This was the norm (so to speak) for almost all Hollywood movies for decades -- listing just a small portion of the cast. Most minor players went unnamed, but in many cases even actors in important roles weren't credited. There was no logic to it.
To compound this injustice, some actors with small parts were credited while more important players were ignored. Usually this was because they were starlets whom the studio was trying to promote, or because they were friends of the filmmakers.
In Titanic, Harper Carter isn't the only uncredited player with a major role. Edmund Purdom, who played Officer Lightoller, had a big part and was an important character in the story, yet received no screen credit for his film debut -- even though he was an actor the studios were interested in promoting. On the other hand, Frances Bergen (mother of Candice) did get screen credit, even though her role as Mrs. Astor was minor and she had only a couple of lines and scenes. I believe this was her screen debut too, but she certainly wasn't a major star.
To the original thread question: I don't believe Norman died because, in the movie-morality of the day, he had to because he was illegitimate. He died because he wanted to be near the man he adored and knew only as "Father"...a gesture that made Sturges (Clifton Webb) finally realize -- too late -- about who and what truly constitutes a family. Their dying together was very sad, but there was an element of personal redemption for Sturges in it.
Personally I would have liked to see the boy live, as there was no purpose in his death other than to make his "father" come to his senses about something Norman never even learned about, so the real meaning of his sacrifice is never known by him. But dramatically I can understand this plot decision. I think it was quite shocking to audiences back in 1953, a more "adult" resolution than people were used to in movies.
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