The other troops in the play react differently towards Bamforth; Mitchem is the sergeant in charge of the patrol. He has a natural authority, which is first shown when he discovers Macleish and Bamforth about to fight and restores order quickly. He controls Bamforth by using the sort of sarcasm Bamforth uses on everybody else.
Johnstone is the one character we never feel any sympathy towards. Although he is a corporal, he has little or no leadership skills and shows no respect for others. His actions and discipline are ignored by the troops, although Johnstone tries to make himself heard. Johnstone’s actions towards Bamforth when Bamforth defends the prisoner show that he likes to take charge but doesn’t always get the attention he is looking for. Bamforth likes a challenge and so he is always arguing with Johnstone. Johnstone always reacts so this builds up as hatred between the two soldiers. Johnstone tries to use his power to attack Bamforth verbally. “He’s stopping were he is, its cobblers for him.” (A quote from Johnstone)
The other soldiers: Evans, Macleish, Smith and Whittaker are neutral towards Bamforth. Because I believe they don’t want to argue with him; they are scared of him. Macleish argues with Bamforth at the beginning but then stays neutral with him throughout the rest of the story: This is because Macleish was disciplined last time by Mitchem and Macleish knows that he would not loose his temper over Bamforth again. Evans tries to stay friends with Bamforth because I think he follows Bamforth and he doesn’t like arguments. Smith is a good friend of Bamforths but Bamforth takes advantage towards the end “ what’s the fag case got to do with it… Smudger! Smudger now its up to you!” Bamforth puts a lot of pressure on Smith but it is soon sorted out. Whittaker does not react to Bamforths comments and this shows me that he is also a strong character. Overall I agree that the other characters except Johnstone and Mitchem stay neutral with Bamforth and don’t attempt to argue with him.
At the beginning of the story Bamforth is confident, calm and tired. He immediately makes himself at home. When Mitchem and Johnstone leave Macleish is left in charge and Bamforth sees this as an opportunity. He winds up Macleish, which causes him to react. Soon after Evans shows everyone his magazine, which amuses Bamforth, Evans does not react. When they capture the prisoner Bamforth takes charge of looking after him and constantly brakes the army rules. Johnstone tries to discipline him but Bamforth’s reactions cause Johnstone to fight with him. Bamforth loves the attention at this point and tries to wind up the others as well as Johnstone. When Mitchem decides to kill the prisoner Bamforth defends him; Bamforth shows his friendship with the prisoner. Bamforths protesting causes the death of the troop in the end.
From the beginning of the story Bamforth’s character is mischievous, causes tempers to flare and attempts to wind everyone up. His sarcastic and witty ways become frequent as the play moves on. The end shows how much Bamforth had changed when he began to defend his beliefs and stand up for what he thinks.
Bamforth shows a stronger, more humane side to his character in his relationship with the Japanese prisoner. At first he amuses himself by mocking the prisoner and treating him almost like a performing animal. After seeing the prisoner’s family photographs, Bamforth warms to him until at the end of the play it is only Bamforth who is willing to defend the prisoner and says ‘He’s a man’. Whether Bamforth is right or wrong to defend the Japanese solider with his own life, shows that he is more than just ‘the barrack-room lawyer’ … Up to every dodge and skive that’s in the book.
Bamforth is cynical about the war and the army; his relationship with others is poor and he makes little effort to improve this. Throughout the story he loves to be the centre of attention and always tests the patience of both Mitchem and Johnstone. Bamforth’s character plays a crucial part in the play, his actions and words reflect on real life and how people react to situations such as those in the story. I like his character because he is independent; he has his own beliefs and ideas. He is brave, courageous and likes to be the centre of attention. If I were any character from the story it would be Bamforth.
