True West is not current, it can be found relatable nowadays due to the fact that sibling rivalry has always been evident. Shepard used research conducted in the 1980s to build characters that made sense, characters that could resemble reality. This research allowed the characters, Lee and Austin, to be complete opposites in regards to their personalities, "personality-wise, we're only similar to our brothers about 20% of the time." (Alix Spiegel). Thus making their antics and awkwardness more understandable to the viewer. Austin is quiet and more introverted than Lee and enjoys the silence of his hometown. Lee is the more outgoing one and agitates Austin until he pushes him too far. When Lee first arrives, the situation between the two is awkward and tense; Lee annoys Austin and Austin just makes a snarky comment. The brothers are estranged due to the different life paths they have chosen, however that doesn't mean there is real animosity between the two. Many may not have understood such a work if they did not have siblings, however, Shephard's depth and research would have allowed anyone to see the work and understand them.