Character Relationships: Fiction/Drama Practice Test

In the following original dramatic exchange, Elin (a seasoned stage manager) confronts Cass (a young actor) backstage after a rehearsal that went poorly. The theater is emptying; the ghost light casts long shadows.

CASS: You didn’t call my entrance.

ELIN: I did. You didn’t take it.

CASS: Because I couldn’t hear you.

ELIN: Because you were listening for applause that wasn’t there.

CASS: That’s not fair.

ELIN: Fair is a word people use when they don’t want to say “earned.”

CASS (yanking off a costume piece): You hate me.

ELIN: I don’t have the luxury.

CASS: Everyone else gets notes like invitations. Mine feel like indictments.

ELIN: Because you treat the stage like it owes you.

CASS: It does. I’ve bled for it.

ELIN: You’ve bled in front of it. That’s different.

CASS (quietly): Why do you talk to me like I’m a problem?

ELIN (after a beat): Because if I talk to you like you’re precious, you’ll believe it and stop growing.

CASS: So I’m your project.

ELIN: You’re your own. I just refuse to watch you waste it.

Which choice best characterizes the relationship between Elin and Cass?

In a drama set in a community theater’s dressing room, two actors—Lena (new to the troupe) and Victor (a veteran performer and director’s favorite)—prepare for opening night. A mirror lined with bulbs hums. Lena pins her costume; Victor practices lines.

VICTOR: Your hem is crooked.

LENA: It’s supposed to be.

VICTOR: No. It’s supposed to look effortless.

LENA: Effortless takes effort.

VICTOR: Not if you have instinct.

LENA (ties her hair back): Or if you’ve had ten years of people telling you you’re brilliant.

VICTOR: I worked.

LENA: I didn’t say you didn’t.

VICTOR (smiles): You’re nervous. It makes you sharp.

LENA: I’m not nervous. I’m alert.

VICTOR: Same thing.

LENA: Not if you’re the one everyone forgives.

VICTOR: Everyone forgives talent.

LENA: Or they forgive you.

VICTOR (leans closer, lowering his voice): The director listens to me.

LENA: I know.

VICTOR: I could tell her you’re difficult.

LENA (meets his gaze): And I could tell her you’re afraid.

VICTOR (a beat): Afraid of what?

LENA: Afraid that if I’m good, you’ll have to be kind.

VICTOR (laughs, but it’s thin): Kindness isn’t in the script.

LENA: It’s always in the script. You just cut it.

What does Lena’s highlighted statement imply about Victor?