The Graduate

Benjamin Baddock strikes the audience as an awkward, "bad game with girls" kind of character right off the batt. To be honest, we don't know why he doesn't take up the opportunity that Mrs. Robinson is forcefully laying out on the table, no strings attached. What I found most interesting though, is that over time, we see Ben strengthen as a person through his love for Elaine. Undoubtably he was a very awkward figure in the beginning of the film, but the evolution of him and his passion unfolds. After starting to get to know Elaine, he realizes how much he actually does genuinely love her. It's definitely a progression throughout the film but its intriguing to see his character grow. We see him actually go to all odds to be with her and do what it takes to do so. Towards the end of the film, after learning from Carl's frat brothers that the wedding is in Santa Barbara that morning, he rushes out to go stop the wedding. Thats when you know. The timid, awkward Benjamin in the beginning, is mature and knows what he wants by the end. I think Nichols created Ben this way to show the growth one has through experiences. It's ultimately a learning process overtime and we see Ben learn, but love at the same time.