Summary
Highlights
Evan Hansen writes a letter to himself for a therapy assignment, emphasizing the need to be confident and approachable, despite his anxieties. He recalls a past failure to talk to Zoe Murphy at a jazz band concert due to sweaty hands, highlighting his social struggles.
Connor Murphy clashes with his family and expresses his disinterest in school. Later, at school, Evan tries to get students to sign his cast. Connor takes Evan's therapy letter from the printer, containing Evan's honest and pessimistic self-reflection, including a crush on Zoe.
Evan is called to the principal's office, where Connor's parents reveal that Connor has died by suicide. They found Evan's letter on Connor, believing it to be a suicide note addressed to Evan, indicating a close friendship. Evan, caught off guard, struggles to correct the misunderstanding.
Evan's initial attempts to tell the truth are met with disbelief and encouragement to maintain the fabricated friendship for the grieving Murphys. Jared suggests creating fake emails to corroborate the story, while Evan's mother, Heidi, is excited for Evan's potential in college essay contests.
Evan and Jared fabricate emails between Evan and Connor, making Connor seem like a troubled but ultimately hopeful individual whose life Evan was trying to improve. The Murphys are moved by these emails, and Zoe begins to see Evan in a new light, fueled by Evan's descriptions of Connor's supposed feelings for her.
Evan's speech at school about his 'friendship' with Connor goes viral, leading to the creation of 'The Connor Project,' a student group dedicated to keeping Connor's memory alive. Evan finds himself in a position of unexpected popularity and connection.
Evan's connection with Zoe deepens as they navigate their shared 'grief' and the project. They begin a romantic relationship, with Zoe expressing a desire for something just for them, separate from Connor's memory.
Heidi, Evan's mother, expresses concern over Evan's increasing involvement with the Murphys and the inconsistencies in his stories. Meanwhile, Alana grows suspicious of the emails, questioning their timeline and content.
Alana, feeling overlooked, decides to publicly post Connor's 'suicide note' (Evan's original letter). This triggers a social media backlash against the Murphys, leading to a confrontation where Evan is forced to reveal the entire fabrication to them.
The Murphys are devastated by the truth. Evan, now fully exposed, confesses his anxieties and loneliness to his mother. Heidi, despite her struggles, reassures Evan of her unconditional love and support.
A year later, Evan meets Zoe at the revitalized orchard. He apologizes again, and Zoe reveals that while his lies hurt, the positive impact of The Connor Project and the orchard was undeniable. Zoe has been reading Connor's favorite books, trying to understand him better. Evan expresses his personal growth and looks hopefully towards the future, reflecting on the importance of holding on through life's challenges.