Play 221: Names

CHARACTERS
BEN, 17
DANIELLE, 17

BEN
I don’t?

DANIELLE
Nope.

(Beat.)

BEN
How don’t I?

DANIELLE
I don’t know.

(Beat.)

You just don’t.

(Beat.)

BEN
You know, when people say that I always find it weird.

DANIELLE
That you don’t look like a Ben?

BEN
Yeah, but I mean just when someone says anyone doesn’t look like their name.

DANIELLE
Why?

BEN
It’s completely based on past experience.

DANIELLE
How?

BEN
I just don’t look like a Ben to you because the other Ben’s you’ve known don’t look like me. Maybe I’m the one who looks like a Ben and they’re the ones who don’t fit their names.

(Beat.)

Or maybe I don't look like one, but, it doesn't really matter which one it is.

(Beat.)

DANIELLE
I disagree.

BEN
Whatever.

(Beat.)

DANIELLE
But names have their own feelings, and sometimes people’s appearances don’t fit them.

BEN
I still think it’s mostly based on who you know.

DANIELLE
Suit yourself.

(Beat.)

BEN
I guess some names have a certain vibe, but not many.

(Pause.)

DANIELLE
Do I look like a Danielle?

(Beat, he looks at her with a pensive look.)

BEN
Definitely.

DANIELLE
(Sarcastically.)
So you mean the other Danielles you’ve known look like me?

BEN
Pretty much.

(Blackout.)