Stanhope and Osborne
He's 21 years old, he's been part of the war for the past 3 years, came to war straight after school
A brave and courageous soldier, won the Military Cross and survived the battle of Vimy Ridge, one of the fiercest battles.
He became an alcoholic, and had a change in his temper.
Tragic Hero
Despite being a brave and dedicated soldier, he's a victim of the stress and fear caused by war. He drinks to calm his nerves and says that the only reason he can be such a good soldier is because he drinks.
RC Sheriff tells us about the adverse effects of war by showing us that someone as brave as Stanhope can also fall victim to the horrors of war.
Stanhope goes as far as to say that he would censor Raleigh's letters just so Raleigh's sister would not find out anything about him, even though he has no authority to do so. This shows how war can change people and make then to things they are not proud of.
He's a respected leader, despite being only 21 years of age. He commands the respect of those he works with. Osborne calls him the best they've got, which shows us how respectable he is.
Stanhope: “She doesn't know that if I went up those steps into the front line – without being doped with whisky – I'd go mad with fright.”
Uses alcohol to calm his nerves, uses it as a coping mechanism to deal with the fear and anxiety caused by war.
Osborne: “And because he's stuck it till his nerves have got battered to bits, he's called a drunkard.”
Osborne said that “He’s a long way the best company commander we’ve got.” Which tells us that Osborne does not think less of Stanhope just because he drinks, and he understands where Stanhope is coming from.
Osborne: You must remember he’s commanded this company for a long time—through all sorts of rotten times. It’s—it’s a big strain on a man. […] If you notice a—difference in Stanhope—you’ll know it’s only the strain—
Osborne: When a boy like Stanhope gets a reputation out here for drinking, he turns into a kind of freak show exhibit. People pay with a bottle of whisky for the morbid curiosity of seeing him drink it.
This tells us that Osborne did not appreciate Hardy insulting Stanhope, he defends him out of respect and admiration for Stanhope, even though he has no reason to.
Osborne is 45 years old and second in command to Stanhope. He had previously been a schoolmaster.
He is exceptionally loyal to Stanhope. Even though Stanhope is only 21, and Osborne is much older than him, we see Osborne treat him with respect. He does not think of Stanhope as beneath him but admires him for all he has done for the company and in the war.
Osborne (about Stanhope): "I love that fellow. I'd go to hell with him.”
Osborne recognizes Stanhope's flaws but instead of critiquing him for them he understands why Stanhope is the way he is. He knows that war can change a person and does not judge Stanhope, and remains loyal to him throughout the play.
Osborne is very well respected in the company. He is referred to by the others as 'uncle', which tells us that the men in the company look up to him.
Hardy: Drinking like a fish, as usual?
Tells us that Hardy did not respect Stanhope, and could not put his skills as a company commander above his alcoholism
Osborne (about Stanhope): He's a long way the best company commander we've got
Described by Hardy as a 'quiet, sober old thing', 'level-headed' and 'sentimental old darling' when he refuses to criticize Stanhope and by the stage directions as 'physically as hard as nails'.
Hardy: But I never did see a youngster put away the whiskey he does. D’you know, the last time we were out resting at Valennes he came to supper with us and drank a whole bottle in one hour fourteen minutes—we timed him.
He did not go home on his leave, but instead, spent it in Paris.
Hardy: I suppose he didn’t think he was fit to meet papa. You know his father’s vicar of a country village ?
Hardy insinuated that Stanhope did not go visit his family because he was ashamed of the man he had become because of the war and did not want his family and close relatives to see like that.
He's the most popular officer in the company and is shown as likable and friendly right from the first conversation with Hardy. He defends Stanhope, and people gravitate towards him more because the audience perceives him as a more decent character. He brings into light that Stanhope is just 21 and refuses to agree with Hardy's comments.
Considering Osborne is older, he would have volunteered for the army, which increase the respect the audience has for him. He is shown as a brave and valiant man despite being terrified by the war. We see him read Alice in Wonderland, a childhood book he probably uses to comfort himself and to remind him of all the good in the world.
Osborne: 'On his back all day with trench fever - then on duty all night-'
He also said that Stanhope has been in and out of the front line for a year, and has never had a rest. This shows his dedication and commitment.
Hardy: you ought to be commanding this company.
Hardy: 'and all of a sudden he jumped up and knocked all the glasses off the table ! Lost control of himself; and then he —sort of—came to—and cried'
Shows how much Stanhope and changed, and how anxious and uneasy he was at all times. He's suffering from symptoms of PTSD
When Hardy says this to him, Osborne immediately replies with 'rubbish' which speaks of his integrity and loyalty. He could have agreed with Hardy and no one would have known, but he maintains his stance and goes on to further defend Stanhope.
Played rugby and cricket brilliantly in school
When Stanhope gets too drunk at the end of Act 1, Osborne guides him to bed. Stanhope says that he is 'bloody tired; ache - all over - feel sick'. Osborne tells him that he will be alright and asks if he is comfortable after tucking him into bed. This shows us how much trust Stanhope places in Osborne.
Stanhope even told Osborne about him losing control when he went out for drinks with Hardy and the others, again showing how much he trusts Osborne.
Stanhope allows Osborne to see him in a moment of weakness and trusts and trusts Osborne to take care of him. This shows that despite being second in command, Osborne is always there for Stanhope. Also tells us that it is not the first time this has happened, as Hardy mentioned Osborne putting Stanhope to bed before.
When Raleigh comes, he does not want him to see him like this. Stanhope knows that Raleigh hero-worships him and he does not want his image ruined in both Raleigh and his sister's eyes.
He is represented as a father figure and tells us about how special bonds can be formed, even during war.