The Role of Gotham's Citizens as Underdogs in the Boats Dilemma

Towards the end of The Dark Knight (the boat dilemma), the Joker supplies two boats with a detonators – these ferries are carrying explosives. Aboard one are citizens and the other is carrying criminals – the Joker threatens to blow up both ferries if one does not destroy the other before midnight.

Take a look at how Gotham's ordinary citizens, who are sometimes disregarded or forgotten, contribute to the city's struggle for survival. When they stand up to corruption and criminality, how do they represent the spirit of the underdog?