Sharpe’s Battle characters

Appears from the start

Captain of the South Essex light company, raised from the ranks and valued by Wellington for difficult assignments. Sharpe is ordered to train a neglected Irish company in Spanish service, a task whose political importance is greater than the unit's battlefield value appears to justify.

Appears from the start

Sharpe's Irish sergeant and closest friend. Harper's nationality and authority among ordinary soldiers make him especially useful with the Real Compañía Irlandesa, whose men have been failed by officers and treated as a political symbol.

Appears from the start

A well-fed staff officer appointed to supervise the Real Compañía Irlandesa and report on its readiness. Runciman initially appears better suited to administration and comfort than battle, but his official position gives him responsibility for what becomes of the company.

Appears from the start

The aristocratic Irish commander of the Real Compañía Irlandesa. Kiely carries resentment toward Britain and takes refuge in drink and pride while his undertrained soldiers wait for a purpose worthy of the claims made for them.

Appears from the start

Kiely's wife, living with the Irish company near the frontier. Lady Kiely sees more clearly than her husband how drink, disappointed politics, and divided loyalties are consuming him, though her position gives her little power over his command.

First appears in chapter 2

An officer of the Real Compañía Irlandesa who attends to the practical condition of its soldiers. Donaju wants the company to recover discipline and honor, making him a natural ally for Sharpe's training even when Kiely resists outside interference.

First appears in chapter 2

A charismatic Spanish partisan leader who moves easily between guerrillas, officers, and high society. Juanita has influence over Kiely and presents herself as a fierce enemy of France, giving Sharpe no immediate reason to treat her as anything but an ally.

First appears in chapter 3

Commander of a feared French brigade whose grey-coated troops raid around the frontier. Loup answers resistance with exemplary violence against civilians and regards terror as a deliberate military instrument.

First appears in chapter 4

A French intelligence officer who prefers political fractures to costly frontal attacks. Ducos sees the Irish company as a way to embarrass Britain, divide the allies, and weaken Wellington's standing without changing the balance of an entire army.

First appears in chapter 4

A priest attached to the Irish soldiers in Spanish service. Father Sarsfield represents the religious and political hopes once attached to the company and tries to preserve the men's loyalty when competing causes claim them.

Also known as Lord Wellington

First appears in chapter 5

Commander of the allied army in Portugal. Wellington assigns Sharpe to the Irish company because its conduct affects relations with Spain and Ireland, then prepares to meet Masséna's army near Fuentes de Oñoro.