Jurassic Parkis one ofSteven Spielberg’s numerous masterpieces, and there are plenty of reasons why.

Without people the audience can relate to, the action loses its stakes and carries little to no suspense.

Thanks largely to the script and the actors, the firstJurassic Parkdisplays a masterful use of character work.

Custom image of Sam Neill from Jurassic Park in green foliage

Image by Annamaria Ward

The way Dennis argues with Mr. Hammond about getting underpaid is great.

Along with his sloppy workstation, Dennis putsa fun spin on what could have been a conventionally boring villain.

This guy’s a pro.

01195859_poster_w780.jpg

When he sees Dennis’s station, he’s visibly disgusted by the mess on his peer’s desk.

Ray isa minor character who largely dispatches exposition but does so with style.

Without a doubt, it’s one ofSamuel L. Jackson’s greatest supporting performances.

Dennis Nedry driving a car in Jurassic Park

Image via Universal Pictures

They’re also meant to show Dr. Grant that having kids wouldn’t be so bad after all.

Of the two of them, Tim (Joseph Mazzello) isthe more interesting and significant child.

His love for dinosaurs and enthusiasm to talk to Dr. Grant about them challenge the grown man’s attitude.

Ray Arnold sitting in front of a computer and turning to his left in Jurassic Park

Image via Universal Pictures

He doesn’t even think they should be kept alive and doesn’t care who knows it.

It’s technically exposition, but it’s so effortless that viewers are enraptured by it.

Later, when the adult raptors feed from a cow, we don’t see the dinosaurs themselves.

Tim inside a car looking intently ahead in Jurassic Park

Image via Universal Pictures

Yet this T-Rex is so cool that the audience doesn’t even care.

His catchphrase, “Spared no expense,” encapsulates his character perfectly.

Another memorable moment is her initial reaction to witnessing all the creatures in the park.

Robert Muldoon looking intenly ahead in Jurassic Park

Image via Universal Pictures

Ellie also helps John Hammond see the error in his thinking.

The way he flirts with Dr. Sattler compellingly annoys Dr. Grant, and Malcolm also provides the perfect quips.

His funniest line might be when he reminds John Hammond of the biggest difference between Jurassic Park and Disneyland.

The velociraptors stalking young Tim in a kitchen in Jurassic Park.

Image via Universal Pictures

Without a doubt, Dr. Ian Malcolm is one ofJeff Goldblum’s most beloved characters.

Alan even uses the raptor claw as a prop!

With the most complete character arc, Alan feels like the most interesting character inJurassic Park.

Dr. Alan Grant trying to distract the T-Rex outside the Jeep in Jurassic Park.

Image via Universal Pictures

The entire narrativegracefully builds his role as a father figure.

NEXT:‘The 10 Dumbest Choices in the Jurassic Park Movies, Ranked’

John Hammond (Richard Attenborough) looking to the distance in Jurassic Park

Image via Universal Pictures

Dr. Ellie Sattler giving side-eye in Jurassic Park

Image via Universal Pictures

Dr. Ian Malcolm with his shirt open laying down and looking off-camera in Jurassic Park

Image via Universal Pictures

Dr. Ian Malcolm, Dr. Alan Grant, Dr. Ellie Sattler looking ahead in Jurassic Park

Image via Universal Pictures