Stanhopes Character profile

English homework-millie wordley

He is described in the stage directions as, "no more than a boy".

His bravery has gained him the MC medal (Military Cross). We're told
that he survived one of the wars most deadly battles at Vimy Ridge
thus building up the hero image in the audiences mind.
He is presented as a "natural leader".
In three years, he has never gone home on leave fearful that his
inability to cope without whisky will become apparent and shock his
parents and girlfriend.
Despite his heroism, he is presented as being very human, even
something of "child" at heart, enjoying "Uncle" Osborne tucking him in
to bed at night.
Stanhope is furious that Lt Raleigh has found a way to join his unit.
Mostly because he is worried that Raleigh will tell his sister about
his (Stanhopes) drinking. He tries to confiscate a letter Raleigh has
written only to discover that Raleigh described him as a hero.
He threatens to shoot Lt Hibbert, who he sees as a "coward", trying to
avoid the battle by pretending to be ill. This scene allows Sheriff an
opportunity to see a darker side of Stanhope but also to develop
useful insights into the effects of war on men.
Towards the end, Stanhope makes it clear how he disagrees with the
command of the war by the generals, separated as they are from the
reality the men are facing.
In the closing scenes of the play, we see the Stanhopes intense
humanity as he comforts the dying Raleigh.