The portrayal of the characters plays a fundamental role in comparing the film and the text of Hedda Gabler. We can see a more dynamic interaction between Tesman and his Aunt Julie in the film. Although the text gives a noticeable bond between the two characters, the film captures the unmistakable fondness that Tesman and Miss Tesman have for each other. Their way of speaking to each other is significantly less formal in the film, which tends to support the notion of familiarity. Additionally, films depict a character’s expression and we see that Tesman has a very cheerful disposition. On the other hand, Hedda remains stoic and bad-tempered. The contrast between the groom and the bride is obvious by Hedda’s lack of acknowledgement for Miss Tesman. Both the film and the text portray Hedda to be unapologetic for her rudeness.

The pace of the piece tends to be quicker in the film. Often, some details are omitted in the play such as in the scene when Tesman comes back from escorting his aunt out the door. In the text, Hedda says, “But where did she (Miss Tesman) get her manners, flinging her hat around any way she likes here in the drawing room. People just don’t act that way” (789). This was left out of the play an Tesman simply tells his wife to be more affectionate toward his aunt. Additionally, the film leaves out the part when Hedda is seemingly dissatisfied with the piano in the room. Personally, I believe the text brings out Hedda’s personality more clearly. She is depicted as more materialistic and selfish in the original text, primarily because the small details that reinforce her self-indulgent personality is not as apparent in the film. Although the film does not entirely capture the essence of the characters, it does provide a dynamic insight of the relationships between them. The actors’ tone and their expressions make it easier to understand their interactions.