At school Miles Halter the protagonist meets three new people. These people are the Colonel(Chip Martin), Alaska Young. These people take Miles under their wing and show him the social food chain at school and how to cause mischief without getting caught. Following Mile's severe hazing, his friends vow to help him get revenge. Miles goes on a triple date with a girl named Lara. They are joined by the Colonel and his fake girlfriend. They are also joined by Alaska with her college age boyfriend. Miles is in love with Alaska. Because of these feelings this date with Lara means very little. As time passes Miles continues to get into trouble and fall for Alaska. He stays on campus thanksgiving to get with Alaska. This just leads to him being homesickness and confusion.