Calvin Evans worked at Hastings Research Institute in a spacious personal lab, unlike Elizabeth who worked in crowded conditions.
Calvin had a distinguished early career in chemistry but also held grudges, was impatient, introverted, and passionate about rowing.
Rowing was the reason Calvin applied to Harvard and Cambridge, despite his aversion to rain.
Calvin struggled with dating due to his inexperience and demeanor, making a poor impression on his scarce dates.
Upon joining the Hastings Research Institute, Calvin was put off by Elizabeth attempting to requisition beakers from his surplus, assuming she was a secretary.
Elizabeth confronts sexual discrimination head-on, having experiences with a patriarchal society from her time at UCLA and at Hastings.
Elizabeth’s assertive manner and intelligence set her apart and sometimes cause friction with her male colleagues and superiors.
A flashback reveals Elizabeth's assault by her UCLA advisor and her subsequent self-defense, leading to her expulsion from the doctoral program.
Despite these challenges, including derogatory comments by colleagues and her boss, Elizabeth is steadfast in her pursuit of scientific work.
Calvin seeks Elizabeth out to apologize for his earlier assumptions, but the attempt goes poorly, although he becomes interested in her.
Elizabeth recounts her unfulfilled research ambitions to Calvin, who suggests collaborating and outsmarting the system to overcome discrimination.
Both Calvin and Elizabeth deny wanting a personal relationship and agree to work together professionally, though both secretly hope for more.