# data[].attributes.body
Rotondo, Chiara

In scene 1, Tom is still not completely torn whether he should keep seeing Helen or not, since he still has not given much thought to what people would think, especially his co-workers. However, some of his internal conflict does start to show. Such an instance would be whenever Helen makes a remark or a joke about her appearance, Tom gets very nervous and doesn't know how to act. This shows how he's not used to socializing with overweight people, and he starts feeling conflicted as to how he should behave.

# data[].attributes.body
Tom’s reaction to Helen’s body size shows how society pressures people to follow certain beauty standards. Even though Tom likes Helen at first, he starts feeling uncomfortable because he worries about what others will think. This shows how strong these beauty standards are, especially for women. His fear of being judged by his friends, like Carter, makes him question his feelings for Helen. In the end, it shows how society’s views can affect how we feel and the choices we make in relationships.

# data[].attributes.body
In Fat Pig, Neil LaBute uses humour and dialogue to highlight Helen’s confidence and self-awareness. She often makes lighthearted jokes about her weight before others can, reclaiming control over the conversation. This strategy allows her to dictate the tone of interactions, particularly with Tom, who is noticeably more hesitant. Her playful teasing and candid remarks reveal a woman who is secure in herself, despite societal expectations. Through this, LaBute contrasts Helen’s openness with Tom’s internal struggles, making her a compelling and dynamic character.

# data[].attributes.body
Tom's actions in Scene 1 reveal his deep personal conflict through his attitudes, speech patterns, and body language. He looks at her and those around them all the time to see if anyone is watching, and he cuts sentences because he is unsure if what he is saying is correct. He also makes some jokes and comments that show how uncomfortable he is speaking to someone who is discriminated against by society. Also, he is hesitant to contact Helen because of all the prejudices and insecurities that come with dating a non-standard woman in a culture full of rules and comparisons.

# data[].attributes.body
Tom is very careful, even awkward, when the topic of Helen’s weight comes up. His seriousness and hesitation show that he is aware of the social stigma surrounding body image and is already feeling conflicted about how he should respond. When Helen jokes about her own weight, Tom doesn’t immediately engage or joke back. Instead, he seems unsure of how to respond, which suggests that he’s uncomfortable acknowledging it directly. His behavior suggests that, even though he likes Helen, he has been conditioned to see weight as a taboo subject, making him hesitant to express his thoughts freely.

# data[].attributes.body
I think that, in the first scene, Tom’s internal conflict comes through in how awkward and hesitant he is around Helen. He clearly enjoys talking to her (he laughs at her jokes and seems interested) but there is also a nervousness in the way he reacts. When Helen makes fun of herself he laughs quietly but does not quite know how to respond, showing he is unsure of how to navigate the conversation. He compliments her, but it feels a little careful, like he is holding back. His body language and the way he hesitates make it clear that, even though he likes her, he is already worrying about what others might think.

# data[].attributes.body
His initial reaction to Helen's body size, seen at the beginning of the story, is manifested through the use of the words ''pretty big'', referring to the size of her body. This reflects not only his attitude but also the societal beauty standards. Social norms often associate atractiveness to body size, leading to unfair judgements based solely on external appearance. Society often consider slimness as the ''ideal'' type body, while larger body sizes are often judged negatively. This bias could lead people like Tom to judge others based on body image, shaping the way we perceive ourselves and other individuals.

# data[].attributes.body
In the play Fat Pig, written by Neil LaBute. The author depicts Helen as a self-conscious, witty and confident woman. She can laugh of herself and seemed to have accepted her appearance. In her conversations with Tom she is constantly joking and she does not avoid talking about 'The elephant in the room' that is her weight. She openly talks about the fact that she is an obese woman, made humorous remarks about her size, and is not afraid of what people might think of her appearance.

# data[].attributes.body
Tom’s reaction to Helen’s body size reflects the powerful influence of societal norms, particularly those related to beauty standards and social acceptance. While Tom is genuinely attracted to Helen’s personality, warmth, and confidence, he struggles to fully embrace his feelings because of her appearance. This hesitation reveals how deeply ingrained societal expectations are. Despite his feelings for Helen, Tom worries about how his friends and colleagues will judge him for being with someone who doesn’t fit conventional beauty ideals.

