It’s Kind of a Funny Story

by

Ned Vizzini

It’s Kind of a Funny Story: Chapter 1 Summary & Analysis

Summary
Analysis
Craig, the narrator, wants to kill himself, and this makes it difficult for him to talk to other people. He’s at his friend Aaron’s house with his other friend Ronny and with Aaron’s girlfriend, Nia. Aaron offers Craig marijuana, but he passes. Craig seems zoned out, so Nia asks if he’s okay. Craig reassures her that he is. He goes to the bathroom to find some peace. He sees himself in the mirror and feels like he always looks like he’s about to cry.
The beginning of the novel introduces the main character, Craig. It establishes the contrast between how Craig might seem on the outside (a regular teenager hanging out with friends) and how he feels on the inside (suicidally depressed). As this passage shows, the other people in Craig’s life don’t realize yet that anything is wrong, so he has to carry this burden on his own.
Themes
Mental Health Theme Icon
Peer Pressure vs. Self-Empowerment  Theme Icon
Friendship and Romance Theme Icon
Quotes