At the start of the play, R.C. Sherrif introduces us to Osborne, an officer of the company. A conversation ensues between Captain Hardy, an officer of another regiment and Osborne. Osborne manages to catch a quick word with the commander of the platoon before he disappears. The manner in which he reacts tells us a lot about his character. It is clear that Osborne approaches his job with a very professional attitude.
Sherrif, describes Osborne in this notes as middle aged, tall, thin, grey and physically as hard as nails but there is much more to Osborne’s character as the reader discovers as the play unfolds. Principally, Osborne has a fantastic sense of humour which is reflected in his many humorous comments. When drinking whisky without water ' as the water was contaminated' he exclaimed
“ I'd rather had the microbes” p. 10 however, he does not like to laugh at others expense, “ it rather reminds you of bear baiting”.
He sticks up for up for all his colleagues particularly Stanhope, who has taken to drinking heavily to cope with the stress of war. When Hardy criticises Stanhope, Osborne is very strident in his defence of him, “ Iv'e seen him on his back all day with trench fever – then on duty all night” p.13.
Osborne seems to …show more content…
Osborne did not like shirkers and admired men who stick to their principals, when Stanhope commented, “ it's a slimy thing to go home if your not really ill” Osborne replies “ I think it is” p.32. Osborne shows contempt for Hardy who did not keep control of the trenches and left everything in a poor state, but for those platoon members who worked hard he showed the upmost kindness and respect, “ id wish you'd turn in and sleep for a