Quatermain is one of the good guys in the story. He and his companions represent the side of good in the "good vs. evil" conflict. Based on the belief that humans live in a violent world, Quatermain feels men must live by a strict moral code, behaving honorably, bravely, and justly. He doesn't kill except in self-defense. He respects integrity, honesty, and bravery in other men, so he shows these same traits as well. He is a hero in a world that struggles against violent forces.