Bartlet Champions Regal Statesman Attire for Charlie
Plot Beats
The narrative micro-steps within this event
Charlie stands uncomfortably in formal attire as President Bartlet enters and compliments his appearance, establishing the unusual dress code for the evening.
Bartlet humorously defends the formal dress as a statesman's tradition, likening it to Woodrow Wilson's era, while Charlie nervously confirms they won't wear top hats.
As an aide helps Bartlet with his coat, the President lectures Charlie on statesmanlike dressing for formal occasions, emphasizing its regal nature.
A Secret Service agent announces the President's movement as the group prepares to depart for the event.
Who Was There
Characters present in this moment
proud and playful
enters the room, compliments Charlie's appearance, declares revival of statesmanlike dress code referencing Woodrow Wilson, playfully dismisses top hats, lectures on regal protocol for formal occasions while getting assisted with his coat
- • promote and enforce statesmanlike regal attire for formal occasions like the Congressional Christmas party
- • humanize his leadership through warm, erudite interaction
Alert and operationally focused
The Secret Service agent crisply announces 'Eagle's moving' at the scene's close, signaling imminent departure and injecting urgent duty into the lighthearted exchange, propelling Bartlet and Charlie from the room.
- • Initiate secure presidential movement protocol
- • Ensure timely extraction from private space
- • Coded commands override personal moments for security
- • Vigilance demands instantaneous response readiness
Uncomfortable in unfamiliar formality yet dutifully accommodating
Charlie stands awkwardly in the room's center, clad in a stiff formal frock, responding deferentially with multiple 'Yes, sir' affirmations and a hesitant query about top hats, absorbing Bartlet's lecture on protocol while preparing to depart.
- • Endure and acknowledge the President's sartorial lecture gracefully
- • Prepare smoothly for the formal Congressional event
- • Presidential whims and traditions warrant unquestioned respect
- • Personal discomfort yields to professional duty
Calmly polite and focused on service
The unnamed presidential aide efficiently helps Bartlet into his coat with practiced hands, offers a polite 'Good evening, Mr. President' greeting, facilitating the seamless transition from private banter to departure.
- • Assist the President in donning his coat promptly
- • Maintain decorum during the preparation ritual
- • Seamless service upholds presidential poise
- • Routine protocols ensure smooth executive transitions
Objects Involved
Significant items in this scene
Charlie's formal frock serves as the visual and narrative centerpiece, its stiff, high-collared fabric amplifying his discomfort while symbolizing Bartlet's revived tradition of statesmanlike grandeur; it frames the dialogue on protocol, embodying historical gravitas invoked via Woodrow Wilson.
Bartlet's coat is lifted and slid onto him by the aide during the lecture, crowning the moment of regal preparation; it functions as a mantle of authority, bridging playful intimacy to public duty and underscoring the shift to formal occasion readiness.
Narrative Connections
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Key Dialogue
"BARTLET: "You look good, Charlie.""
"CHARLIE: "I didn't know people dressed like this anymore, sir.""
"BARTLET: "Charlie, this is how Statesmen dress. This is how they dress in times of occasion.""
"BARTLET: "It's regal.""