More or Less Maddy: A Novel

Maddy is at Max’s apartment, where she spends many of her afternoons. The apartment is unkempt and hardly lived in, but his comfortable lifestyle suggests to Maddy that his parents pay his rent. Max gives Maddy guidance about her comedy. She ignores his advice not to tell jokes that might offend men, believing she should be able to say whatever she wants. Maddy performs at open mic nights several times a week and spends her free time writing more material. When Max tries to tell Maddy she can advance further by making her comedy more personal and vulnerable, Maddy shies at the suggestion. Max suggests that Maddy do her set naked in front of him to “feel more relaxed,” and Maddy reluctantly agrees but feels gawked at and judged for her looks, just like she does when she actually performs. She realizes, too, that Max doesn’t really know her at all.

Maddy is at her first eight-minute “bringer” show, which takes place later in the evening and which more non-comedians attend. Simone sees her anxiety and suggests a drink, which Maddy eventually has even though