Characters Phoebe Berman's Gonna Lose It Brooke Averick

Meg: The Unwavering Supporter in Phoebe Berman's Gonna Lose It

Overview

Meg is one of Phoebe Berman’s closest friends in Phoebe Berman's Gonna Lose It by Brooke Averick. A regular at the group’s trivia nights and a constant voice in the “no backing out” group chat, Meg provides both comic relief and unwavering loyalty. While Phoebe’s countdown dominates the story, Meg’s subplot — recovering from a painful breakup and opening herself to a new relationship — mirrors themes of vulnerability and self-acceptance. Her presence reinforces the novel’s central message that friendship is the foundation for personal growth.

Plot Role

Meg appears throughout the novel in scenes that balance levity with genuine emotional support. She is first introduced at Jeffery’s bar, still reeling from her breakup with Jake, whom she discovered on an “Are we dating the same guy?” Facebook group. During the list-making session in Chapter 3, Meg drunkenly cheers Phoebe on, toasting “To Phoebe getting railed!” She also participates in the group chat, reacting excitedly when Phoebe texts Matthew. Later, Meg reveals she has been dating Noah, Finn’s roommate, and helps Phoebe get ready for the birthday party where the Jonathan-Finn secret unravels. In Chapter 25, Meg joins Phoebe and Nora for an emotional packing session, sharing a raw moment where all three friends cry together. Meg also appears at Phoebe’s surprise birthday party in the final chapters, solidifying her role as a steadfast presence.

Though Meg does not drive the main plot, her side story — moving on from Jake and building a connection with Noah — gives her a quiet but meaningful arc. Her actions consistently show her as a reliable friend who shows up for others even when dealing with her own heartache.

Motivations and Personality Traits

Meg’s primary motivation is to be there for her friends while also healing from her own romantic disappointments. The text suggests she values loyalty and honesty — she breaks up with Jake after discovering his infidelity, and she later approaches her relationship with Noah with cautious optimism. Her personality is warm and unfiltered; she freely expresses both her sadness (moaning, crying) and her joy (cheering, giggling). She also provides comic relief through her exaggerated reactions, such as asking if a veterinarian can “put her down” after a hangover. Beneath the humor, Meg is emotionally intelligent. She notices when Phoebe is distant and directly states, “You’ve been kind of MIA,” prompting Phoebe to reflect on her recent neglect of their friendship.

Chronological Arc

Early novel: Meg is heartbroken over Jake, crying on Alex’s bathroom floor and drinking heavily. She still manages to support Phoebe’s checklist idea.

Mid-novel: Meg recovers her spirits. She begins dating Noah, keeping the relationship private at first. When she finally tells Phoebe, it sparks a moment of reconciliation as Phoebe realizes she has not been a good listener.

Later novel: Meg attends Noah’s birthday party alongside Phoebe, helping her dress and offering confidence. She also participates in the emotional goodbye for Nora, crying openly but also laughing about old memories.

End of novel: Meg is present at the surprise birthday party, part of the group that welcomes Matthew. Though her own story is not fully resolved on page, the epilogue and group chat imply she continues to date Noah.

This arc demonstrates that Meg, like Phoebe, learns to move forward despite romantic setbacks — a subtle parallel that reinforces the novel’s theme that everyone has their own “virginities to lose.”

Relationships

With Phoebe

Meg and Phoebe share a deep, supportive friendship. They text each other encouragement, comfort each other during breakups, and share physical affection (squeezing hands, leaning on shoulders). Meg’s loyalty never wavers, even when Phoebe becomes distracted by her own goals.

With the Friend Group (Alex, Nora, Jonathan)

Meg is integrated into the core group. She jokes with Alex, cries with Nora, and is present for group rituals like trivia. Though she is less central than Phoebe, her voice in the group chat and her participation in events makes her an essential thread in the social fabric.

With Noah

Meg’s relationship with Noah begins offscreen. She admits they have been out “a few dates” and calls Noah “amazing.” The relationship is positive: Noah does not hide her, and Meg seems genuinely happy. This subplot contrasts with her previous heartbreak and shows her willingness to trust again.

Key Decisions and Consequences

Ending things with Jake – After discovering he was listed on a dating group, Meg ends the relationship. The consequence is emotional pain, but it frees her to eventually meet Noah.

Opening up to Noah – She takes a chance on a new person, leading to a healthy relationship that brings her joy.

Confronting Phoebe about being distant – By speaking up, she strengthens their friendship and reminds Phoebe to balance her personal goals with her connections.

Showing up for Nora – In the packing scene, Meg agrees to go to the store together instead of leaving Nora alone. This decision reinforces the theme that friends literally hold each other up — a callback to the Disneyland photo inscribed “We’ll always be here to hold you up.”

Themes and Symbolism

Meg embodies the novel’s core theme of friendship and support. Her loyalty is constant, and her presence counters the isolation Phoebe feels. The Disneyland photo scene — where Meg, Phoebe, and Nora cling to each other — visually represents the “holding up” that true friends do.

She also illustrates vulnerability and honesty. Meg does not hide her tears or her hangovers. She shows that it is okay to fall apart in front of friends, which encourages Phoebe to do the same.

Finally, Meg’s arc touches on self-acceptance. After her breakup, she does not wallow permanently; she allows herself to heal. This mirrors the book’s larger message that no one is “broken” for having a complicated romantic history.

5 Book-Specific Questions

  1. Why did Meg break up with her boyfriend Jake?
    She discovered him on the Facebook group “Are we dating the same guy?” implying he was also seeing other people.

  2. How does Meg react when Nora moves away?
    She cries alongside Phoebe during the packing scene and joins the group trip to buy bubble wrap, showing her deep care for Nora.

  3. What is Meg’s relationship with Noah?
    They go on several dates. Meg confirms to Phoebe that they are “having a lot of fun” and calls Noah “amazing.”

  4. How does Meg contribute to Phoebe’s checklist?
    While drunk, she enthusiastically supports the list and toasts Phoebe’s goal. She later helps Phoebe pick out an outfit for Noah’s party, boosting her confidence.

  5. What does Meg’s subplot reveal about the theme of friendship?
    Her consistent presence, emotional honesty, and willingness to confront Phoebe when they drift apart demonstrate that true friendship requires both joy and accountability.

Further Reading