states his full name, "William Grayson", revealing the mismatch with his fake ID. Naperville Will overhears and steps in, wondering if he was being addressed. The cashier lets Evanston Will make his purchase and he promptly leaves, aiming to avoid an uncomfortable conversation. However, once outside, Naperville Will catches up and they exchange names, surprised to find they share the same one, barring their middle names. They share details of their tumultuous and unfulfilling days. Naperville Will keeps glancing at Frenchy’s, hoping Isaac will show up. Evanston Will suggests it's an odd meeting place and hints that Isaac might not be who he expects. Both of them find their meeting a strange coincidence, yet aren't really comfortable in each other's company. Suddenly, both their phones ring. Naperville Will's call is from Maura, which he ignores, while Evanston Will's is from Tiny. Tiny informs Evanston Will that there are two more songs from the Maybe Dead Cats before he joins him. On seeing Naperville Will, Evanston Will tells Tiny, “man, Tiny, have I got a guy for you.”
chapter 8
When they meet at Frenchy’s, Naperville Will observes Evanston Will answering a call from Tiny. At the same time, he himself gets a call from Maura who admits to having created the fake profile 'Isaac'. Shocked by the revelation that all of Isaac's messages were actually from Maura, Naperville Will severes all ties with her, calling her a “horrendous bitch”. Overwhelmed, he screams out loud. Evanston Will tries soothing Naperville Will, who can't come to terms with the fact that his love was based on deception. Soon, Tiny shows up and helps Naperville Will up, wondering aloud if someone's dead. Naperville Will responds, “Yeah, I did,” to which Tiny says, “welcome to the afterlife.”
chapter 9
Tiny converses with Naperville Will, leaving Evanston Will in awe of his knack for comforting heartbroken individuals. Evanston Will takes a moment to chat with Jane, who's busy on her phone. They decide to go for a stroll, during which Evanston Will describes Naperville Will's ordeal. Jane inquires if Evanston Will believes in sudden realizations, or epiphanies, to which he responds negatively. Making a pact to be completely honest for the next ten minutes, Evanston Will confesses his feelings towards Jane, despite her music snobbery. Jane then shares her encounter with her ex, Randall, at the MDC concert. Randall claimed to have an epiphany – he was meant to be with Jane. He recited an e.e cummings poem about kisses being superior to wisdom. Jane concluded her story by revealing Randall had a song played for her using her locker combo as a dedication. Evanston Will decides not to disclose he was behind the song dedication. He makes it clear he disapproves of Randall and identifies himself as Jane's "Plan B", implying she should go back to Randall. This leads them to share a kiss, which Evanston Will finds enjoyable. The ten-minute honesty pact comes to an end, prompting Jane to declare her need to explore her belief in epiphanies. She departs in a taxi, leaving Evanston Will to attempt reaching Tiny. Unable to find Tiny, he heads home in contemplation. Upon reaching home, he decides to learn more about e.e cummings. The next school day, he leaves a note in Jane's locker stating, "e. e. cummings cheated on both of his wives. With prostitutes."
chapter 10
Naperville Will is emotionally distressed, but Evanston Will consoles him by pointing out the positive side of truth and love coexisting. Naperville Will feels heard and agrees with Evanston Will's perspective. To lift Naperville Will's spirits, Tiny performs a song from Tiny Dancer and they stroll towards Millennium Park. Naperville Will appreciates Tiny's cheerful nature and authenticity during their chat, where it becomes clear that Naperville Will battles self-loathing. Tiny expresses his affection for Naperville Will, assuring him that he sees his true self. Tiny normally doesn't kiss on the first date, but makes an exception for Naperville Will. This unexpected affection leads Naperville Will to find Tiny more appealing, and they share a kiss. He envies Evanston Will for having a friend like Tiny. As they get more acquainted, Naperville Will cautions Tiny, “you have no idea how wrong you are about me.” In response, Tiny asserts, “You have no idea how wrong you are about yourself.” Feeling the need for honesty in their budding relationship, Naperville Will frets about how they can make it work.
chapter 11
At school, Tiny and Will from Evanston have a conversation. Tiny has been messaging with Will from Naperville over the weekend. Evanston Will is bothered that Tiny didn't inform him about Jane's previous boyfriend. Despite Evanston Will expressing his disinterest in Jane, Tiny brings it up. This leads to Will deciding not to engage Tiny in conversation for the rest of the day. During lunch, Clint and Ethan, part of Will's old friend circle, poke fun at Tiny's play but also mention a forthcoming party at Clint's house. Post-school, Jane and Tiny encounter Evanston Will who playfully engages Jane in conversation. Jane responds, "I am kind of taken," hinting at her research into sudden realizations. Will invites Jane to the auditions of "Tiny Dancer" for some fun. They observe Tiny going through auditions of over fifty students, each asked to perform a song for one minute. Most performances are disappointing, but Ethan's performance surprises Will. Following the auditions, Tiny persuades Gary to portray the character based on Evanston Will, now renamed "Phil Wrayson." Will consents to this. He also has a chat with Ethan who questions Will's attendance at Clint's upcoming Friday party.
