Test your knowledge of Little Sister with our quiz!
Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for Little Sister (1992). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.
Bobby Jonathan Silverman graduates high school with his friend Mike George Newbern, and his father pushes him to forge his own path while gifting him a book of romantic poems that are supposed to guide him toward romance. At college, the pair join a fraternity where Bobby can finally be himself and not simply follow in his dad’s footsteps; the fraternity leader, however, presses Bobby to train his pledge brothers to imitate his father, creating an early tug‑of‑war between independence and family expectations.
At a party, Bobby meets Sybil Michele Matheson and tries to charm her with the poems, but it doesn’t land. Encouraged by his own shifting perspective, he nudges Mike to abandon his dad’s rigid advice and seek a girlfriend of his own. The night soon spills into a clash of relationships when Diana [Alyssa Milano] and her boyfriend Derry clash—Derry doesn’t listen to her, they break up, and then they briefly reconcile after his apology.
As Bobby tries again to win Sybil, he stumbles into a mess of studies and identity. He lands in an all‑female sociology class about the history of women, and discovers that both he and Mike have unknowingly enrolled in a taxidermy class as well. The pledge brothers reminisce about The Brady Bunch for their leader, who then tasks them with stealing a painting from the Zeta Alpha Zeta sorority house. After four failed attempts, Bobby disguises himself as the persona of Roberta Jonathan Silverman and fools the sorority, though he still cannot secure the painting. The balancing act of being both himself and Roberta strains him: he misses fraternity activities as himself but wants to stay Roberta in order to stay close to Diana.
Bobby asks Diana for study help, but she reads his signals as a date invitation. During a thunderstorm, he fails to seduce her, and she uncovers the Roberta scheme in a pledge book. When Roberta is elected president of the pledge class, the sorority invites the persona for drinks, and Derry flirts with Roberta, which Bobby deliberately plays off as gross. Bobby and Mike devise a plan to trap Derry with Diana in a compromising moment, hoping to set things right.
The next day, Derry stumbles into the library and the notes hint at taking his clothes off; seeing this, Diana ends their relationship. Bobby learns more about girls and, as Roberta, tries to win Diana over again, but when he reverts to his real self and shares a kiss, she slaps him. He abandons the Roberta persona and stealthily returns the stolen painting, drawing the wrath of the fraternity when they discover the missing artwork.
A sorority sister suspects Roberta after the painting’s disappearance, complicating Bobby’s dual life further. Mike arranges a date between Roberta and Wally [Patrick Richwood], one of the pledge brothers, to keep up appearances while Bobby struggles to balance love, loyalty, and honesty. In the midst of it all, Diana finally articulates the fundamental differences between them, hinting at the possibility of a real connection beyond the ruse. She also hints at what she knows about the Derry incident, prompting Bobby to rethink his approach and come clean.
As the semester winds down, Bobby confronts the deeper questions about gender and history in class, and the moment becomes a turning point when he tells the teacher the truth about his actions, opening himself up to real learning. He takes the field with his fraternity for one last game, hoping to prove himself not as a fake but as a person who can grow. In the final moments, Bobby delivers a passionate speech as Roberta, finally embracing his introspection in front of everyone, while Mike cheers him on. After the ceremony, Bobby’s dad comes to him and voices his love, and Bobby apologizes to Diana—the two slowly begin to mend what was strained, choosing a path forward together.
Follow the complete movie timeline of Little Sister (1992) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.
Graduation day and father's gift
Bobby graduates high school with his friend Mike, marking the start of his transition to college life. His father hands him a book of romantic poems and urges him to forge his own identity. This gift foreshadows the thematic tension between tradition and self-discovery that drives the story.
Fraternity initiation and pressure to imitate his father
In college, Bobby and Mike join a fraternity where the leader insists Bobby must teach pledges to be more like his father. The demand to emulate his dad creates internal conflict as Bobby seeks authenticity. The dynamic sets up the central comedy of misidentity.
Party meeting Sybil and the Diana–Derry clash
At a party, Bobby tries to impress Sybil with his poems but fails to win her over. Meanwhile, he and Mike witness a heated break between Diana and her boyfriend Derry, who later reconciles with her. Bobby also begins to sense an opportunity to pursue Diana.
