James Whitman

Life
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.

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 writes a piece called "Show the Appropriate Amount of Sorrow", explaining how he is the perfect and sole survivor of the crash.

In the end, Mathias uses Whitman's own Ego to distract the Stormguard, so that Matthias can enter the temple with Sam, resulting in Whitman being cut down by them.