Our Country's Good: character motivation and interaction – A Level English Language and Literature OCR Revision

Our Country’s Good: character motivation and interaction

Character Motivation and Interaction in ‘Our Country’s Good’

Governor Phillip

As a thinker and visionary, Governor Phillip believes in the reformation of convicts and envisages Australia as an egalitarian society. His motivation predominantly revolves around achieving this vision.
He initiates the idea of performing a play to reform convicts, a suggestion not heavily supported by his officers, resulting in a conflict of ideologies.
His interactions with other characters are often firm, authoritative, but ultimately fair, which further emphasises his role as a central force for change.

Ralph Clark

Ralph Clark portrays the internal struggle of carrying out his duties as a lieutenant (which includes harsh punishments for the convicts) while harboring sympathy towards them.
His motivation in directing the play is twofold: he wants to stage a successful play to impress his superiors and he starts to believe in the power of theatre as a transformative medium for the convicts.
He undergoes significant character development through his interactions with others, particularly Mary Brenham.

Mary Brenham

As a convict, Mary Brenham’s primary motivation is to survive the harsh conditions of the penal colony.
In agreeing to take part in the play, she is initially motivated by the prospect of earning extra rations, and later, she finds a sense of accomplishment through acting.
Her interactions, especially with Ralph, lead to mutual growth as they navigate through their respective roles as ‘director/actor’ and ‘officer/convict.’

Major Ross

An antagonistic character, Major Ross is motivated by his sense of superiority and believes in the inherent criminal nature of the convicts.
He asserts his power through abrasiveness and public humiliation, with interactions frequently demonstrating this harsh approach.
His relentless opposition to the play illustrates his rigid mindset and unwillingness to change.

Dabby Bryant

Dabby Bryant characteristically embodies a survivor’s spirit and determination, her motivation being freedom from the penal colony environment.
Her outspoken nature surfaces particularly in her interactions with Mary, both challenging and supporting her in different instances.

Sideway and Wisehammer

Both Sideway and Wisehammer, motivated by their passion for theatre, seize the opportunity the play provides to be seen as more than mere convicts.
They represent the transformative power of the arts, and their interaction with other characters often brings a comedic relief, but also an unfiltered reflection of their experiences.

Through these character motivations and interactions, Wertenbaker creates a microcosm of society, demonstrating the possibility for transformation and redemption in the harsh reality of the penal colony. She portrays the power of theatre as a tool for change by enabling characters to reflect and transcend their assigned roles.