Harold Mitchell is first seen as one of the four poker players in the third scene. The players speak coarsely, enjoying primitive, direct humor, mixing it with the cards, chips, and whiskey — that is, all except Mitch. He seems to be somewhat different. He is first distinguished from the other three when he is teased about his concern for his mother. He excuses this soft-heartedness by explaining that she is ill and unable to sleep until he comes in at night. In disdain, the hot-tempered Stanley tells him to go home. A few lines later, a second aspect of Mitch is revealed as he meets Blanche DuBois. His awkward courtesy and embarrassment show a consciousness of manners seldom seen in that raffish section of New Orleans. Blanche is quick to notice the hint of sensitivity in him that makes him seem superior to the others. Although he carries a silver cigarette case engraved with a quote from a sonnet, his words describing the romance and sorrow that inspired it seem trite and inadequate. At this point, Blanche provides the imagination and sympathy, while Mitch answers with his characteristically sincere commonplaces. His sensitivity appears rather clumsy in comparison, but he does half-apologize, saying that Stanley and his friends must strike Blanche as a pretty rough bunch. Mitch's awkward imitation of the romantic gestures of Blanche is shown in the stage direction of this scene. He is a "dancing bear" following the steps of her waltz. But this first appearance does characterize Mitch as the most sensitive member of the Kowalski world.
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