The Wrestler showcases a small but memorable group of main characters. Robin Ramzinski AKA Randy 'The Ram' Robinson suffers throughout the film as his age catches up with his career. Audiences see him try to hold relationships and discover his sense of purpose.
Randy's story unfolds as viewers meet others in his life in , one of director Darren Aronofsky's highest-rated films. Randy and the film's other personalities present their intelligence in their actions. When they are faced with conflict, their smarts are put on display. Other characters show their wits in their critical thinking.
Scott Brumberg
In The Wrestler's tight-knit main cast, Judah Friedlander' Scott is showcased the least. He is an organizer in the world of the independent circuit of professional wrestling. Audiences see Scott when Randy attends a meet and greet after he recovers from a heart attack. They discuss his return to the ring in an event that Scott organizes.
Scott shows his smarts in his critical thinking. After he hears that Randy collapsed at a match, he doesn't expect him to show up to the meet and greet. However, when he asks about Randy's condition, he shows his lack of attention to detail. Randy shrugs off his concern, saying he's fine. However, his body language touching his nose and avoiding eye indicates he's not being truthful. Scott seems to genuinely believe him.
Wayne
Wayne, played by Todd Barry, isn't the most likable main character in The Wrestler. As the manager of the supermarket that Randy works at, he gives him orders. He makes snide remarks to Randy almost every time they speak to one another. He is condescending to Randy and makes fun of his wrestling career.
Wayne isn't the most developed character, so it's harder to judge his intelligence. However, he shows his smarts in his rude behavior. He is quick thinking and comes up with one-liners about Randy's career on the fly. Furthermore, he has multiple responsibilities as a manager. He's shown keeping up with inventory as well as scheduling, something requiring intellect.
Robin Ramzinski / Randy 'The Ram' Robinson
Mickey Rourke's Randy is the protagonist and titular wrestler. His performance as Randy makes some fans think is one of Mickey Rourke's best movies. Audiences learn that Randy used to be a successful professional wrestler, but that his career faltered with time, and he has aged considerably as a result. He has few personal relationships outside wrestling and tries to strengthen bonds with others in his personal life.
Randy shows his smarts in his actions. He lacks foresight. He appears to be heavily invested in connecting with his daughter Stephanie but doesn't think ahead to prepare for their dinner. After he gets into an argument with Pam, he reacts emotionally rather than with logic. He blows off steam the night before the dinner and sleeps through it the following day. He doesn't think critically about how fragile his relationship with Stephanie is, and how important their dinner is to her.
Pam / Cassidy
Marisa Tomei's Pam, also known by her stage name Cassidy, is a stripper at the club that Randy frequents. The two develop a friendship, and Randy pursues her romantically. She dances to her son and helps Randy find a gift to give his daughter. They have several conversations, and Pam's intelligence is underscored in these moments.
Pam shows her critical thinking in her actions. When she and Randy are at the thrift store looking for a gift for Stephanie, she asks about her. She asks him about her interests and whether she fits into any subcultures like goth or punk. She tries to use the information to help her find the best gift for Randy's daughter. Furthermore, she recognizes the risks Randy takes in the ring. She considers his health condition and tries to get him to back out of the match, understanding that it could cost him his life.
Stephanie Ramzinski
Some fans say is Evan Rachel Wood's best movie. She plays Stephanie, Randy's daughter. She has a great deal of anger toward Randy and treats him coldly until they share a bonding moment on a boardwalk by the beach. She has resentment for Randy because he abandoned her in her childhood and now wants to connect with her in his old age following a heart attack. Stephanie is shown acting emotionally throughout the film. However, her actions and words underscore her intelligence.
Stephanie shows she is smart by using reasoning. When Randy first reaches out to her, she vocalizes her thought process. Randy says he had a heart attack and wanted her to know because he cares about her. She says he truly wants her to take care of him, pointing out that he was never there to take care of her growing up and that he never made one of her birthdays. She goes to school, highlighting her intellectual curiosity. When she recognizes the pattern in her and Randy's relationship and its continual pain to her through logic, she breaks their bond entirely.
