how did the young pale gentleman with Pip's respect? what does this tell you of his character?

The pale, young gentleman won Pip's respect with his spirit and "never say die" attitude.

"His spirit inspired me with great respect. He seemed to have no strength, and he never once hit me hard, and he was always knocked down; but, he would be up again in a moment, sponging himself or drinking out of the water-bottle, with the greatest satisfaction in seconding himself according to form, and then came at me with an air and a show that made me believe he really was going to do for me at last."