James Whitman

Life
Career "Whitman's World"

Prior to the events of Tomb Raider (2013) Dr. Whitman hosted his own archaeology TV show, "Whitman's World". The Endurance Expedition was supposed to be a part of the show's third season but the network pulled funding due to the second season's poor ratings.

He panicked and attempted to sell three Chinese statuettes lent to him by the London Museum for use in the third season of the show. The deal with his blackmarket buyer fell through, requiring Jonah to rescue him.

As the game progresses it becomes clear that Whitman is pursuing self-interests, as shown from the letter to his wife who he asks to hold off divorcing him as it will hurt his public image, disregarding her personal feelings. Early in the game, he allows himself & Lara to be captured due to his interest in the Islanders' cultlike behavior.

Lara later finds a letter that shows that Whitman is beginning to grow more obsessed with his fame & shows that he sees this whole situation as a boon for his career. He shows little to no remorse for the death of the other crew members of the Endurance, saying that their deaths help add to the "Drama" of the situation.

Later Whitman betrays Lara & the crew by capturing Sam for Mathias. In his final letter Whitman reflects on what he has done, and again shows no real remorse for his actions or the deaths that he has caused. He shows no signs of regret as he talks about helping Matthias kill Sam and the other survivors and then slipping away to wait for rescue. The final part of the letter makes it clear just how self-conceited Whitman is as he reminds himself to "Show the Appropriate Amount of Sorrow" to the media and authorities while taking full credit for the discoveries found on Yamatai.

Spoiler Alert!!
Approaching the Monastary, Lara witnesses Whitman and Mathias leading a captured Sam. They are stopped, however, by the presence of two Stormguard guarding the bridge. Mathias plays on Whitman's ego and convinces him to approach the Oni to declare 'the arrival of their new Queen'. The Oni attack Whitman as Lara watches, viciously killing him as Mathias and Sam slip past them and across the bridge.