Zach’s Kindness and Retaliation

Zach’s genuine attempt to comfort Hannah is compromised by his later theft of her notes, a choice whose importance becomes clear only through her need for encouragement.

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A Reputation for Quietness

A Reputation for Quietness A shy admirer Zach Dempsey is regarded as a good, quiet student and has long been attracted to Hannah Baker. His feelings remain unspoken, leaving him unsure how to approach her when she is in distress. A chance to help After Marcus leaves Hannah at Rosie’s, Zach sees an opportunity to offer support.

The Milkshake Offer

The Milkshake Offer A hesitant approach Zach sits near Hannah, asks whether she is all right, and offers to buy her another milkshake. Hannah cannot respond, her attention fixed on the glass as her sense of stability collapses. A limited kindness Zach leaves rather than forcing conversation, a restraint Hannah recognizes even amid her distress.

The Bag of Notes

The Bag of Notes Encouragement disappears Hannah notices that her classroom paper bag has stopped receiving notes and suspects someone is removing them. She depends on those small anonymous messages more than her classmates can see. Zach’s resentment Zach takes the notes after feeling rejected, turning private disappointment into an act that deprives Hannah of encouragement.

A Test Confirms the Theft

A Test Confirms the Theft A planted message Hannah writes a note to herself, places it in the bag, and watches the classroom after the lesson. She sees Zach reach into her bag, then discovers that the note has disappeared. No explanation offered When she confronts him in the hallway, Zach reads the note but walks away without apologizing or explaining.

The Meaning of a Small Theft

The Meaning of a Small Theft An ordinary act reframed Hannah explains that the notes were one of the few forms of encouragement she still expected from classmates. Zach may not have known the depth of her need, but his choice removed something she was relying on. A wider question His story challenges the idea that harm matters only when an offender understands every consequence.

Before the events at Rosie’s

Immediately after Marcus leaves Rosie’s

After Hannah’s haircut

Several weeks after the notes stop

When Zach’s tape reaches Clay