You have been asked to write a character sketch of the narrator and his wife Mary based on their actions and attitudes in the story “We are not afraid to die…if we can all be together”. Write this character sketch in about 120 words, explaining how they show courage and leadership in the face of adversity. 

     You may begin this way: The story We are not afraid to die…if we can all be together by Gordon Cook and Alan East portrays two heroic characters, the narrator and his wife Mary, who have a passion for sailing and a love for their family. 

Answer as written by the student:

The story We are not afraid to die…if we can all be together by Gordon Cook and Alan East portrays two heroic characters, the narrator and his wife Mary, who have a passion for sailing and a love for their family. They embark on a round-the-world voyage in their ship, the Wavewalker, and face a series of challenges and dangers in the southern Indian Ocean. They show courage and leadership in the face of adversity in the following ways:

• The narrator is a brave and determined man who does not give up easily. He has a dream of completing the voyage that Captain James Cook did 200 years ago, and he prepares himself and his family for it. He is also a skilled and resourceful sailor who knows how to handle the ship and the equipment. He faces the stormy weather and the giant waves with calmness and confidence. He does not panic when the ship is hit by a huge wave and he is thrown overboard. He manages to get back on the ship and take charge of the situation. He repairs the damaged starboard, pumps out the water, sends distress signals, and navigates the ship towards the nearest island. He also cares for his injured wife and children and tries to keep their spirits up.
• Mary is a loyal and supportive wife who shares her husband’s dream and ac companies him on the voyage. She is also a loving and caring mother who looks after her children and protects them from harm. She is a courageous and strong woman who does not lose hope even when the ship is badly damaged and the chances of survival are slim. She takes over the wheel and steers the ship while her husband is busy fixing the leaks. She also helps him with the pumping and the signalling. She suffers a head injury and a broken rib, but she does not complain or give up. She also comforts her children and tells them that they are not afraid to die if they can all be together.