Dear Evan Hansen

Seventeen-year-old Evan Hansen grapples with severe social anxiety and depression, making it difficult for him to find direction in life. His therapist, Dr. Sherman, encourages him to write letters to himself as a way to cope and find positivity in each day.

After breaking his arm in a tree accident, Evan's mother, Heidi, encourages him to have his classmates sign his cast. This attempt at fostering connections serves as a gateway for Evan to reach out and express himself in a challenging social environment.

While at school, Evan writes a candid letter reflecting on his isolation and concerns about whether anyone would notice if he were to disappear. This letter encapsulates his feelings of loneliness and desire for connection, symbolized by the phrase 'Waving Through a Window.'

Evan's life takes a drastic turn when Connor Murphy discovers the letter and reacts angrily, believing it hints at Evan's feelings for Zoe. Connor storms off with the letter, leaving Evan confused about the consequences that will follow.

Tragically, just three days later, Evan learns about Connor's unexpected death. The letter he wrote is misinterpreted as a suicide note to him, sparking misunderstandings that deeply affect both him and Connor's family.

After the tragedy, Evan receives an invitation to the Murphy home for dinner. Faced with the family's grief, Evan fabricates a story about spending time with Connor in an orchard, thus deepening the web of deception he finds himself in.

To support his false account, Evan enlists the help of Jared to create fictitious backdated emails that reinforce his lie. These emails serve to not only alleviate the pressure of the Murphys' expectations but also entrap Evan further in his deception.

In an effort to honor Connor's memory, Alana Beck starts 'The Connor Project,' which aims to bring awareness to mental health. The project gains momentum, and Evan's fabricated story of his friendship with Connor helps validate its purpose during a significant assembly.

Evan speaks at the assembly about his feelings of loneliness and recounts the orchard story, which resonates widely online. His poignant message, 'You Will Be Found,' spreads hope for many struggling with mental health challenges, marking a turning point in his life.

Amidst the chaos, Zoe confesses her feelings for Evan. Their emotional exchange leads to the beginning of a romantic relationship, complicating Evan's already tangled life further.

Confronted with mounting pressure, Evan reveals the truth about his therapy letter to Alana, disclosing it was actually Connor's suicide note. This revelation ignites a backlash online, causing scrutiny over Evan's motives and the authenticity of his story.

Overwhelmed by guilt and the consequences of his actions, Evan confesses to his mother that his fall from the tree was his desperate cry for help. This raw moment deepens his struggle to communicate openly and process his emotions.

In an act of courage, Evan decides to share the truth about his actions with the world through a recorded video. He takes steps toward healing by reaching out to those who genuinely knew Connor and aiming to reclaim his lost integrity.

Evan finds closure when Zoe returns to the revitalized orchard, a symbol of Connor's spirit and their shared memories. Together, they reconcile, marking a significant emotional milestone for both characters.

As Evan writes himself a new letter, he commits to being honest and authentic moving forward. Embracing the life lessons learned from Connor’s tragic story, he sets out on a renewed path toward self-acceptance and healing.