Introduction
In Act 2 Scene 2 of The Samaritan by John Lara, tension grows as Ms. Nicole faces pressure from powerful figures opposing The Samaritan App. The scene, titled “The Fear,” highlights themes of courage, truth, and social justice as Ms. Nicole encourages her students to stand firm despite intimidation.
Setting
The scene is set at Sagrada Secondary School, specifically in Ms. Nicole’s office.
The office environment symbolizes authority, privacy, and confrontation, making it the perfect backdrop for a tense conversation about fear, integrity, and resistance. The enclosed space reflects the emotional tension as the students and Ms. Nicole discuss the possible consequences of defying political power.
Summary of Act 2 Scene 2 — The Fear
The scene opens with Ms. Nicole seated in her office when a knock on the door announces the arrival of Alvita and Montano, two of her students. They appear anxious and reveal they are worried about Ms. Nicole’s safety after the mayor’s ultimatum during the school’s closing ceremony.
Ms. Nicole calmly assures them that everything will be fine, though she acknowledges that the launch of The Samaritan App has been postponed by municipal leaders who opposed it.
Alvita and Montano cannot understand why the leaders would reject an app meant to improve the community. To explain, Ms. Nicole refers to the parable of the Good Samaritan from the Bible. She compares the people of the municipality to the injured man, and the leaders to the priest and Levite who ignored him.
She explains that The Samaritan App was designed to unite people, promote truth, and encourage mutual support — a modern platform for compassion and accountability.
Montano remains fearful, warning Ms. Nicole that the mayor’s threats could lead to her punishment. Alvita wonders if Ms. Nicole might even be transferred because the app had attracted public attention.
However, Ms. Nicole remains firm and fearless. She urges her students to stand up for what is right, saying:
“Stand firm with the app and demand that the leaders do the right thing. This app will help us — it must not be killed!”
As the scene closes, the principal calls Ms. Nicole to the boardroom