# data[].attributes.body
Tom’s reaction to Helen’s body size portrays how societal norms can influence people's beliefs and choices. Societal norms can create insecurity, not only for individuals who may not fit the stereotypes, but also for people like Tom, who fear social rejection for breaking those norms and ideas. Even though he is clearly attracted to Helen’s personality and sense of humor, he is also worried about how others will judge him for dating a plus-sized woman.

# data[].attributes.body
Tom's reaction to Helen's body portrays perfectly societal norms, showing how people react to those who do not conform to the stereotype of a "perfect body". This suggests that people are conditioned to associate beauty with appearance, rather than seeing it in diversity. Tom's reaction also highlights that people frequently judge others based on looks alone, failing to see their true worth and missing the opportunity to connect with great individuals. His internal struggle reveals how deeply established societal norms are.

# data[].attributes.body
Tom's behavior in Scene 1 reveals his internal conflict between his genuine attraction to Helen and his insecurity about societal expectations. He initially presents himself as kind and open-minded, trying to downplay Helen’s weight and act as if it doesn’t matter. However, his overly cautious approach suggests that he is, in fact, very aware of it. This struggle stems from his own insecurities: apparently, he maintains a careful diet and fixates on appearances, likely because he believes his looks determine his value. Through his interactions with Helen, he begins to question this belief, but his hesitation indicates that he is still struggling with internalized social pressures.

# data[].attributes.body
Tom doesn't seem to dislike Helen's body, but he is heavily worried about what others would think of him if they knew that he was attracted to a bigger woman. I think this is a clear example of how important looks are nowadays. It shows that we are expected to be attracted to fit/slim bodies and that the value of someone (especially a woman) lies in their appearance. It also illustrates how men judge their peers based on who they find attractive.

# data[].attributes.body
Tom’s nervousness and awkwardness around Helen when they first meet reveals to us that he feels crossed by the emotions this encounter generates in him, and the societal norms he feels compelled to uphold. Tom is immediately interested in Helen, but it is obvious that he feels uneasy when she talks to him about her weight without mincing words or when she expresses some interest in him. This nervousness in Tom’s behaviour reveals that he is struggling to make sense of the impression Helen made on him and what the societal norms dictate about what makes a person attractive.

# data[].attributes.body
Helen's confidence is depicted through her sense of humor and her control of the conversations she is in, without showing her as patronizing nor uncomfortable with what she hears. LaBute displays a character that wants to be loved but at the same time shows how much awareness of societal norms and the pain these have made her go through. The overcoming of such expectatives and the confidence of her own understanding are mostly seen in her wit and ease to seemingly offset Tom´s conformity to societal standards and lack of self-respect.

# data[].attributes.body
In the first scene of "That First Meeting with Her," Tom's behavior reveals an internal conflict related to his attraction to Helen and his awareness of social norms surrounding weight and appearance. Initially, Tom's awkward approach, justifying his presence by saying the place is "Pretty big in here," shows social unease and insecurity about approaching someone he finds attractive. His comments about the space and difficulty articulating himself demonstrate underlying insecurity and an attempt to find a socially acceptable way to justify his interest without seeming rude or superficial. Tom's behavior in the first scene reveals a conflict between his attraction to Helen and his social insecurity, possibly influenced by societal norms about physical appearance. His awkward approach, hesitation, and unconvincing attempts to justify his presence indicate he is internally grappling with his feelings and how to express them.

# data[].attributes.body
LaBute shows Helen’s confidence through her humor and the way she talks. She jokes about her weight before others can, not because she’s insecure, but to take control of the conversation. Her humor is playful but also shows that she’s comfortable with herself, even when society might expect otherwise. This makes her stand out, especially next to Tom, who seems more unsure of himself. She teases him in a way that’s fun but also forces him (and the audience) to think about their own biases. Instead of looking for approval, Helen speaks in a direct and self-assured way, turning typical romantic roles upside down

# data[].attributes.body
Tom's reaction to Helen’s body says that societal norms make people view fat bodies as unattractive, linking them to laziness or lack of self-control. These beauty standards shape our self perception and relationships. Though Tom is initially attracted to Helen, his coworkers’ comments make him want to hide her, to avoid judgment. His reaction shows how deeply these norms are imposed, making social approval seem more important than personal happiness. These attitudes influence not only how we relate to others but also how we see ourselves, reinforcing the idea that external validation outweighs genuine emotional connections.

