Dangers of Drug Abuse - Summary

Robert Baldwin is the central character in the play The Hour of Truth by Percival Wilde.  He lives with his wife Martha, son John and daughter Evie. He works as John Gresham's secretary in a bank that Gresham owns.

For financial misappropriation, John Gresham is arrested and his trial is about to start.  The day before the trial begins, Gresham sends for Baldwin.  He offers a hundred thousand dollars to not testify against him.

Robert Baldwin is very honest and scrupulous.  He values his principles more than his friendship with Gresham.  He doesn’t have to think twice before rejecting the offer of money.  He is very particular about “going to his grave clean.”

The family members who wanted to send Gresham to jail in the beginning change their attitude when they come to know about the huge amount on offer.  They try to persuade Robert Baldwin to accept the bribe by making a host of arguments. Despite the pressure, Baldwin holds firm.  

The integrity of Baldwin is rewarded when he was offered a job in a bigger bank.  Gresham himself tells Marshall that no amount of money will make him do something he thinks wrong.  Rather than making Baldwin testify against him, Gresham decides to confess.  

At one occasion Baldwin says, “When John Gresham offered me money, I was angry.  But when I rejected it, and he showed no surprise, then I was pleased.”  This shows how Baldwin values not only his principles, but also how others consider him.  His firm moral attitude stands in contrast with the other family members who change their stand because of the temptation of money.

He is very loyal to his employer.  When he comes to knows about the impending wreck he never mentions it even to his own wife.  He never complains about the low payment he gets.  He is leading a happy life with whatever he has.  His lament “Shams! Liars! Hypocrites! Thieves!... We have seen our souls naked, and they stink to Almighty Heaven!” shows how principled and religious his attitude is.

The playwright probably wants to tell us that steadfast adherence to principles is rewarded in this world itself and it is worth going through the pain it entails.   

Here are some words that you can use to describe Robert Baldwin's character:

Fortitude: Courage in facing difficulty or pain.
Integrity: Adherence to moral and ethical principles.(Baldwin is a paragon of integrity and moral fortitude.)
Honesty: Truthfulness and sincerity.
Righteousness: Morally upright and just. (In a world where money wields immense power, Baldwin stands as a beacon of honesty and righteousness.)
Loyalty: Faithfulness to a person, cause, or principle.
Principled: Guided by principles.
Uncompromising: Refusing to yield or compromise.
Unswerving / unwavering: Firm and resolute.
Incorruptible: Cannot be bribed or persuaded to act dishonestly.
Noble: Having or showing excellent qualities.
Upright: Morally correct and respectable.
Virtuous: Morally excellent.
Conscientious: Careful and diligent.
Honorable: Worthy of respect and admiration.
Scrupulous: Careful and precise.
Unyielding: Refusing to change one's mind or give up.

 

Summary of the Character Sketch of Robert Baldwin in "The Hour of Truth"

• Integrity and morals: Baldwin is a man of high integrity who prioritizes honesty and righteousness.
• Temptation of wealth: Baldwin is offered a significant bribe to save a corrupt banker.
• Steadfast principles: Despite the financial benefits, Baldwin remains true to his principles.
• Justice and loyalty: Baldwin's sense of justice and loyalty drive his decisions.
• Family pressure: Baldwin's family urges him to accept the bribe, highlighting the personal cost of his choices.
• Moral strength: Baldwin's unwavering commitment to his principles demonstrates his moral strength.
• Corrupting influence of money: The play explores the negative impact of greed and deceit.
• Heroic status: Baldwin's decision to reject the bribe elevates him to a heroic status.
• Path of truth: The play emphasizes the importance of honesty and integrity, even in the face of adversity.

Simpler Version of the Character Sketch of Robert Baldwin (Remedial):

Robert Baldwin is the main character in the play The Hour of Truth by Percival Wilde. He lives with his wife, Martha, and their two children, John and Evie. Baldwin works as the secretary for John Gresham, who owns a bank.

When Gresham is arrested for financial wrongdoing, he tries to bribe Baldwin with a large sum of money.  He tells Baldwin to say 'I don't remember' when they ask difficult questions. However, Baldwin is an honest and principled man who values integrity over money or friendship. Without hesitation, he refuses the bribe.

Initially, Baldwin’s family supports sending Gresham to jail. But when they learn about the bribe, they try to persuade Baldwin to accept the money. Despite their pressure, Baldwin stands firm in his decision.

Baldwin’s integrity is ultimately rewarded when he is offered a better job at a larger bank. Gresham, realizing Baldwin cannot be swayed by money, decides to confess his crimes.  

Baldwin’s character contrasts sharply with his family.  When they are tempted by money, Baldwin shows his unwavering commitment to his principles. His story emphasizes the value of staying true to one's morals, even in the face of temptation.

Teacher Resources for Character Sketch of Robert Baldwin