Rambo III characters

Appears from the start

A former Green Beret living apart from the United States at a Buddhist monastery in Thailand. Rambo channels his strength into work and ritual combat, seeking quiet after years of war, although his training and loyalty to Colonel Trautman remain central to him.

Also known as Colonel Trautman

First appears in chapter 5

Rambo's former commanding officer, mentor, and closest friend. He comes to Thailand seeking Rambo's help with a mission supporting Afghan resistance fighters against the Soviet occupation.

First appears in chapter 8

An American official coordinating aid to the Afghan resistance. He helps brief Trautman and Rambo on the Soviet campaign and the covert effort to supply the mujahideen.

Also known as Colonel Zaysen

First appears in chapter 20

The Soviet commander of a fortified base in Afghanistan. He uses aircraft, armor, and torture to crush local resistance, and sees Trautman's capture as an opportunity to uncover the network aiding the mujahideen.

First appears in chapter 23

Zaysen's exceptionally strong subordinate and chief enforcer. Kourov guards the Soviet fortress and personally joins the hunt when Rambo begins operating inside the base.

First appears in chapter 29

An Afghan guide and trader who meets Rambo across the Pakistani border. Mousa knows the routes, factions, and customs of the region, and agrees to take him through dangerous territory toward Trautman's prison.

First appears in chapter 38

A leader among the Afghan resistance fighters. Masoud explains the cost of the Soviet campaign to his people and must balance Rambo's rescue plan against responsibility for the families and fighters under his protection.

First appears in chapter 40

A young Afghan boy living among the resistance community. Curious and determined to take part in the struggle around him, he attaches himself to Rambo despite the extreme danger of the rescue mission.