Matthew is a 20-year-old business major who believes responsibility defines a person. He is disciplined, punctual, and overly serious for his age. Matthew wants success, security, and respect—but struggles with vulnerability. He dislikes emotional messiness but cares deeply about those close to him. Matthew’s arc explores emotional discomfort, honesty, and learning that control isn’t everything.

Background: African American, raised in a modest, supportive family. Although he’s a high achiever in business school, he’s still navigating his social identity and self-confidence.

Major: Business, with interests in entrepreneurship and finance

• Responsible, structured, logical
• Awkward in emotional situations
• Helpful but stiff
• High achiever

• Success and stability
• Clear expectations
• To support others in practical ways

• Being seen as incompetent
• Emotional vulnerability
• Losing control

• Breanna — academic connection, tension
• Beau/Eric — slight frustration
• Deepak — mutual respect

Precise wording Short, direct sentences Avoids emotional language Offers solutions instead of empathy