# data[].attributes.body
The author, Neil LaBute, portrays Helen as a clever, funny, self-assured character through her dialogue. Helen is constantly making witty comments and remarks that showcase her intelligence and sense of self. Also, the author, through the addition of dialogues such as "you shouldn't be so nervous... if we are going to start dating" underscore Helen's boldness and confidence, depicting her as a charming person to both readers and Tom himself.

# data[].attributes.body
I think that Tom’s reaction to Helen’s body size serves as a reflection of how societal norms prioritizes thinness as the standard of beauty and desirability and how these norms influence individual desires. Clearly, his attraction to Helen shows how Tom sees Helen beyond her body size, finding her funny and intelligent and genuinely enjoying spending time with her. Tom’s internal struggle of hesitating to embrace their situationship in front of his coworker due to fear of judgement indicates that he actually is affected by external validation.

# data[].attributes.body
I strongly believe that Labute uses humor and dialogue to show that Helen has gone through a lot and she's learned how to handle other people's attitude towards her body image. However, I also think that Helen jokes about it too much and that it probably means that she's not completely over it. Maybe she feels like she has to constantly show others that she is ok with herself. Therefore, I would say that she is still learning how to be confident in her own skin and that is clearly shown through her dialogues.

# data[].attributes.body
I believe Helen's sense of humour shows not only her confidence, but also her trust in her body. She is now content with who she is, although she is aware that she struggled when she was younger. She is kind to Tom. She recognises that Tom may have body-related prejudices. They appreciate having a nice meeting and are comfortable discussing body issues. Helen's dialogue demonstrates the maturity to discuss big issues such as body shapes.

# data[].attributes.body
I believe that the first scene of Fat Pig, where Tom’s reaction to Helen’s body is portrayed, is a clear example of how societal norms surrounding beauty and body image influence our thoughts and beliefs. At the beginning of their conversation, Tom is unsure and nervous, not because of his feelings toward her, but because he is very conscious of her weight and feels pressured to be attracted to certain physical standards. Initially, he rejects these feelings and tries to ignore them, but he’s unable to do so as he is genuinely attracted to her. This moment highlights the influence societal norms have on how people’s minds work and how they tend to discriminate against fat people.

# data[].attributes.body
The dilemma Tom faces in the play reflects the deep influence of societal norms on self-perception and relationships. His reaction to Helen’s body size reveals his level of self-awarness regarding body estereotypes. In the first scene, Tom tries to present himself as a non-superficial person who does not judge others by their appearance or weight. However, humans are social creatures, and we tend to put a great deal of stock in the opinions of those around us. So, after talking with his coworker, Carter, Tom’s constant hesitation and embarrassment during his next date with Helen reveal his internal judgement. Even though Tom is genuinely drawn to Helen’s liveliness, intellect and wit, societal norms, which reinforce unrealistic beauty standars, clouds his judgement and he can do nothing but become another prisioner of external validation.

# data[].attributes.body
I believe that Tom's reaction to Helen's body size reflects society's expectations for overweight people to live in the shadows. Tom seems astonished at Helen's self-esteem and confidence, which highlights society's beliefs about fat people: if you do not fit the conventional standards, you are denied the same experiences as others. Being fat impedes you from having a relationship, enjoying your sexuality, and living a happy life without feeling the need to hide or experience shame for your body. Although the play premiered in 2004 and societal attitudes have evolved significantly since then, I think "Fat Pig" portrays societal beliefs that still exist nowadays.

# data[].attributes.body
Tom exhibits an uneasy attitude toward Helen’s body. While he does not openly discriminate against her, his discomfort when discussing her size or eating habits reflects a broader societal struggle with how to interact with fat individuals. People often pay attention to weight, even when they try not to. Tom’s attempts to avoid the topic of Helen’s body illustrate how fatness remains a social taboo, something that many feel uncomfortable acknowledging.

Tom also tries to keep his relationship with Helen a secret from his friends, revealing his fear of judgment. His reluctance to be seen with her publicly suggests that, despite his genuine feelings, he prioritizes social acceptance over his own happiness. This reinforces the idea that fatness is not just stigmatized but also treated as something shameful—something to be hidden. His behavior reflects how societal norms dictate relationships, making people feel pressured to conform to unrealistic beauty standards rather than embracing personal connections freely.

