Character Analysis: Lieutenant-Commander Oram

The quote: “in spite of everything… people are really good at heart” relates to Michael Bruce’s “Gentlemen, Your Verdict” because Lieutenant-Commander Oram saves five people, attempts to save all of his crew mates, sacrifices himself, and, above all, puts others before himself. The fact that he prioritizes others’ lives is one of the reasons why Lieutenant-Commander Oram has a kind heart. Oram’s critical thinking skills surface when he states: “I could condemn my whole crew to death or sacrifice fifteen and save five, and am going to join the others'' (25). This denotes his ethics and morals; he chooses the appropriate, logical route to achieve the greatest good for the greatest number of people. Not only does Oram do what is right, but he also minimizes harm. By sacrificing fifteen crew mates, Oram reduces the mourning and heart-ache that would have impacted many more had everyone died. Lieutenant-Commander Oram’s compassion becomes more apparent when he calls the shore station saying: “How about planes then, sir?” (23). This shows how Oram truly cares about his crewmates, and deep down wanted to save them all. The hesitancy in the word “sir?” suggests his desire and urgency to get help right away, while at the same time expressing his concern for the snowballing of the situation. Lieutenant- Commander Oram exhibits responsibility to his crew and to himself, especially when Nordin asks him: “And why not you sir?” to which he replies that he is going to join his crewmates once it is time (25). Here, Oram demonstrates his intelligence and integrity; he is aware that sacrificing himself will allow another crewmate with family to survive. Solidarity, selflessness, and social responsibility only begin to describe who Lieutenant-Commander Oram is. Oram’s service above self takes the spotlight when he tells Mr. Paull to assemble the men stating: “I wish to say a few words to them” (24). This proves that Oram did not intend suffering or harm of any kind; he spiked the drinks of the selected fifteen crewmen and gave them a quick and painless death. Faced with a dilemma, Oram puts others first, saves five of his crew mates, while attempting to save more, and sacrifices himself. This shows his core heroic nature, decisiveness and altruism.