Critical paper for the film The Lives of Others - Essay Example

Dreyman Dreyman is a character in the movie the lives of others. He acts as a playwright and has released some notable artworks. He is the lover of Christa-Maria. Dreyman depicts himself as a very loyal citizen to the government of East Germany. He has principles and dedicated course, and that is why his works are accepted in both the West and east-Germany. This behavior can well be illustrated using the Unitarianism theory that state that the ethical path to follow is that which bears the greatest benefit to the people.

His behavior can also be explained using the Casuist ethical theory because he understands the policies of the government at the time. He also is aware of the consequences that may come with him and his career that is why he is loyal to the government although we come to realize later that he does not believe in the government after all.ChristaChrista is a character who plays the role of the mistress to Dreyman. She is admired by many including the minister in charge of the culture of East Germany.

She is a supporting partner and is strong in her characters. She loves Dreyman and defends him in their course. She shares in the ideology of her master. Her character can also be explained using the Unitarianism theory that emphasizes the need to analyze a situation and predict its outcome. The right theory can also help in explaining her behavior toward the government minister and also the respect she accords to her man and Wiesler. Christa understands that she is a beautiful lady but is contented with what she has, and that is why she does not choose the minister but stays with Dreyman, the playwright.

She supports her wife in all his undergoing.WieslerWiesler is among major characters in the film. His role sees him play the characters of a captain of the East Germany secret police. Apparently, he stays in the same apartment building with Dreyman, the playwright. He is instructed to investigate Dreyman on possible disloyalty by the minister who wants to separate him from his mistress Christa. He connects wires to eavesdrop any communication. Wiesler later comes to learn of his truthful and even defends the two lovers with any possible opportunity.

His character can be emphasized using the rights ethical theory because he believes and respects the rights of the citizen. His ability to endure and show no emotion can also be explained using the deontology theories that are a state that an individual should stick to their roles in making any ethical decision.HempfBruno Hempf. He acts the role of the government minister in East Germany. He is jealous and lust for the lover of Dreyman, Christa. He directs Wiesler to investigate him in an attempt to implicate Dreyman so as to eliminate competition for Christa.

However, Dreyman guilt is never proven in any way. Hempf is a power hungry individual and inhuman in his dealings. To elaborate his behavior, the virtue theory of ethics can be the best to judge him. Also, his behavior of directing investigation on Dreyman is ill motivated and aimed at fulfilling his personal goals. Hempf selfishness can also be explained using the using the rights theories that articulate respect for the rights of people.Work CitedMacKinnon, Barbara. Ethics: Theory and Contemporary Issues, Concise Edition.

Belmont, Calif: Wadsworth/Cengage Learning, 2012. Print.