“Benjamin, once he left the hospital, took life as he found it. … Thereafter Benjamin contrived to break something every day, but he did these things only because they were expected of him, and because he was by nature obliging.”

This quote comes in Part 3, after Benjamin has been settled into his new home. It is the first and most direct description of Benjamin’s most consistent personality traits. Benjamin is amiable, obliging, and takes life as it comes. These traits will serve Benjamin well over the course of his life as he struggles with his strange aging condition.

“Benjamin smiled wearily. ‘I am eighteen,’ he repeated.

The registrar pointed sternly to the door. ‘Get out,’ he said. ‘Get out of college and get out of town. You are a dangerous lunatic.’

‘I am eighteen.’”

This quote comes in Part 4 during Benjamin’s attempt to register as a freshman at Yale after being accepted. The registrar refuses to believe Benjamin is eighteen, but Benjamin steadfastly asserts the truth. This incident highlights Benjamin’s earnestness and the subtle strength and persistence of his character. He knows the truth is ridiculous, but Benjamin earnestly desires to study at Yale and stands by the truth nonetheless.