# data[].attributes.body
Tom's reaction to Helen's size shows how society judges people based on looks. At first, he acts nervous when Helen thinks he's talking about her weight. This shows how uncomfortable people get about body size. Even though Helen is confident, Tom seems worried about what others might think of him for being with a bigger woman. The play points out how unfair this is - Helen has to deal with comments about her size all the time, while Tom never has to think about his own body the same way.

# data[].attributes.body
Tom’s reaction to Helen's body in this story illustrates the impact that societal pressure and culture have on interpersonal relationships. Tom is uncertain about his attraction towards Helen because she does not conform to the societal norm that equates thinness with beauty. His desires are overshadowed by the pressure to date someone who aligns with the discriminatory beauty standards imposed by society. This is evident when Tom is opposed to the idea of introducing Helen to his coworkers, especially to Carter who is extremely judgemental about body image.

# data[].attributes.body
I think in scenes 1 to 3, LaBute uses humor in a really smart way to show Helen’s confidence. She jokes around with Tom and isn’t afraid to speak her mind, which makes her stand out right away. What I like is that her humor doesn’t come from insecurity, she’s actually very comfortable with herself. It’s also interesting how she seems more sure of herself than Tom, even though society might expect the opposite. Her playful and honest way of talking really shows who she is.

# data[].attributes.body
LaBute shows Helen’s confidence in Fat Pig through humor and the way she speaks. She makes jokes and responds in a strong, playful way, showing that she feels good about herself. For example, when she talks to Tom, she often teases him in a fun way. This helps her stay in control of the conversation. Her humor makes her character likable and also challenges ideas about beauty.

# data[].attributes.body
Tom’s main problem, dealing with societal or peer pressure, is mostly evidenced in scene 1 by how it feels as if he is walking on thin ice with every comment in relation to Helen’s weight he or she makes. It is obvious that he is able to leave aside looks and get to connect on a deeper level with Helen, but the beginning scenes and the final silence, hiding the napkin as if he did not want anyone else to know, lead us to interpret how concious he is of the opinion of others, which is evidenced in the following Scenes.

# data[].attributes.body
Tom’s behavior in Scene 1 shows his internal conflict through his nervousness and hesitation when talking to Helen. He struggles with his words, second-guesses himself, and seems unsure about his feelings. While he enjoys their conversation, he also holds back, possibly because of his own doubts or society’s expectations. His choice to ask Helen if they can meet again shows he wants to move past his fears, but his silence at the end suggests he is still unsure about what to do.

# data[].attributes.body
I think that, despite the body positivity movement, we still live in a society with strong traditional stereotypes, and this is reflected on Tom’s reaction. He is also influenced by his coworker, Carter, who is very judgmental of other people’s appearance. Tom tires to look past Helen’s body and focus on other traits, but it shows that he is even insecure to talk about it. He is surprised by her confidence and dares to ask her how she feels and if it’s okay to talk about it. This shows that, in a way, our society is also changing for the better.

# data[].attributes.body
The author portrays Helen with a natural sense of humour that not only shows her confidence, as in her dialogues she makes jokes about her size, but also demonstrates her comfort in her own skin. She does not let society’s beauty standards define her. Her humour helps her cope with societal prejudices, turning taboos about being overweight into a form of empowerment. This makes critics like Carter seem ridiculous and invalidates their comments.

# data[].attributes.body
In the first three scenes of Fat Pig, Lebute uses Helen’s dialogue and humour to highlight her confidence. Helen leads most of the conversation and light-heartedly jokes about her physical appearance. This is evident in the first scene when she meets Tom at the restaurant, where she mentions her weight before Tom can actually say anything to her face about it. She takes control of the situation by introducing the topic and making jokes before the conversation becomes more awkward. These two strategies help show that Helen is a confident character who uses her charisma to handle uncomfortable moments.

# data[].attributes.body
In the first scene we can see that Tom is a bit uncomfortable when he first meets Helen as he is unsure of the right words to say to her. He is hesitant when Helen offers a seat next to her, but ultimately accepts. This happens again when she offers Tom a bit of pudding, which he initially refuses but later accepts. He is uncomfortable being around someone who is not seen as “normal” by society standards. Although he was not sure of the idea of seeing Helen again at first, he wants to meet her again, showcasing his internal turmoil of emotions.

