Altruistic Behavior of the Main Characters in Tess Wakefield's Novel Purple Hearts

Abstract

This study explored the altruistic behavior demonstrated by the main characters in Tess Wakefield’s novel Purple Hearts. This study usesthe altruistic theory proposed by David G. Myers as a framework, this research identified the forms and factors driving altruistic actions within the narrative. Employing qualitative methods, the study analyzed character behaviors and interactions to highlight expressions of empathy, moral reasoning, and situational influences. The findings revealed that both personal and external factors, such as cultural and environmental contexts, significantly shaped the characters’ altruistic tendencies. This research underscored how altruistic behavior strengthened interpersonal relationships and conveyed broader human values, offering insights into the psychological and social dimensions of prosocial acts as depicted in literature. It contributed to literary and psychological studies by enriching the understanding of altruism in fictional works and its implications for real-life human interactions.