Sharpe’s Prey characters

Appears from the start

A lieutenant raised from the ranks whose return to England has brought grief rather than security. Grace and their baby have died, and routine work with the new rifle regiment cannot contain his anger or restlessness. An intelligence assignment in Denmark offers him a way out, though he distrusts the gentlemen directing it.

Appears from the start

A discreet official involved in British intelligence. Pumphrey approaches Sharpe with polished courtesy and treats secret work as a matter of leverage, payments, and information that must be protected from both enemies and nominal allies.

Appears from the start

A well-connected British officer chosen for a covert mission to Copenhagen. Lavisser has Danish family connections, speaks the language, and appears equipped to carry money and instructions to Britain's endangered contact in the city.

Appears from the start

A senior officer who knows Sharpe's record from India and understands the value of a soldier able to act without ceremony. Baird helps place Sharpe on the Danish mission when the lieutenant's military future is uncertain.

First appears in chapter 2

Lavisser's strong, watchful companion on the voyage toward Denmark. Barker presents himself as practical protection for a dangerous journey and takes his lead from the mission's gentleman officer.

First appears in chapter 3

The energetic captain of HMS Pucelle, whom Sharpe knows from the voyage home and Trafalgar. Chase respects Sharpe's fighting ability despite their different services and is operating with the fleet gathering to force a decision over Denmark's warships.

First appears in chapter 4

A Copenhagen merchant who has secretly supplied Britain with intelligence. Ole's commercial position and local contacts make him valuable, but the worsening contest over Danish neutrality leaves him and his household exposed.

First appears in chapter 4

Ole Skovgaard's daughter, a self-possessed Danish woman caught between loyalty to her family and anger at the pressure Britain is bringing against Copenhagen. She shelters no easy illusions about either secret agents or occupying soldiers.

First appears in chapter 6

A Danish officer involved in Copenhagen's defense. Willsen regards British demands as an attack on an independent country and prepares to resist even though Denmark is being squeezed between the larger powers.

Also known as Sir Arthur Wellesley

First appears in chapter 7

The general who first lifted Sharpe from the ranks in India. Wellesley joins the expedition sent to Zealand and remains a commander who values speed, firm objectives, and officers who can solve practical problems under fire.