Character Profile - Andy

Image taken from: googleimages.com on 12/08/10

Applies for a job at ‘Runway’ to become Miranda’s assistant. She dresses in her own style of clothing oblivious to what others think. In the beginning her boyfriend is very supportive of her, but he begins to see her change her attitude and develop into someone she is not. In the beginning she says “I don’t see why I should change everything about myself just because I have this job”. Andy is very different from other girls in the office, she dresses to please herself and what she feels comfortable in. However, after she has a slip up she begins to change. She does this by giving herself a new look and changing her attitude. Her friends and loved ones begin to see the new Andy and realise that she is no longer the same person.

Version of femininity -

• Before job she appears to be relatively masculine when compared with other girls on the screen - shown in particular through the way they all get ready for their day
• Doesn't seem to have an interest in fashion and this is shown to mean that she is not feminine
• With a makeover, she becomes feminine
• Once she begins to demonstrate an interest in and understanding of the fashion industry and how she presents herself she is seen to be feminine
• It is shown that through exposure to Miranda and the general environment of "Runway" she is influenced in a way that makes her feminine
• The changes that happen throughout the film indicate that her femininity develops
• Femininity appears to be linked to what she wears and whether she cares what others think about her appearance
• Part of her femininity, particularly at the beginning and end of the film, seems to be linked to her personality - that she is nice to others, puts them before herself, cares about other people's needs and is respectful to them. She is also shown to be submissive to other people throughout the film
• Nigel influences her to be more feminine - reminiscent of a traditional idea of femininity in that she needs to be transformed by the fairy god mother figure into a beautiful woman, also reflective of the ugly duckling to beautiful swan idea

Actions -

• Runs her fingers through her hair at beginning instead of a brush
• She does everything Miranda tells her to do - submissive and obedient
• She tries to be nice and be friends with everyone. Wants everyone else to be happy - this can become quite stressful for her
• Can't take control because she doesn't know how
• Seems polite compared to other people in the work force
• Clueless, naive, etc
• Fashionable thanks to Nigel
• Gains greater confidence as she becomes more fashionable
• Persistent, stubborn in places
• Becomes more independent but still being led by other people
• Trapped, vulnerable
• Uncaring/rude towards the idea of "Runway"
• Appears stuck up and feels superior to those at "Runway" 
• Told Emily she can't go to Paris
• Laughs when the two belts are held up
• Changes who she is to fit in
• Does twins science project for them
• Defends Miranda
• Gets the Harry Potter books even though it seemed impossible
• To survive in Miranda's office she has to do everything that she is told - even the things that seem impossible
• Always prepared and on time
• Obsessed/ruled by her job

Appearance - 

• At first Andy doesn't care about her appearance because she doesn't think it is important
• Once she settles into the job she changes her appearance
• Starts to wear much more make-up
• Towards the end is appreciative of high end fashion
• At start not up to date with fashion, randomly selects what to wear
• Becomes more concerned about how she presents herself to the world in terms of aesthetics - looks
• Free at the beginning
• The hair changes dramatically once she starts to care about fashion - particularly the bangs/fringe
• Not like other girls
• Size - she is seen as 'fat' because she is a size 6. Very happy and proud when she drops to a size 4
• Scruffy at beginning - nicely groomed and stylish through middle - tends to revert back to opening style at end - indicates that in her life post-"Runway" she doesn't need fashion

Words - 

• "I didn't have a choice"
• "Yes" - to Miranda
• Accent changes as she becomes more stylish - tone of voice also changes
• Miranda Priestley's office, how may I help you?
• I don't have a choice - it's not my fault! - Not her responsibility.
• "The clackers"
• "Andy, my name is Andy"
• "She called me Andrea, she didn't call me Emily"
• "I couldn't say no!"

Changes - 

• Fashion
• Work before Nate and friends
• Becomes a fashionista and starts living in the fashion world
• Not only does she change her appearance throughout the movie, she changes her attitude and morals
• Changes the way she speaks
• Changes her style
• Starts to care about what she looks like
• Starts to care more about her work than her friends
• Changes from being a scruffy girl to resemble a fashion icon
• Changes the way she views fashion
• Wants to be one of 'those' girls
• Changes from being more 'masculine' to 'feminine'
• Personality
• Lifestyle
• Relationships
• Eventually goes back to being 'herself'