One of the most striking characteristics of Dr. Sadao is his sense of duty and patriotism. As a Japanese citizen, he feels obligated to support his country and fulfill his role as a surgeon. He believes that it is his responsibility to take care of the war, even if it means treating the enemies. This sense of duty often leads him to make decisions that seem ethically questionable, such as performing surgery on an American prisoner of war.
On the other hand, Dr. Sadao also has a strong sense of compassion and empathy. He is reluctant to harm the American prisoner, whom he sees as a human being rather than an enemy. He even goes to the extent of risking his own life to save the man. This compassion is rooted in Dr. Sadao's personal beliefs and his understanding of the moral implications of his actions.
As the story progresses, Dr. Sadao faces increasingly difficult choices that test his moral compass. He must decide whether to continue treating the American prisoner, knowing that it could put his family and his own life at risk. He also grapples with the question of whether it is morally justifiable to help the enemy, even if it goes against the interests of his country.
Through Dr.Sadao's inner struggles and moral dilemmas, pearl Buck explores the complexities of human nature and the difficulty of making ethical decisions during wartime. Dr. Sadao is not simply a virtuous or villainous character, but rather a multifaceted individuals faced with impossible choices. His character demonstrates that the line between right and wrong can be blurred in extreme situations, and that compassion and duty can sometimes be at odds.