Gene Forrester
I, Gene believe that I am a quiet and intellectual human being. It's common knowledge really, as everyone knows, but I love to read. I've been described as introverted by a few of my classmates, but I wouldn't call myself that. I take school very seriously, and grades are of great importance to me, because I need good grades to get into a good college, and perhaps gain a scholarship of some sort. I also pride myself in my high academic achievements because I have to admit, I am very competitive; and this doesn't only apply to academics. My competitive nature is probably the main reason why I envy Finny so much. In a lot of ways, my relationship with Finny brought out the worst in me, because I so adored and loathed who Finny was that I forgot to cherish who I was and I lost myself in the process. Most people don't know it, because I scarcely show it outright, but I am a very emotional person. This can be good sometimes, but a lot of the times it is bad, because sometimes my emotions get the better of me and I say or do something without thinking. The fact that I tend to act impulsively does not help this because I often end up doing something or saying something I regret. Most of the time I mean well but there are times when I think not so kindly thoughts towards another person. "Everyone could hear, couldn't they? the derangement in his voice." (Knowles, 174)
Some people have said that I'm pessimistic, but that's because I think that if you don't expect positive results, then you will never be disappointed. I know that I tend to think the worst of someone when analyzing their motives but that's because I know what I feel inside, and if I'm feeling or thinking evil thoughts, then I'm probably not the only one doing so. "He's enjoying this, I thought bitterly" (Knowles, 168) This negative mindset towards human beings general causes me to come off as antisocial. It's not that I like being that way, but I just don't connect with other people the way Finny does. That's one of the reasons I admire Finny, because Finny is someone who can make anyone feel comfortable just by talking to them-something I will never be able to do. I have a tendency to overanalyze things, and as a result become fearful and insecure. "but you're the nervous type, you know, and I thought maybe your imagination got a little inflamed up there in Vermont." (Knowles, 163) Even when there is nothing wrong, I often fabricate a problem or a wrong that does not exist which is a very bad habit of mine.
Phineas (Finny)
What do I think of myself? Well I'm just like any other teenage boy really. I like to have fun, joke around, and hang out with friends. Honestly, I just like being around people, period. I guess I'm competitive, but more-so for the love of competition and self-achievement rather than the ego or sense of accomplishment some people get from beating others. I believe that achievement is something that should be for you and no one else. For example, if you set a new record then it is not something to brag about-it should be enough for you knowing that you achieved something. I've been called an athlete by many of my peers and have been complimented on my balance, hand-eye co-ordination and just natural talent that I apparently have when it comes to anything athletic related. "You had better balance than anyone in the school." (Knowles, 169) Whether this is true or not, I do know that I love sports, and any games where the spirit of competition can prosper. With this passion I hope one day to participate in the Olympics. Although I love competition, I hate fighting and will do whatever I can to disarm a situation. "the next thing anyone knew you'd be over with the Germans or the Japs, asking if they'd like to field a baseball team against our side."(Knowles, 190) I've been told that I give off a confident and yet approachable vibe, but I believe everyone is approachable and everyone should be confident because everyone has different gifts and talents to offer.
I try to always hope for the best, and maintain a positive attitude about everything that happens-after all, there's always a silver lining in any situation. For some reason, when I talk, people listen which is fine by me because I'm always coming up with new ideas and notions which I share with my friends. I've also talked my way out of many situations where I otherwise might have gotten into trouble. The only explanation I have for that is I articulated my opinion honestly, without any deceitful intentions-you can't go wrong with honesty. Needless to say, I dislike lying. I tend to think the best of people because I believe, by nature that people are generally good and therefore should be given the benefit of the doubt. "How do you expect him to remember?" (Knowles, 171) With that said, I strongly believe in trust, especially of people that are close to you. "But I do believe- it's important after all for me to believe you."(Knowles, 163) Even if you suspect wrongdoing of another person, give them the benefit of doubt, more-so if you trust them. "It was just some kind of blind impulse you had in the tree there, you didn't know what you were doing. Was that it?" (Knowles, 191) I tend to approach life with pure joy and enthusiasm with everything I do, mostly because I think life is much more bearable if you're living rather than simply being alive. I've been asked how I always appear to be so full of energy, and so happy all the time. Truth is, I have a habit of running away from what I know is the truth. Some might say this to be denial, or simply being naive, but ignorance is bliss and there are some things I would just rather not think or talk about even if it means I have to pretend those things do not exist. "Oh I guess I always knew, but I didn't have to admit it. (Knowles, 163)
Brinker Hadley
My name is Brinker Hadley, and I am a leader. I voice my opinions based on justice, and will do anything and everything in my power to see that justice always prevails. "Here's one soldier our side has already lost. We've got to find out what happened." (Knowles, 168) Being the class president, I am everything a good leader needs to be. I'm charismatic, orderly, law abiding and very organized. I'm confident in my own abilities, although some perceive my confidence as arrogance or cockiness which I strongly resent. The fact that I will do anything to defend or put into action my own ideas leads others to believe that I am stubborn, but I like to think of it as perseverance. I will admit though that once I get hold of an idea, it is hard to convince me that I am wrong. I've been told a few times that I'm insensitive, but I don't believe in "beating around the bush", I like to be direct. "What's everybody beating around the bush for? He's crippled and that's that." (Knowles, 160)
According to my peers, my voice radiates power and authority, which I strongly take pride in. "his voice tried for a hard compromise, full of warning" (Knowles, 171) I know how to use any resources that I have at my disposal, and some may call this character trait manipulative. "You always did take me for a fool, didn't you? But I'm no fool any more." (Knowles, 176) However, I disagree because I am simply resourceful, and sometimes you have to work with what you've got. Although I come off as a very serious and cold person, really I'm as friendly and playful as the next person. I seek companionship and other's company because, after all what is a leader without followers?
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