Character Sketch of Gerrard and the Intruder in “If I Were You”

“If I Were You” is a one-act play by Douglas James that revolves around an intriguing encounter between Gerrard, a playwright, and an intruder who mistakenly assumes Gerrard’s identity. The play showcases a blend of suspense and humor, driven by the distinct characteristics of its two main characters.

Gerrard: The Unassuming Playwright

Gerrard is introduced as a calm and composed playwright who leads a rather solitary and routine life. Despite his quiet demeanor, Gerrard exhibits a remarkable level of adaptability and quick thinking throughout the play. When faced with the unexpected and dangerous situation of an intruder holding him at gunpoint, Gerrard manages to keep his composure and uses his wit to navigate the crisis.

1. Calm and Composed: Gerrard’s calmness is evident when he encounters the intruder. He does not panic but instead engages the intruder in conversation, buying himself time to devise a plan.
2. Intelligent and Witty: Gerrard’s intelligence is showcased through his witty remarks and strategic thinking. He quickly assesses the intruder’s motives and concocts a story to mislead him.
3. Resourceful: Gerrard’s resourcefulness is a key aspect of his character. He cleverly devises a plan to convince the intruder that he, too, is a criminal, which ultimately leads to the intruder’s capture.
4. Nonchalant Attitude: Despite the life-threatening situation, Gerrard maintains a nonchalant attitude, often making light of the intruder’s threats. This unnerves the intruder and gives Gerrard the upper hand.

The Intruder: A Desperate Criminal

The intruder, whose real name remains unknown, is a dangerous criminal on the run. His plan is to kill Gerrard and assume his identity to escape the police. However, his character flaws and lack of confidence become his downfall.

1. Desperate and Dangerous: The intruder’s desperation is clear from his willingness to commit murder to avoid capture. He is dangerous but also paranoid and fearful of getting caught.
2. Overconfident yet Insecure: The intruder initially appears confident with his plan, but his insecurity surfaces as Gerrard starts manipulating the situation. He reveals too much information about his plan, which Gerrard uses against him.
3. Unpredictable: The intruder’s actions are driven by confusion and paranoia, making him unpredictable. This unpredictability adds tension to the narrative as Gerrard works to outsmart him.
4. Lack of Foresight: The intruder’s failure to foresee Gerrard’s cleverness and quick thinking leads to his downfall. He underestimates Gerrard, which proves to be a critical mistake.

Interaction and Dynamics

The interaction between Gerrard and the intruder is marked by a blend of tension and humor. Gerrard’s calm and witty demeanor contrasts sharply with the intruder’s anxious and erratic behavior. This dynamic creates a captivating narrative that keeps the audience engaged.

1. Tension and Suspense: The play’s tension is driven by the life-and-death stakes and the psychological battle between the characters. The suspense is heightened by the intruder’s unpredictable behavior and Gerrard’s calculated responses.
2. Humor and Irony: Despite the serious situation, the play is laced with humor, primarily through Gerrard’s witty remarks. The irony of the intruder being outsmarted by his supposed victim adds a layer of comedic relief.
3. Climax and Resolution: The climax of the play is reached when Gerrard successfully tricks the intruder into thinking he is also a criminal. This leads to the intruder being captured, bringing a satisfying resolution to the conflict.

In “If I Were You,” Douglas James skillfully crafts the characters of Gerrard and the intruder to create a narrative that is both suspenseful and humorous. Gerrard’s calm, intelligent, and resourceful nature stands in stark contrast to the intruder’s desperate and paranoid demeanor. This interplay not only drives the plot but also provides a deeper commentary on human nature and the consequences of deception. The story ultimately highlights how wit and presence of mind can prevail in even the most perilous situations.