Dr. Sadao Hoki is a complex and compelling character, embodying a blend of traditional Japanese values and modern, Western-influenced ideals. He is portrayed as a highly skilled and dedicated surgeon, a devoted husband and father, and a man torn between his duty to his country and his compassion for humanity.

Key Traits:

• Patriotic and Duty-Bound: Sadao is deeply patriotic and committed to his duty as a Japanese citizen. His primary loyalty is to his country, as evidenced by his willingness to report the American prisoner if his duty demanded it. He was delaying going abroad for further studies because the Old General might need him.

• Compassionate and Humane: Despite his patriotism, Sadao is inherently compassionate. As a doctor, he is driven by a strong sense of ethical responsibility to save lives, regardless of nationality. This is evident in his decision to operate on the wounded American soldier, despite the risks involved.

• Highly Skilled and Dedicated Surgeon: Sadao is presented as an exceptionally skilled surgeon, meticulously trained and deeply committed to his profession. His expertise and dedication are crucial in saving Tom's life.

• Considerate and Thoughtful: He considers the implications of his actions carefully. His thoughtfulness is clear in how he makes decisions, especially when handling the American soldier.

• Caught Between Conflicting Loyalties: Sadao's internal conflict between his duty to his country and his compassion for a fellow human being is central to his character. He struggles to reconcile these opposing forces, leading to moral dilemmas and difficult choices.

• Respectful of Tradition: Sadao respects certain Japanese traditions, such as consulting with his wife Hana about important decisions and showing deference to authority.

• Influenced by Western Education: His time studying in America has broadened his perspective and instilled in him certain Western values, particularly the importance of individual human life.

In Summary:

Dr. Sadao is a multi-faceted character whose actions are dictated by a complex interplay of duty, compassion, and moral responsibility. He is a man of his time, caught between the traditional values of his culture and the evolving ethics of a globalizing world. His character explores the themes of moral ambiguity and the challenges of remaining true to one's principles in difficult circumstances.