One of Us Is Next

The Truth or Dare game utilizes people’s insecurities to control the Bayview High populace. Gossip is portrayed, “as a weapon” (66). The lasting effects of bullying affect each one of the three protagonists. Phoebe is the first to suffer from the exposure of a personal secret. She becomes the punch line for nearly every joke told at school, specifically by Sean Murdock and Brandon Weber. The revealing of Phoebe’s secret, that she slept with her sister’s boyfriend, drives a wedge between her and her sister, Emma. Emma is also bullied at school, with many students propositioning a three way with her and Phoebe. Phoebe is also still grieving the loss of her father, and with the relentless bullying occurring at school, she loses all refuge from that grief.

Likewise, Maeve and Knox are bullied as well. Maeve is bullied primarily for her leukemia and for the secret that was revealed about her relationship with Knox. Maeve suffers from health issues and worries that her leukemia has returned, all while missing her older sister, Bronwyn. Lastly, Knox is bullied for his inability to sleep with Maeve. Sean and Brandon tape limp noodles and Viagra to his locker, mocking him. Knox also feels pressure while at home as his sisters pester him about his love life and his father constantly degrades him for his work ethic.