Diana’s relationship and Bobby’s pursuit
Diana’s breakup with Derry sets the stage for Bobby to pursue her, but she remains wary of his advances. Bobby juggles his growing interest in Diana with the expectations of the fraternity. The early romance threads drive the rest of his disguises and schemes.
Unexpected classes and the taxidermy surprise
Bobby discovers he’s enrolled in an all-female sociology of women in history class, while he and Mike also find out they’re in a taxidermy class by mistake. The mismatched courses push him toward a wilder plan to reinvent himself. The odd classes become the playground for his evolving Roberta persona.
The pledge mission: stealing a painting
The fraternity leader orders the pledges to steal a painting from the Zeta Alpha Zeta sorority house. After four failed attempts, Bobby disguises himself as 'Roberta' to fool the sorority sisters, though he cannot complete the theft. The plan exposes the fragility of his double life.
Roberta rises while Diana follows
Maintaining the Roberta disguise strains Bobby, causing him to miss out on fraternity activities. Roberta is elected president of the pledge class, and Derry flirts with her, prompting Bobby and Mike to plot further mischief. The dual identity deepens the comedy and the romance.
Thunderstorm study and pledge-book discovery
During a study session with Diana in a thunderstorm, Bobby’s attempt to woo her back falters. Diana discovers his sorority scheme in the pledge book, sharpening her awareness of his deception. This moment pushes their relationship toward a crucial turning point.
Derry trap plan and library fallout
Mike and Bobby devise a plan to catch Derry in a compromising moment, but the next day Derry reads notes in the library suggesting he take his clothes off, prompting Diana to break off their relationship. The botched scheme heightens the risk of exposure for Bobby's double life.
Roberta’s love attempt, reveal, and painting theft aftermath
Bobby attempts to win Diana’s love again as Roberta, but a kiss while in normal clothes backfires, and she slaps him when he reveals his true identity. He ends the Roberta persona and steals the painting, which then raises suspicion of Roberta among the sorority sisters.
Dating setup, encyclopedia mishap, and truth about Derry
Mike arranges a Roberta–Wally date to keep up appearances while Bobby again chases Diana, but he ends up carrying encyclopedias for her. Diana finally explains the differences between them and hints she knows what he was doing—about Derry more than Roberta.
The reconciliation, nomination, and final revelation
Bobby and Diana reconcile, while Diana nominates Roberta for sorority queen, forcing him to confront his dual identity. In the closing ceremony, Bobby, as Roberta, delivers a heartfelt speech, and his father visits to tell him he loves him. They end on a note of forgiveness, with the fraternity celebrating as Diana and Bobby reaffirm their relationship.
Explore all characters from Little Sister (1992). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.
Bobby Armstrong (Jonathan Silverman)
A college student eager to define his own identity beyond his father’s expectations. He experiments with the Roberta persona to win Diana and to fit in with pledges, then confronts the consequences of living a double life. Through misadventures, he learns the value of authenticity and honest communication.
Diana (Alyssa Milano)
A strong-willed student who breaks up with her boyfriend and becomes the object of Bobby’s affection. She challenges Bobby to drop the disguise and be truthful about his intentions. Her independence and honesty drive the development of their relationship.
Roberta
Bobby’s performative alter ego, created to navigate social circles and pursue Diana. Roberta's persona leads to closer proximity with the sorority, but maintaining both identities strains Bobby. The arc centers on the risks and eventual consequences of living as a disguise.
Mike (George Newbern)
Bobby’s friend and pledge brother who participates in the fraternity’s schemes. He supports Bobby’s plans, contributing to the comic misadventures while also sharing in the bond of brotherhood. His companionship highlights loyalty and the complexities of fitting in.
Sybil (Michele Matheson)
A sorority member who becomes entangled in Roberta’s influence. She represents the social hierarchy of the sorority and the allure of belonging. Her interactions with Roberta reveal the dynamics of popularity, admiration, and perception within the group.
Miss Roffman (Christine Healy)
The sociology teacher who frames discussions about women in history. Her class serves as a catalyst for Bobby’s evolving views on gender, power, and narrative.
Dad (William Frankfather)
Bobby’s father who urges him to forge his own path. His expectations create tension but also underline the father–son relationship’s emotional core. By the end, his support helps Bobby embrace his authentic self.
Mom (Enid Kent)
Bobby’s mother whose presence provides a counterpoint to strict expectations. She embodies care and encouragement as Bobby navigates his dual identity. Her support adds warmth to Bobby’s growth.
