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Greys Anatomy: Pilot Analysis

Although Meredith Grey is the title character of this one-hour medical-drama, its her
future best friend and self-described person who most clearly defines her personality within
the pilot episode of Greys Anatomy. From early on within the episode, Cristina Yang sets herself
apart from most of her fellow interns, characterizing herself as incredibly driven, focused, and
exceptionally competitive. Cristinas first instance of definitive action comes early in the script
as she skulks by the OR, presumably to update Dr. Bailey on her patients, and unabashedly stares
into the operating room throughout much of the conversation. Simultaneously, Cristina inquiries
about the rumored first intern surgery. This action, paired with the dialogue, quickly establishes
Cristinas passion for surgery and her drive to learn as much as she can, both through observation
of and experience with her superiors, in order to become the best in her field. This is illustrated
further towards the end of the pilot as Cristina, despite her anger at not being chosen to scrub-in,
watches Dereks hands intently in order to learn from his methods. This desire to better herself is
further illustrated when she practices surgical knots during her break instead of reading or
sleeping like her fellow interns. The field of surgery is described early on in the pilot as a game
and Cristina makes it clear to everyone that she came to win. Further, Cristina establishes herself
as a competitive player when she bets on Georges failure during his surgery. Although George
is, tentatively speaking, a friend, his failure gives Cristina a chance to establish herself as the
superior surgeon, her goal throughout the show in its entirety. Cristinas competitive nature is
further confirmed through her angry (described as livid) reaction to Merediths betrayal.
For Meredith Grey, until late in the pilot, small pieces of her character are defined
through her unwillingness to truly act. From the beginning, Meredith avoids confrontation and

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emotion, a trait which defines her throughout much of the series. This is shown when Meredith
immediately runs away from Derek when she sees him the hospital, suggesting that she flees
from her problems, avoiding uncomfortable situations at all costs. This action is repeated
multiple times throughout the script, as Meredith goes through great lengths to avoid Dr.
Shepherd. Her quick dismissal of Dereks advances, however, despite her very clear attraction to
him, reveals something about her own focus and drive to succeed despite her mothers doubt.
This ambition is further confirmed through Merediths decision not to give her surgery to
Cristina. Despite her best attempts, Merediths sensitivity is displayed multiple times within the
episode. First, when she vomits after her patient, Katie, nearly dies. This involuntary action
reveals that Meredith feels things a lot deeper than she reveals to her peers. Her sensitivity and
empathy is further revealed through her unwillingness to bet against George during her surgery.
Unlike Cristina, Meredith would rather see a fellow intern succeed than fail.