Craig is a 15-year-old boy who struggles with severe clinical depression. Living in New York City with his mom, dad, and sister (Sarah), Craig spends much of his time with his friend Aaron and Aaron’s girlfriend Nia. Craig envies Aaron for his effortless academic success and harbors feelings for Nia. His depression started soon after he began attending a highly competitive high school.
After a party one night, Craig and Aaron walk along the Brooklyn Bridge. Craig climbs to a perilous spot without a guardrail, feeling both terrified and thrilled. Obsessed with the bridge, Craig eventually formulates a plan to end his life by jumping off it. One night, after sleeping in his mom’s bed, Craig prepares to go to the bridge. However, he decides to call a suicide hotline instead. The hotline advisor suggests he visit an emergency room, leading to Craig's admission to a psychiatric hospital.
At the hospital, Craig meets Smitty, the day-time director, and learns that a psychiatric hospital is different from what he imagined. He discovers he isn't a prisoner and can leave with a pass. There’s also a smoking lounge used by several patients, though Craig doesn't smoke.
Despite his low self-esteem and fear of being disliked, Craig quickly bonds with other patients, such as Humble and Bobby, who share their mental health struggles. He also meets Noelle, a girl his age who initially communicates through notes rather than speaking.
Craig starts to express himself and understand his depression better through activities at the hospital, particularly drawing and music. In an art class, he begins drawing brain maps, which become his signature work and help him realize the power of art and self-expression.
One day, Nia visits Craig at the hospital, revealing that she’s broken up with Aaron and suffers from depression herself. Initially, she seeks understanding from Craig, but as they kiss, Craig realizes Nia is attracted to the depth of his depression. They are interrupted, and Nia leaves, making Craig understand that his ideal image of Nia was partly an illusion.
Noelle witnesses Craig and Nia kissing. Craig apologizes to Noelle, confessing his true feelings for her. Over time, Craig and Noelle grow closer by playing a game where they ask each other questions. Eventually, Noelle forgives him.
As Craig prepares to leave the psychiatric hospital, he discusses his future with his therapist, Dr. Minerva. He realizes that he doesn't have to remain at his competitive high school and could transfer to an art school where he might feel more at home. During a group movie night, Craig and Noelle sneak into his empty room to make out. In that moment, Craig feels genuine happiness despite his mental health struggles.
On the day of Craig's discharge, his parents arrive to take him home. Craig bids farewell to his new friends and promises to keep in touch with some of them.
As they leave, Craig asks his family if he can walk alone for a bit. Strolling through the streets of New York City, Craig reflects on all the things he still wants to achieve and decides to live his life more fully than ever before.
It’s Kind of a Funny Story Plot Summary in Table
| Keyword | Description |
|---|---|
| Craig | Craig is a 15-year-old boy struggling with severe clinical depression. He lives in New York City with his mom, dad, and sister, Sarah. |
| Friends | Craig spends much of his time with his friend Aaron and Aaron’s girlfriend Nia. He envies Aaron's academic success and has feelings for Nia. |
| Depression | Craig's depression started after he began attending a competitive high school. He becomes obsessed with jumping off the Brooklyn Bridge. |
| Suicide Hotline | One night, Craig decides to call a suicide hotline instead of jumping off the bridge. The advisor suggests he visit an emergency room. |
| Psychiatric Hospital | Craig is admitted to a psychiatric hospital where he meets Smitty, the day-time director, and learns he is not a prisoner. He can get a pass to leave and there’s a smoking lounge. |
| New Friends | Despite his low self-esteem, Craig quickly bonds with other patients, such as Humble and Bobby. He also meets Noelle, a girl his age who communicates through notes. |
| Self-Expression | Craig begins to express himself and understand his depression through activities like drawing and music. He draws brain maps that become his signature work. |
| Nia | Nia visits Craig, revealing her own depression and breakup with Aaron. Craig realizes she is attracted to the depth of his depression and they part ways. |
| Noelle | Craig apologizes to Noelle for kissing Nia and confesses his feelings for her. They grow closer by playing a question game and eventually make out. |
| Therapy | Craig decides to transfer to an art school after discussing his future with his therapist, Dr. Minerva, feeling more hopeful about his life. |
| Discharge | Craig is discharged from the hospital and says goodbye to his new friends. He reflects on his future, deciding to live his life more fully. |
| Future | As he walks through New York City, Craig thinks about his goals and dedicates himself to living a more fulfilling life. |