# data[].attributes.body
Tom's reaction to Helen's body size mirrors what happens in society when it comes to beauty standards and attraction. He struggles with the pressure to be attracted to a certain type of body, even though he’s clearly drawn to Helen’s personality. Deep down, he knows he likes her, but he still has internalized prejudice that stops him from fully accepting it. His fear of judgment, especially from his coworker Carter, makes him hide the fact that he was on a date with a plus-sized woman. This fear of ridicule shows how much society influences personal choices, even when feelings are real.

# data[].attributes.body
Tom’s behavior in Scene 1 is portrayed as hesitant and slightly uneasy when talking to Helen. At first, he struggles to respond, revealing his conflict through his fear of being seen with her and his reluctance to be unkind. As the conversation unfolds, he becomes more comfortable expressing his thoughts. Helen’s perspective challenges his assumptions, making him reflect on ideas he had unconsciously acquired from society. This is evident when he refuses pudding, as if restricted by imposed rules, but later accepts it, symbolizing his growing self-awareness and gaining ownership in his actions by focusing on his true desires.

# data[].attributes.body
Tom's discomfort and hesitation whenever Helen's body size is addressed perfectly conveys society's tendency to treat plus-size bodies as something shameful. This idea is confirmed by Tom's reluctance to tell his co-workers about Helen and his strong reaction when Carter shows up at the restaurant during his date with Helen. He is embarrassed to admit that he is attracted to a plus-sized woman, afraid he will be mocked for it, thus further exemplifying the way societal norms dictate that plus-size bodies are inherently ugly and unattractive.

# data[].attributes.body
In the play Fat Pig, LaBute uses humor and dialogue to show Helen’s confidence by making her the one in control of conversations. She speaks openly and comfortably, never hesitating to express her thoughts. Her jokes are not just about self-acceptance but also a way to challenge Tom’s insecurities. Instead of waiting for approval, she sets the tone with her playful and direct approach. This makes her stand out as someone who refuses to let others define her.

# data[].attributes.body
I think it's very interesting how Helen uses humor as a way to protect herself, especially when she makes jokes about her own weight. In a way, if she makes the joke first, she's making sure no one else can surprise her with a jab of their own. This humor makes her seem more confident than she actually is. I don't believe her confidence goes very deep, honestly. At the end of the first scene, her return to the table where Tom's sitting to tell him it's alright if he doesn't call her back is a clear example of that vulnerability she's trying to mask. Expecting to be rejected is not really a sign of true self-confidence. It makes Helen quite an interesting and layered character.

# data[].attributes.body
LaBute uses dialogue and humour to show an apparently highly confident character. Helena's quick-wittedness and well-timed sarcasm show that she is a very intelligent woman, and the fact that she is very honest and straight to the point shows that she is not afraid of speaking her mind.

In spite of her confident image, however, her constant use of self-deprecating humour may be a sign of underlying insecurities, which the character might be trying to cope with through this behaviour. In making self-deprecating jokes, she controls how others perceive her and reduces the sting of any potential negative remarks. This idea would be supported by how she returns to Tom and asks him not to ghost her after giving him her phone number.

# data[].attributes.body
In this play, the author portrays Helen as a confident, funny, but self-aware woman that has a great sense of humor. She tends to be direct, which sometimes makes other characters like Tom feel uncomfortable, as she openly addresses topics that other people might try to avoid, such as body image and societal norms. Her honesty usually forces Tom to confront his internal conflict. The use of humor and dialogue help not only to portray her as a confident woman, but as a vulnerable, emotionally aware person as well. This makes her a very complex character that feels authentic and relatable.

# data[].attributes.body
In the play Fat Pig, author Neil LaBute uses humor and dialogue to characterize Helen as a confident and self-assured woman. The use of humor in dialogue not only shapes her personality but also establishes her as an active and dynamic character. Helen frequently makes remarks about her appearance in a subtly self-deprecating way and openly jokes with Tom, showing both her wit and self-awareness. Her confidence in her looks, combined with her understanding of Tom’s discomfort regarding her weight, gives her the upper hand in their interactions. While Tom drives the conflict in the play, Helen drives the action. Her self-assurance allows her to carry conversations and move the plot forward, establishing her as a bright, self-aware, and honest woman.

# data[].attributes.body
I think that society has made it so that the very first thing and sometimes, the only thing that matters about a person, is how they look, what their body is like. It is as if bigger people could not be treated like normal people. There is a need, fixed in most people´s brains, to notice somehow, and to feel uncomfortable around someone that is a bigger or smaller size than what is considered "normal" or "common" in different societies. It is impossible for some to see anything else that the body because it has been fixed in our heads through social media, music, tv, etc.

