Final answer:
Trip, played by Denzel Washington, transforms from being cranky and contrary to showing resilience and growth as he overcomes major trauma. By the end of the film, he has become a functioning stagecoach driver, indicating his character's significant development.
Step-by-step explanation:
The evidence of Trip's character change in the film, as portrayed by Denzel Washington, can be observed in various aspects. In the beginning, Trip is presented as cranky and contrary, a man who appears resistant to conformity and cooperation. Over the course of the film, however, there is a significant transformation in his demeanor and his ability to work within a team. Friends have noted that after a certain traumatic event, Trip's personality underwent a significant shift—he was no longer the hardworking, amiable man they used to know. Despite initially becoming more irritable and temperamental, which some have attributed to the use of alcohol as a pain medication, Trip is able to reclaim functionality in his life, becoming a stagecoach driver. This suggests that Trip's character demonstrates an impressive resilience and the ability to recover and grow even after major trauma.