chapter 12
Will, on his journey back to Naperville, shares text messages with Tiny. Once at home, he comes out as gay to his mother, who is not at all surprised. She wonders if he had met Isaac in town after hearing Will mention the name in his sleep. Accusing her of snooping, Will confirms that he did meet Isaac, known also as Tiny. He makes it clear to his mother that he wants zero contact with Maura, should she call. Tiny then shares a song with him about coming to terms with his sexuality at Starstruck Drama Camp. The following day at school, Will and Tiny stay in constant touch via texting. Maura attempts to say sorry to Will on various occasions, but he pays her no attention. He comes out to Simon at lunch, who reacts negatively, calling it "disgusting." Will simply retorts that it's no different than "jerking off to video game characters," embarrassing Simon. Gideon, a classmate, approaches Will by his locker, revealing that he too is gay. On being asked out, Will informs him that he is already seeing someone, but invites Gideon to join him for lunch in future.
chapter 13
Tiny wakes Evanston Will with persistent car horn honks early in the morning. On their way to school, Tiny shares five updates: his musical's cast is complete, he's in a record-setting eight-day relationship with Naperville Will, the musical must focus on love, not himself, the title is now Hold Me Closer, and they've arrived at school early to plan out new scenes. While at lunch, Nick reveals that Jane is ditching school to visit the botanical gardens with her boyfriend, hurting Evanston Will. He swears to eventually "shut up and not care." After unsuccessfully attempting to reach out to Tiny, Evanston Will likens himself to Marvin, his neglected childhood stuffed toy, feeling occasionally guilty about his lack of attention towards it. Later that night, Evanston Will obtains Jane’s address from Gary and shows up at her house. They stroll through the cold as he asks her to explain the concept of Schrödinger’s cat. Jane’s annoyed by his sudden interest, but simplifies the thought experiment for him. They compare the situation to Evanston Will's newfound interest in Jane now that she's taken, and decide to just remain friends.
chapter 14
Will's mom expresses her desire to meet Tiny before he does, suspecting their acquaintance was made online. She worries about Will's safety. When Tiny visits, Will, his mom and the unexpected Mercedes Tiny drives throw him off guard. He'd thought Tiny's background mirrored his own. Tiny proves to be amiable, complimenting his mom and their house, leaving Will feeling self-aware about its "shabby" interior. Tiny then gifts his mom a glass bowl he'd selected himself, leaving her overwhelmed as she hadn't received a present in some time. At the dinner table, Tiny sings a song about Europe, originally part of Hold Me Closer but later removed. In Will's room, Tiny inquires about the prescribed medication on Will's fish tank, leading Will to discuss his struggle with depression. He also cautions Tiny of his self-destructive habits. Tiny shows understanding and support. They share a kiss and Tiny hints he can offer Will "something else," diverging from what Will has been used to in his life.
chapter 15
During lunch, Will doesn't find his friends and ends up at the auditorium where he suspects they're rehearsing the play. He eavesdrops on Tiny instructing Gary on how to portray Phil Wrayson in the play. Tiny describes the character as "totally freaking terrified" and always on the verge of a breakdown, whose every word should be annoying. Spotting Will, Tiny loudly insists that Phil Wrayson isn't real. Feeling offended, Will exits and waits for Tiny's apology, which never comes, causing him to leave school. Finding himself at a Little League field, Will breaks down emotionally in the dugout. He recalls a memory of Tiny defending him against an abusive coach. He tries to reach Jane over the phone, but she doesn't pick up. He then calls his father and fibs about feeling unwell to justify leaving school early. Once home, he has a heartfelt conversation with his dad, who expresses his pride in him. The doorbell interrupts their talk and Will is surprised to find Jane, not Tiny, at the door. She quizzes him about her locker combination which verifies her suspicion that he was the one who dedicated the MDC song to her. She reveals that she's broken up with her boyfriend and they return to their previous discussion about Schrödinger's cat. They share a kiss, and Will invites her to join them for dinner.
