In this chapter, the atmosphere within the school community grows increasingly fraught as the much-anticipated annual trivia night approaches. The event, meant to be a fun and engaging gathering, transforms into a pressure cooker for the parents, revealing the underlying tensions and rivalries that exist among them. The chapter focuses on the three main characters—Madeline, Celeste, and Jane—each dealing with their own struggles while also navigating the competitive culture of the school.

Madeline, who is deeply invested in the trivia night, finds herself caught between her desire to prove herself and the emotional baggage from her recent conflicts with her husband Nathan and her ex-husband Joe. Her strong-willed nature pushes her to rally the other parents, but this also leads to inevitable confrontations. Madeline's determination brings out both support and resentment from her peers, showcasing the complexity of relationships in this seemingly perfect community.

Celeste grapples with her decision to attend the trivia night despite her abusive relationship with her husband, Perry. The chapter highlights her internal conflict as she weighs the potential risks of exposing herself in public against her longing for normalcy and connection. She feels the pressure to conform to the expectations of the school community while also trying to protect her children from the ramifications of her choices. Celeste's struggle is emblematic of the broader themes of domestic violence and the challenges of escaping an abusive dynamic.

Jane, on the other hand, approaches trivia night with a sense of apprehension. As a newcomer to the community, she feels the weight of fitting in while also grappling with her own past traumas. Her interactions with other parents are fraught with insecurity, and the chapter delves into her feelings of isolation and the desire for acceptance. Jane’s character development is central to the narrative, as she begins to form bonds with Madeline and Celeste, who become her allies in this competitive environment.

As the trivia night draws closer, the tension among the parents escalates, leading to confrontations that expose the fragile alliances and rivalries within the group. The chapter builds anticipation for the event, hinting at the explosive potential of the night to unravel the carefully curated facades of the characters. The groundwork is laid for the climactic events that will follow, as secrets and lies begin to surface, threatening to upend the lives of everyone involved.

Overall, Chapter 4 serves as a pivotal moment in the narrative, emphasizing the themes of competition, community dynamics, and the personal struggles of the women as they prepare for a night that promises to change everything.