Marlon Brando, who plays the character of Terry Malloy, is a young ex-prize fighter. ... He was able to express the emotions of the character through his facial expression, arm and hand movement, and through the character itself. ... The scenes between Brando and Eva are very touching and realistic (even though their kissing could improve), but the famous "I coulda been a contender" scene is deserving of all it's praise. ...

• Word Count: 421
• Approx Pages: 2
• Grade Level: High School

In one of the most memorable shots, Terry shouts "I coulda been a contender!... We get the sense of his character, Terry, through Brando's looks, feel, and speech. ... He eats, sleeps, and breathes his character. ...

• Word Count: 377
• Approx Pages: 2
• Grade Level: High School

" Kazan portrays her as an angelic character instilled with purity and Christian values of charity and generosity which Terry at first questions, however begins to fall in love with, easing his guilt by loving her. ... In the famous "taxi" scene, Terry refuses to stop "singing," breaking the hold that his brother has, and for the first time, blames his brother for his miserable life, exclaiming that he "could have been a contender....

• Word Count: 871
• Approx Pages: 3

Through their individual efforts, these characters are able to make a profound difference to those around them. ... Despite his instance that he "ain't a bum," Terry lacks the will to bring about change until he confronts his brother Charley with the realization that "he coulda been a contender coulda been somebody" if it weren't for Charley. ... In contrast to Terry, the character of Edie is immediately at odds with the world she is placed in. ... Kazan used the principle characters in "On The Waterfront" to prove that making an individual effort can bring change...

• Word Count: 1236
• Approx Pages: 5