James Whitman

Life
Dr. Whitman studied at Harvard and is both an expert in Archaeology and Anthropology. He also took his PHD at Cambridge University in the UK and taught at many schools around the world. However, over the last few years Whitman has moved into TV series and documentary making and became quite a popular presenter with a successful range of tie-in books.

Career "Whitman's World"

Prior to the events of Tomb Raider (2013) Dr. Whitman hosts his own television show called "Whitman's World", an archaeology show. The Endurance Expedition is supposed to be a part of this show's second season. However his TV series is in danger of not being renewed unless he finds some new and exciting angle; a problem that he’s not keen to share with the rest of the crew. He privately hopes that the trip will give him material for a new TV series and, along with Sam’s footage, the commissioning editors will come crawling to him.

As the game progresses it becomes clear that Whitman is pursuing self-interests, as shown from the letter from his wife who is requesting a divorce who he asks to hold off as it will hurt his public image rather than what her feelings are. Early in the game, he allows himself & Lara to be captured due to his interest in the Islanders Cult 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 to 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 action on the deaths that he has caused. He shows no signs of regret as he talks about helping Matthias kill Sam & says that once it is all done he will need to slip away and 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, as being the "sole survivor"

Death
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 end up attacking Whitman after saying Joō (女王, meaning queen) as Lara watches, viciously killing him as Mathias and Sam slip past them and across the bridge.