How is stanhope introduced in act one of “Journey’s End”?

Stanhope is first introduced through the eyes of others, Sherriff uses this preemptive
introduction to give Stanhope a varied character before he enters the play. Stanhope's
introduction is ambiguous and leaves the reader to deduce what Stanhope is really like.
Stanhope is first introduced through Osborne and is shown to be the commanding officer
of the company. He is also shown to be compassionate and to lead by example as he is
described as “looking after the men.” This shows he cares about his men, a juxtaposition
to his counterpart Hardy who is trying to get out of the front lines as quickly as possible.
Hardy is the first person to give the reader a real idea about Stanhopes’ character, he is
described to have “put away a whole bottle in fourteen minutes.” This quotation
introduces the recurring theme of alcoholism in Stanhope's character. The quotation
“Stanhope really is a sort of freak,” from Hardy is quite powerful as along with the
alcoholism it leads the reader to believe Stanhope is some sort of monster. It is also
mentioned that Stanhope has served for “nearly three years.” This quotation also gives
Stanhope a negative image as the reader knows the horrors of war and how much they
will affect someone's mental state. Therefore, this first introduction through Hardy and
Osborne gives Stanhope quite a negative first impression.
Later, Raleigh gives the reader a different side of Stanhope. Raleigh portrays Stanhope
as a righteous, admirable and heroic man, even describing the two of them as “terrific
pals.” This creates a very different image of Stanhope in the reader's mind as it is quite
the opposite. While Hardy was glad to see Osborne instead of Stanhope, Raleigh is
described as “suddenly brightening up” at the mention of Stanhope’s name. This is
important because it shows the different perceptions people have of Stanhope, more
importantly the difference in opinion of someone who has seen Stanhope on the
battlefield and someone who has not. This is made apparent when Raleigh recounts a
story in which Stanhope is described as “frightfully down and smoking - and that sort of
thing.” The reader knows from Hardy that Stanhope is an alcoholic. Therefore, if Raleigh
has only known the sober non veteran Stanhope then he does not know of Stanhope’s
changes and his claims of heroism might not be true anymore. To prove this point
Osborne tells Raleigh that he might notice a “difference in Stanhope” and that “it’s only
the strain.” Therefore, Osborne confirms that Stanhope has changed from his righteous
days.
In Stanhope’s first physical introduction he is described as “tall and slim,” a distinct
contrast from Releigh’s “well-built, healthy-looking” descrition. Despite being of similar
age and upbringing Stanhope is noticeably different, considering he was a “skipper of
rugger” and “a jolly good bat” he must've lost his physique and perhaps some of his
sanity. Stanhope is also described as having a “pallor under his skin” and “dark shadows
under his eyes.” This is important as it shows just how far this once upper class boy has
fallen. It is not only his physical health that is suffering it is also emphasised the reason
he drinks is to escape the guilt and the horrors of war. His physical appearance and
previous anecdotes show just how much a toll has taken on Stanhope and lets the
reader make their own assertions as to just how similar Stanhope is to how Raleigh
remembers.
Although it is clear Stanhope has changed a lot since Raleigh last saw him and it might
not have also been for the best, it is made clear Stanhope is very courageous.
Stanhopes’ courage and camaraderie is heavily emphasised, he is shown to lead on the
front lines right alongside his men. Osborne reveals that Stanhope has commanded the
company for nearly three years and served “in and out of the front line.” This quotation
proves that Stanhope cares about the cause he is fighting for and that he is willing to put
his life on the line for his company. This is a st\rk contrast to Hardy who is clearly running
away from the front lines and only cares about the alcohol and his position. This attitude
shows the reader a different side of Stanhope, he is not just a belligerent drunk but also
one of the best captains of the front. This development allows for the reader to have
mixed opinions about Stanhope and serves to make the reader sympathise with his
struggle.
In conclusion Stanhope is presented as a layered character and his introduction allows
for the reader to make their own assumptions about Stanhope and how his character will
evolve through Journey's End.