Literature has the compelling and unique ability to present stories that foster empathy and offer perspectives that transcend geographical or cultural boundaries, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the emotional complexities of the characters. Jamil Zaki, in the War for Kindness, argues that there are ways to achieve an increase in empathy, with the common element in most strategies being the ability for individuals or groups to “untether” from what they perceive of their current circumstances and attempt to understand another individual or group’s reality. Tim Martin’s Moral Hazards provides a set of complex ethical conundrums, illuminating the complexities of moral decision-making; for example, the impact of the stories that the characters’ hear is paramount to their consciences. This passage focuses on Anik, a fervent human rights lawyer, who is forced to navigate the intricacies of the broad balance between ethical obligations, empathetic connections, and the formidable constraints entrenched within the pursuit of justice. Of the characters in this novel, I find that she has to navigate the most significant complexities in her ambition to make real changes towards justice for victims in legal contexts. Because of her dedication towards her clients who are victims of sexual assault during war and her commitment to making a change by having rape listed as a crime against humanity when used as a weapon of war, Anik is the best exemplification of untethering from personal realities as a manifestation of absolute empathy in Tim Martin’s Moral Hazards.

Tim Martin’s characterization of Anik and the character’s development throughout the book highlight the complex manifestations of empathy in legal circles. Anika is presented as a character with a passion for defending the oppressed. This dedication to her human rights law career is reflected in the character’s unwavering relentlessness in pursuing justice for her clients and the victims of gross human rights violations. For example, in the beginning, Anik attempts to bring to light ensure the prosecution of former Nazi camp guard Otto Schuman for the atrocities committed during the Nazi regime. Upon her defeat in this suit, she travels to Kenya’s Dadaab camp, where after listening to the stories of the refugees goes on a mission to have rape, which is ubiquitously used as a weapon of war, recognized as a “crime against humanity.”Her passion is relevant even in the tragedy of her loss in this case, in which she feels a blend of guilt and shame after having lost the case (Martin 38). It is apparent that this character, and her protagonist’s essence in this novel, is meant to represent empathy and its manifestation. Anik’s dedication to uncovering the truth and seeking accountability at the refugee camp in the later stages of the novel is consistent with her character development and represents an emotional investment in pursuing justice for victims. Therefore, Tim Martins’ creation of a protagonist who has a deep interest in helping people through the legal corners reflects a character with an empathetic connection with the plight of the victims.

Anik’s characterization also reflects a conscious effort by Tim to present a character inherently inclined towards a moral obligation to redress injustices that society’s vulnerable populations suffer. Anik’s actions resonate with a profound sense of empathy and a steadfast moral compass; for example, during the case against Schuman in the case regarding how rape is used as a weapon of war, Anik presents an impassioned plea to the jury which combines legal arguments with emotional appeals attempting to get the jury to understand the victims’ suffering.

“Anik turned to see Sophie walking out the door. I’ve betrayed Edith and Sophie, she thought, floundering in a mire of guilt and shame” (Martin 38).

This quote proves the impassioned presentation that Anik presents in court and the emotional nature of her relationship with the victims of rape and assault she represented in her search for justice. However, this moral inclination towards justice is not a conscious effort but reflects her intrinsic nature to side with the victim in every case where she perceives injustice. This attitude and perspective are reflected in the novel’s latter stages as she deals with the refugees seeking justice at the Dadaab camp. This intrinsic moral obligation is divergent from other characters, for example, Omar, whose moral compass is extrinsic and related to wealth (specifically gold). Therefore, Tim Martins’ presentation of Anik as a character driven by intrinsic precepts of moral obligation offers a cogent foundation for readers to understand her trajectory of thought and action