Sure Thing is a one-act play written by David Ives that explores the concept of predetermined outcomes and the ways in which small choices can drastically alter the course of a person's life. The play follows the interactions of two characters, Bill and Betty, as they repeatedly meet and get to know each other in a variety of different scenarios. Through these encounters, Ives creates complex and multifaceted characters that reveal deep insights into human nature and relationships.
Bill is the central character in Sure Thing. He is initially portrayed as a somewhat timid and awkward young man who is struggling to connect with Betty, the object of his affection. Despite his initial lack of confidence, however, Bill is revealed to be a deeply thoughtful and introspective character who is able to adapt and adjust to different situations with remarkable flexibility.
One of the most striking aspects of Bill's character is his ability to adapt to new situations and perspectives. This is most evident in the way he responds to the various "bells" that signal the end of one scenario and the beginning of another. When he first meets Betty, for instance, he is nervous and unsure of himself, and his initial conversation with her is stilted and awkward. However, as the play progresses and the two characters meet in different situations, Bill becomes increasingly comfortable and confident, showing a remarkable ability to adjust to different circumstances and make the most of each encounter.
This adaptability is also reflected in the way that Bill approaches his interactions with Betty. Throughout the play, he is willing to try new things and take risks in order to get to know her better and win her over. For example, he is willing to go on a blind date with her even though he knows nothing about her, and he is also willing to take her to a foreign film that he knows nothing about in order to impress her. These choices reflect a willingness to embrace the unknown and a desire to forge new connections, and they ultimately help to establish Bill as a deeply complex and dynamic character.
While Bill is the central character in Sure Thing, Betty is also a fully developed and multidimensional character. She is initially portrayed as a confident and independent young woman who is not afraid to speak her mind and stand up for herself. However, as the play progresses and she gets to know Bill better, she reveals a more vulnerable and sensitive side, showing that she too is capable of adaptability and change.
One of the most striking aspects of Betty's character is her ability to challenge Bill and push him to be his best self. She does this through a series of pointed questions and observations that help to reveal his true character and motivations. For example, when Bill first meets her, he is hesitant to reveal his true feelings, but Betty is able to draw them out through her persistence and willingness to engage with him on a deeper level. In this way, Betty serves as a catalyst for Bill's personal growth and development, helping him to become a more confident and self-assured individual.
Overall, the characters of Bill and Betty in Sure Thing are deeply complex and multidimensional, and their interactions reveal profound insights into human nature and relationships. Through their repeated encounters and the ways in which they adapt and change in response to each other, Ives creates a rich and nuanced portrait of two individuals who are struggling to connect and find meaning in a world that is full of uncertainty and possibility.
