Character

Humorless Candidate

serious literal humorless reserved

Bartlet interviews the Humorless Candidate for executive secretary in the Oval Office. She answers questions literally and ignores his attempts at humor, prompting worries over poor rapport. This encounter reveals Bartlet's struggle to replace Mrs. Landingham amid Oval pressures like senator meetings. Her rigid professionalism fits administrative needs but lacks the levity required for Oval proximity, marking her as an unsuitable match in the search for a seamless aide.

2 appearances

Also known as: second morning candidate, Humorless (second morning candidate)

Humorless Candidate's Journey

A timeline through the narrative

2 moments

S4E2 · 20 Hours in America Part II

Church, State and the Missing Secretary

Sober and literal in recall; her demeanor registers as incompatible with Bartlet's conversational style.

Referenced as the second woman who 'wasn't funny'—Bartlet perceives her literalness and inability to read his humor as a liability for the role.

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S4E2 · 20 Hours in America Part II

The President's Small-Scale Rage

Portrayed as emotionally serious and possibly judgmental; her literalism alarms the President.

Referenced as the 'second one' who failed to recognize Bartlet's joke about D'Astier, used to illustrate social misattunement for Oval Office roles.

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