chapter 16
Tiny reaches out to Naperville Will, saying he needs “a mental health day” due to Evanston Will's silent treatment and the musical's disarray. He arrives at Will's school where they wander the corridors before dining in the lunch hall. During lunch, Tiny's rudeness towards Gideon is evident. Before they exit the school, Tiny confronts Maura, thanking her for her nastiness which led to Will entering his life. Will prevents him from further admonishing Maura. They head over to Will's place and land up arguing on a swing set in the neighbor's yard. The dispute revolves around Tiny's privileged existence and Will's constant pessimism. Tiny retaliates by stating that his life is far from perfect due to his size and thankless efforts to bring out the best in others. Will, despite knowing Tiny is right, lets him go, essentially ending their relationship. Following this, Will suffers an emotional breakdown. He phones his mother, expressing his love and gratitude, and finds solace in talking to Gideon, who doesn't burden him with expectations. Despite repeatedly messaging Tiny, Will receives no reply.
chapter 17
Evanston Will finds out from Jane about Tiny's break up with Naperville Will, which Tiny doesn't disclose to him. This leads Will to think his friendship with Tiny is over. Tiny suggests spending time together post-rehearsal, but Will declines, expressing his frustration at always being Tiny's second choice. A discussion between Jane and Will ensues, during which Jane seeks affirmation that they are in a relationship. Jane cautions him, “if you don’t say the honest thing, it never becomes true.” On admitting they are dating, Will leaves abruptly, as he recognizes his love for Tiny. He later locates Tiny at a Little League field, where Tiny expresses regret for previously not being truthful with Will. Tiny's apology isn't for his words, but for not saying them directly to Will. Will responds with an apology for being a bad friend and admits his love for Tiny, wanting him to be a constant in his life. On offering help for the musical, Tiny hands Will a note with specifics on being backstage while watching the show. The note also reveals Tiny's lack of resentment towards Jane and Will's underappreciation, despite being the one who united them. They separate on friendly terms.
chapter 18
Naperville Will finds himself overwhelmed with rage and bewilderment. He has a chat with Evanston Will via Instant Messenger. During the conversation, Evanston Will mentions Tiny's anxieties about his musical. He shares his recent insight that existence is not just about one "trial and error," but rather a sequence of mistakes before finding the correct path. The two ponder if Naperville Will should be present at Tiny's show and exchange contact numbers, enabling Evanston Will to alert Tiny if needed. Noticing his heightened anger, Will's mother shares her past coping mechanics when dealing with frustrations. She suggests he should consider attending Tiny's musical and have a proper conversation with Maura. Seeking comfort, Will turns to Gideon, hoping to find reassurance in his actions. However, Gideon offers to drive him to Tiny's musical instead and encourages him to talk to Maura. As Gideon is arranging the transportation, Will makes amends with Maura. He expresses regret for his past actions but also acknowledges her own wrongdoings. They both apologize before parting ways. Subsequently, Will and Gideon head to Evanston for Tiny's play. Gideon shares his ingenious plan, which Will deems as "sick and twisted and brilliant."
chapter 19
Jane and Will from Evanston are the first to reach the auditorium. They find Tiny in the restroom, feeling sick. Jane is tasked with fetching tea and Pepto-Bismol for Tiny while Will assists him. Tiny is concerned about his hoarse voice and the potential failure of his show. He's also worried about Will from Naperville. Will searches the crowd for him, but in vain. Tiny drinks the Pepto-Bismol and feels slightly better. As the show proceeds, Jane and Will work backstage. The opening act features Tiny and Phil Wrayson in their Little League days. The following act displays Tiny revealing his sexuality to his parents and Phil, which the spectators thoroughly enjoy. Post the interval, the play continues on an old swing set. Will from Evanston is sure that Tiny is on the lookout for Will from Naperville among the audience. As the second act begins, Will's phone rings - it's Naperville Will calling him.
chapter 20
Will and Gideon reach the auditorium just in time for the second half of the show. A swing set, much like the one he and Tiny once sat on, is arranged on stage, and Will acknowledges his growing self-acceptance, realizing this was what Tiny and Maura desired for him. The climax of the musical features actors dressed as Tiny’s past boyfriends, with Tiny recounting each relationship. Will manages to meet up with Evanston Will, shares their strategy, and though cautious, Evanston Will consents. As Tiny speaks of the last ex-boyfriend, meant to portray Will, he addresses the audience about the collective grief over the gap between reality and expectations. Tiny expounds on the series of painful love experiences, urging the audience to continue taking the risk of falling in love. Will empathizes, considering his life a perpetual falling and fearing the inevitable crash. As the show nears its end, only a spotlight illuminates Tiny. Will interrupts from the audience, expressing his admiration for Tiny. This triggers a chain reaction as multiple Will Graysons, previously contacted by Will and Gideon, step forward to voice their appreciation for Tiny. Evanston Will, Jane, and eventually the majority of the audience and cast join in the chorus of praise. Will and Gideon exchange glances, gratified that their plan has come to fruition.
