Read the following comprehension passage carefully and then answer the question that follows by choosing the best option out of the four alternatives. Reporters and city officials gathered at a Chicago railroad station one afternoon in 1953 to welcome the winner of the 1952 Nobel Peace Prize. A very tall man, about six feet four inches, with bushy hair and a large moustache, stepped down from the train as cameras flashed and officials stretched out their hands. While many people told him how honoured they felt to meet him, the man politely thanked them and, asking to be excused for a moment, looked over their heads, walked through the crowd, and went to help an elderly Black woman who was struggling with two heavy suitcases. He picked up her bags with a smile, escorted her to a bus, helped her to get on, and wished her a safe journey. Then he returned to the reception party and said, "Sorry to have kept you waiting." Not many white people at that time would have behaved in this humble and considerate way. The man was Dr Albert Schweitzer, the famous missionary doctor who devoted his life to serving poor people in Africa. In response to this action, a member of the reception committee remarked admiringly to a reporter, "That is the first time I have ever seen a sermon walking." What does this incident reveal about the character of Dr Albert Schweitzer? Dr Albert was a ____ person.

Introduction:
This question asks you to identify the character trait that best describes Dr Albert Schweitzer as shown in the passage. Instead of asking directly about facts like his height or his prize, it focuses on his nature as a human being. Such questions test your ability to interpret personality traits from actions and behaviour presented in a short story type passage.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- Dr Schweitzer is a highly honoured Nobel Peace Prize winner who arrives at a busy railway station.
- Many important officials, reporters, and photographers gather to welcome him and show respect.
- He politely excuses himself, moves away from the crowd, and goes to help an elderly Black woman with heavy suitcases.
- He carries her bags, escorts her to a bus, helps her board, and wishes her a safe journey, then returns and apologises to the officials for the delay.
- The narrative calls him a famous missionary doctor who spent his life helping poor people in Africa.

Concept / Approach:
The core concept is that a person's character is revealed by the choices they make, especially when there is no pressure to behave in a particular way. To decide whether he is proud, timid, generous, or kind and helpful, you must analyse the details of his actions. Helping a stranger, especially someone vulnerable, while being himself an honoured guest, strongly indicates kindness, humility, and a genuine desire to serve others.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Note that he is receiving honour, praise, and attention from important people, which could easily make someone proud.Step 2: Observe that he does not stay only with the dignitaries but chooses to leave them for a moment in order to help an elderly woman.Step 3: See that he performs practical acts of service, such as carrying her bags and escorting her, with a smile and polite words.Step 4: Understand that this behaviour shows concern for others rather than self importance or pride.Step 5: Compare the options and conclude that "a kind and helpful person" is the best description of his character.

Verification / Alternative check:
If he had been proud or self centred, he would have focused on the cameras and officials instead of noticing the struggling elderly woman. If he had been timid, he would have avoided drawing attention by walking away from the reception to help a stranger. His long life of service in Africa also supports the idea that he consistently helped others. These points together confirm that kindness and helpfulness are his dominant character traits.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A, "a generous and friendly person", is partly positive but does not capture the strong focus on active help shown in the passage; it is too general. Option B, "a proud person", clearly conflicts with his humble act of service and his apology for keeping the officials waiting. Option C, "a timid person", is incorrect because his actions show confidence and initiative, not fearfulness. Option D, "a kind and helpful person", accurately summarises his behaviour.

Common Pitfalls:
Many students choose vague positive words such as "generous and friendly" without checking whether they precisely match the details of the passage. Another mistake is to ignore the long term picture given in the last line about his life of service in Africa. Remember that examiners want you to combine the specific incident with the broader description to reach a clear conclusion about character. Always look for the option that fits both the immediate scene and the overall description provided.

Final Answer:
The incident clearly shows that Dr Albert Schweitzer was a kind and helpful person.