1) I have observed herd-behavior occurrences in school settings. The most probable explanation as to why people decided (whether it was on purpose or subconsciously) to respond to the situation the same way was to fit in or not be labeled as different from the rest. Most people fall into this herd-behavior because of this.
2) This character profusely refused to go along and engage in herd-behavior because their moral compass was stronger and in greater tune than everyone else's, which is an important strength that the character used to their advantage. I would have done the same this as the character, since they stood up for what was right.