# data[].attributes.body
Tom’s reaction in Fat Pig reflects the power of societal pressure, internalized fatphobia, and the fear of social judgment. While he genuinely likes Helen for her personality, humor, and kindness, he cannot fully separate his feelings from the expectations imposed by society. Society often considers attractiveness with being thin, especially for women, promoting unhealthy and unrealistic bodies. Helen’s body size challenges this norm, making her relationship with Tom socially “unacceptable” in the eyes of others.

# data[].attributes.body
Tom’s reaction to Helen’s body size in Fat Pig reflects the deep influence of societal norms regarding beauty, weight, and conformity. While he is genuinely attracted to Helen’s personality, intelligence, and humor, he struggles with external pressures and his own internalized biases. His hesitation, embarrassment, and fear of judgment from his peers—especially Carter—highlight how society often equates physical appearance with personal worth. This suggests that societal norms condition individuals to prioritize external validation over personal happiness, reinforcing harmful beauty standards and making it difficult for people to embrace relationships that challenge conventional expectations.

# data[].attributes.body
In the first scene, Tom feels slightly uncomfortable around Helen at first, partly because he does not know her and partly because he is careful not to say anything inappropriate. However, he also enjoys eating with someone who does not count calories or judge his food choices. When Helen offers him pudding for dessert, he declines, saying, "No, I shouldn’t," which reveals that he follows societal expectations about what he should eat, like choosing a salad. Later, he admits that he feels good after allowing himself to enjoy his meal without worrying about calories or checking food labels.

# data[].attributes.body
In Scene 1, Tom shows that he's struggling with his feelings for someone who doesn't fit into what society considers “normal.” He seems to like Helen, but at the same time, he's worried about what other people might think. He is conflicted because he feels stuck between being true to his emotions and wanting to fit in with others. So we can say that he's dealing with both personal and social pressures.

# data[].attributes.body
Culture, media, and historical trends shape societal norms when it comes to body weight. Many societies encourage thinness, relating it with beauty and success, often leading to discrimination against larger bodies. In this case, Tom embodies the struggle between personal desire and societal pressure regarding body weight. Tom’s internal conflict highlights how societal norms relate thinness to attractiveness and isolate those who deviate from the norm. The idea that he can not talk to Helen comfortably or does not want to sit beside her in the first place shows his internalized bias not knowing how to relate with someone so different from him.

# data[].attributes.body
Tom’s behaviour in scene 1 reveals his internal conflict through his feelings and actions.

During Tom and Helen’s lunch together, we can see him nervous towards Helen’s comments and jokes. Tom shows lack of self-confidence while talking to Helen, he feels nervous, and he tries to avoid eye contact. For instance, he feels hesitant when Helen offers him to share the table, but he finally accepts. Also, “he looks around, self-consciously”, so we see how awkward he feels while interacting with Helen. In addition, after she suggests that Tom hasn’t dated true girls, they share a smile and Tom “reappraises” her. This tells us that he wasn’t genuinely interested in talking with her, until that moment. They don’t even know their names until they have to go and it’s not because Tom had asked her. These feelings and actions show Tom’s internal conflict between his desire of being friendly and not rude towards Helen, and his lack of comfort towards Helen’s appearance.

# data[].attributes.body
Scene 1 shows a Tom who struggles to accept the fact that he seems to be interested to a person whose body does not "fit" in society's "standards", so to speaks; additionally, it seems that Tom also has issues when it comes to joking around about one's own body or weight, as Helen, who conversely seems to accept herself, nonchalantly does.

# data[].attributes.body
In the first three scenes of Fat Pig, LaBute uses humor and dialogue to show Helen’s confidence. Humor is employed in Helen’s dialogue to make her appear playful with her teasing and bold comments. For example, in their initial meeting at the restaurant, she jokingly acknowledges her weight before Tom can, taking control of the conversation. This self-awareness, along with her ability to laugh at herself, makes her seem confident rather than insecure. Her dialogue shows how she controls the conversation, challenges Tom’s assumptions, and makes it clear she knows her worth. These techniques make Helen a charismatic and confident character, explaining Tom’s attraction despite his internalized biases.