How does Rattigan's portrayal of Ronnie Winslow encourage you to sympathise with him?

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Oct/Nov 2020). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. [25] Candidates should be able to discuss how Rattigan's portrayal of Ronnie Winslow encourages sympathy. Points to consider include: Ronnie's young age and innocence; his dismissal from Osborne Naval College for a minor offence; the harshness of the system; his nervousness and vulnerability during the cross-examination; the emotional impact of the case on him and his family; his suffering throughout the prolonged court proceedings; his desire for justice; his simple, trusting nature; his complete belief in his own innocence, and his father's belief in it. The effects of the trial on his education and future may also be explored.