Wally (Patrick Richwood)
A pledge brother who isn’t a strong football player. He appears in the fraternity’s last game, contributing to the humor and camaraderie of the group. His role highlights the broader dynamics of inclusion and teamwork within the frat.
Learn where and when Little Sister (1992) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.
Location
college campus, Zeta Alpha Zeta sorority house, fraternity house, campus library, sociology classroom, taxidermy classroom
The story unfolds on a college campus, moving between the fraternity house, the Zeta Alpha Zeta sorority house, the campus library, and various classrooms. The settings emphasize social rituals, group identity, and the pressure to fit in. Key scenes take place in the sorority house during pranks and in the library where relationships and plans are tested. The campus environment anchors the film’s lighthearted, coming‑of‑age tone.
Discover the main themes in Little Sister (1992). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.
🎭
Identity
Bobby maneuvers between his everyday self and the Roberta persona to fit in and pursue Diana. The disguise exposes how gender performance and social roles operate within the fraternity and sorority scenes. The narrative uses humor to explore authenticity versus appearances. The resolution emphasizes choosing who you are over who you pretend to be.
💘
Romance
Romance drives the plot as Bobby tries to win Diana while juggling deceptions. Diana’s clarity and independence challenge Bobby to be honest rather than clever, shaping their relationship. The story portrays romance built on trust, vulnerability, and mutual respect. The arcs conclude with a connection grounded in truth.
🧭
Self-Discovery
Bobby learns about relationships, boundaries, and how his actions affect others beyond the frat house games. The sociology classroom and conversations with Diana broaden his perspective on women and history. His growth comes from stepping away from performative stunts toward genuine understanding. This shift reframes his goals from approval to insight.
👨👦
Family & Identity
His father presses him to forge an independent path, creating internal tension with his attempts to please others. The parental dynamic highlights expectations and support as shaping forces in his choices. The ending signals reconciliation between personal growth and family bonds. The film frames family as both a pressure and a source of unconditional care.

Coming soon on iOS and Android
From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.
Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.
Discover the spoiler-free summary of Little Sister (1992). Get a concise overview without any spoilers.
In the bustling world of a modern college campus, the film follows Bobby, a wide‑eyed freshman eager to carve out his own identity away from his father’s expectations. He finds a sense of belonging among his new fraternity brothers, where hazy traditions and playful rivalry set the stage for the kind of mischief that defines campus life. The atmosphere cracks with a light‑hearted, almost irreverent humor, all while the underlying pressure to fit in and prove oneself hums beneath every joke.
When a fraternity initiation pushes Bobby into an outrageous scheme, he must adopt the persona of Roberta, a fabricated female student, to slip past the guarded gates of a sorority. This ruse throws him into a double life that is as comedic as it is precarious, forcing him to juggle the expectations of his peers with the secrecy of his disguise. The tone stays breezy, using the absurdity of the situation to explore themes of belonging, self‑discovery, and the sometimes blurry line between performance and authenticity.
Amid the masquerade, Bobby meets Diana, a sorority sister whose confidence and intellect draw him in more deeply than any prank ever could. Their connection hints at a genuine spark, layered with the tension of hidden truths and the fear of being unmasked. As Bobby navigates lectures, social events, and the ever‑watchful eyes of both the fraternity and the sorority, the story teases the challenges of maintaining two conflicting identities while yearning for something real.
The film balances its witty, fast‑paced comedy with moments of introspection, inviting the audience to wonder how far one will go to belong, and what it truly means to be seen for who you are. It sets the stage for a playful yet thoughtful exploration of gender, friendship, and young love, all within the lively, chaotic backdrop of college rites of passage.
Can’t find your movie? Request a summary here.
Uncover films that echo the narrative beats, emotional arcs, or dramatic twists of the one you're exploring. These recommendations are handpicked based on story depth, thematic resonance, and spoiler-worthy moments — perfect for fans who crave more of the same intrigue.
What's After the Movie?
Not sure whether to stay after the credits? Find out!
Explore Our Movie Platform
New Movie Releases (2026)
Famous Movie Actors
Top Film Production Studios
Movie Plot Summaries & Endings
Major Movie Awards & Winners
Best Concert Films & Music Documentaries
Movie Collections and Curated Lists
© 2026 What's After the Movie. All rights reserved.