Most cultures have a place for the concept of heroism, and for the heroic figure in narrative fiction; stage heroes are part of the drama's definition of self, the exploration and understanding of personal identity. Melodrama presents conflicts and attitudinal complexities without recourse to intellectual frames of reference; this is what is happening in the heroic melodramas concerned with imperialist themes. G. D. Pitt's play First Friendship; or, a Soldier's March from the Cradle to the Grave offers three heroic stereotypes, apparently mutually exclusive, but all in fact contributing to a self-image for the working-class imperial servant. In the melodrama, the glorification of British fighting men, Henry V's 'happy few', was given a focus in the generic figure of Jack Tar, as recognisable as a king in his uniform, and as distinctive in his known attributes.