Analyzing Dialogue to Understand Characters

"Welcome to Stark Industries," Tony Stark said as he help out his hand. This was his 26th interview of the day. "Thank you. I have read all about your company, products, and outreach programs. I look forward to discussing how I can be an asset to your company," Pepper said as she looked him in the eye and gave him a firm handshake.

Based on the dialogue, what can you determine about Pepper?  

• She is nervous for the interview.

• She in intimidated by Tony Stark.

• She is confident and knowledgable about the company.

• She is disinterested in the position with Stark Industries.

The smell of pancakes woke Jeffery up. He headed into the kitchen. "Brian? Jeffery questioned. What are you doing? it's 6:30 am." "Oh! Good Morning!" Brain said as he bounced around the kitchen. "I already ran 8 miles and did all of the laundry. I had nothing else to do, so I decided to make a big breakfast for the family!" Brain exclaimed.

What can you determine about Brain based on this dialogue?

• Brain is helpful and has a lot of energy.

• Brain looks up to his big brother, Jeffery.

• Brian is clueless about how others perceive him.

• Brain is doing all of these things so he could be his parent's favorite

As soon as Mr. Clinton explained the project and put them into groups, Santiago said,"Ok. I will do the research, Violet will type the paper, James will take care of all of the creative aspects, and Kathleen will put it all together. Let's get started!" "Umm...ok," Violet said. "I guess we have a plan, then." They all shrugged and started on their work.

What can you determine about Santiago from the dialogue?

• He is the teacher's pet.

• He is a leader and is efficient.

• He does not have many friends.

• He rushes through his work and lacks an attention to detail.

Alyssa saw the mailman approaching her box and ran outside. "Hey!" She shouted while waving her hands. ""Whatcha' doing? Are you having a good day? What's  the most interesting thing you delivered today?" The mailman waved hello and grunted, "It's good to see you, Alyssa. I've been busy like always." He dropped the mail into the slot. "Alright now, I will see you tomorrow." "Wait! Wait! Do you have to go so soon? I have pictures of my cats I want to show you. I dressed Mr. Fluffington like a lion this morning! It's funnier than when I dressed him up like a pirate," She said hurriedly as she pulled her phone out of her back pocket. "That's nice," the mailman muttered distractedly while continuing his job. "I'll see you tomorrow." "Oh. ok, then. I will bring Mr. Fluffington and I will be waiting right here for you tomorrow. I will have him in his costume!" Alyssa replied.

What can you tell about Alyssa from this dialogue?

• She is lonely and wants to communicate with someone.

• She is hardworking and enjoys taking breaks with her cat.

• She has a cat costume business and she tries to drum up business all the time.

• She is waiting for an important delivery and wants to make sure she is at the mailbox as soon as it is delivered.

"Mr. Bell?" Eileen asked. "Can I ask you about an assignment?"Professor Bell looked up and patted his head, shirt, and pockets for his glasses. He snapped his fingers and dug through his lunch box until he came up with them. "Sure, sure, sure," he replied. "Let me move these and you can have a seat." He picked up a stack of papers off the chair and added them to another precarious looking stack on his desk. "Ummm...thanks," Eileen replied. She stepped over books and stacks of paper to get to the chair. "I love helping students one on one. Let's take a look at what you have," Professor Bell said. "But first, I need my pen. Now where is that thing.....?"

What can you determine about Professor Bell based on this dialogue?

• He is very intelligent.

• He is disorganized and scatterbrained.

• He is overworked and needs a break from his job.

• He is busy and does not have time for his students.

"What do you mean you lost it?"  Van yelled at the top of his lungs. "That was my favorite t-shirt from my favorite band! I got it at their farewell tour,” Van continued. "I'm sorry," his younger brother replied. "I just wanted to wear it on the ski trip. I didn't mean to leave it behind. All of our stuff was mixed together and we didn't pack it all back up until the last minute," his explained. "I'm sorry I took it without asking. I just thought it would make me look cooler." Van snorted, "Yeah. Good luck with that." He stormed down the hall to his room and slammed the door so hard the house shook.

What can you determine about Van based on this dialogue?

• He really likes music.

• He is not very friendly.

• He has a short temper.

• He is furious at his brother.

 "I know this boat is the cheapest I have found anywhere, but the guy said there were no problems with it. I mean it wouldn't lie, right?” Ryan stared at his wife and waited for her reply. "Ummm, Ry, it's a third of what we've seen anywhere else. Why do you think he is selling it so cheap?" His wife questioned. "He said he was tired of looking at it in his driveway. He said it ran 5 years ago when he parked it. I'm sure it's fine. Why would anyone lie about that?"

What can you determine about Ryan based on his dialogue?

• He is naive

• He really likes to boat.

• He is adventurous and outgoing.

• He is the decisive one in his family.

The lunchroom was crowed and Emmett noticed the new kid looking around kind of lost. "Hey! Over here!" Emmett yelled over the noise and motioned to the empty seat at his table. "Come sit with us!" When the new made it over to the table, Emmett introduced himself, "Hello! We have English together, right?! I'm Emmett and these are all of my friends. You can sit with us everyday if you want!"

What can you determine about Emmett based on this dialogue?

• He is aloof and reserved.

• He is friendly and welcoming.

• He takes advantage of people.

• He is careless and absentminded

Before Kylee could go out for the night with her friends she had to clean her bedroom and bathroom. In order to help her get in done faster, her best friend, Kendall came over. "I'm sooooo tired," Kylee whined as she flopped down on her bed. I don't want to move. Kendall through her some clothes to hang up while she went into her adjoining bathroom to get started in there. "Oh my gosh, Kylee! How do you live like this?! There is toothpaste globs stuck to your sink and your hair is everywhere. Ugh!" Kendall exclaimed. Kylee balled the clothes Kendall had threw at her and used them for a pillow. "I dunno," she mumbled as she drifted off for another nap. "I guess it just doesn't bother me."

What can you determine about Kylee based on this dialogue?

• She is an introvert.

• She is messy and lazy.

• She enjoys having her friends over.

• She is wild and always looking to get in trouble.

Gustavo walked back onto the field with a smirk. "Clearly, this team is nothing without my skills," he commented. "I know you might not be happy to see my face again, but you will be happy to starting winning again," Gustavo sneered as he practiced his foot work with the ball. "Ugh!" Michael said under his breath. "I thought we were done with this dude. I would much rather lose every game this have to put up with his comments and attitude."

What can you determine about Gustavo based on this dialogue?

• He is a team player

• He is a hard worker.

• He is smug and arrogant

• He is an introvert and likes to be alone.