Characters

Characterization of Robert

Robert is the main character of the short film “The English Teacher” by Blake Ridder. Based on his appearance, he is most likely in his thirties. He is an English teacher and a widower, as his wife was killed in a car accident.

Robert seems to be good at his job. When he teaches Jin, he starts with the basics and has a warm and open attitude, which helps Jin feel at ease with him and with the English language (02:52-03:33). During the English lessons, Robert is seen laughing and smiling, which suggests that he has a good time teaching Jin. Their interactions also suggest that Robert is an honest man, as he tells Jin he cannot accept the large sum of money Jin has transferred. 

Outside the teaching courses, Robert is lonely and sad. For example, he is not seen interacting with other people besides Jin and seems sad when he eats his lunch alone.

Another example which shows Robert’s sadness and loneliness is the scene where he has a breakdown and is unable to finish his meal.

Throughout the film, it is clear that Robert struggles with grief, and we gradually learn that this grief is caused by the death of his wife. In one scene, a half-awake Robert extends his hand to his wife’s side of the bed, which he finds empty (06:11-06:24). The scene shows that Robert misses her and that he struggle...