Does Keisha seem to understand and sympathize with Andy's depression?

Does Keisha seem to understand and sympathize with Andy's depression?

• A. Yes
• B. Somewhat
• C. No
• D. Not at all

Answer: (C)

Understanding how a character responds to someone who is depressed is about recognizing whether they acknowledge the other person’s feelings and offer real support. In this situation, Keisha’s reactions show she does not acknowledge Andy’s pain and instead dismisses or minimizes it, or shifts the focus away from his feelings. That kind of response signals a lack of empathy, because someone who understands depression would listen, validate what he’s going through, and encourage seeking help or reaching out. Without that supportive, validating reaction, the best choice is that she does not understand or sympathize at all. If you compare to the other options, those would require her to show some recognition or care for his struggle, which isn’t evidenced by her behavior here.

Understanding how a character responds to someone who is depressed is about recognizing whether they acknowledge the other person’s feelings and offer real support. In this situation, Keisha’s reactions show she does not acknowledge Andy’s pain and instead dismisses or minimizes it, or shifts the focus away from his feelings. That kind of response signals a lack of empathy, because someone who understands depression would listen, validate what he’s going through, and encourage seeking help or reaching out. Without that supportive, validating reaction, the best choice is that she does not understand or sympathize at all. If you compare to the other options, those would require her to show some recognition or care for his struggle, which isn’t evidenced by her behavior here.