Gordon, an American student, is among fifteen boys stranded on a desert island after a maritime accident. As the oldest, he steps into leadership, leveraging his maturity, rationality, and sense of responsibility. His background furnishes essential practical skills for survival: constructing shelters, organizing work details, establishing rules, and rationing supplies. He prioritizes the group's welfare and unity, mediating disputes and fostering cooperation among the boys of diverse nationalities and temperaments. His leadership emphasizes order, discipline, and collective effort to tackle challenges like securing food, defending against threats, and sustaining morale during their prolonged isolation. Focused on immediate survival, he also embodies stability and hope, representing the organizational skills crucial for their endurance over two years. His character remains steadfast, protective, and resourceful throughout the ordeal.