Sharpe’s Tiger characters

Appears from the start

A private in the 33rd Regiment of Foot, hardened by poverty and army discipline. Sharpe is strong, observant, and openly resentful of officers who treat common soldiers as expendable. He is considering desertion in Mysore when his conflict with Sergeant Hakeswill brings him to the attention of men who can use his nerve and local experience.

Appears from the start

A senior sergeant in Sharpe's company who hides cruelty behind rigid military obedience and a claim that he cannot die. He has hated Sharpe since an earlier recruiting encounter and uses his authority to provoke, punish, and discredit him.

Appears from the start

A young woman of mixed British and Indian parentage who works near the regiment and is Sharpe's lover. Practical and independent, Mary understands local languages and customs better than the soldiers around her and shares Sharpe's wish to escape the army's control.

First appears in chapter 2

The officer commanding Sharpe's company. Morris is weak, self-protective, and content to let Hakeswill enforce discipline by intimidation so long as the company causes him little trouble.

First appears in chapter 7

A young lieutenant chosen to enter Seringapatam in disguise. Educated and inexperienced in the life of ordinary soldiers, Lawford depends on Sharpe's practical judgment while treating him with unusual respect; in return he begins teaching Sharpe to read.

Also known as Colonel Wellesley

First appears in chapter 7

A disciplined British commander serving in the Mysore campaign. Wellesley notices ability regardless of rank and offers Sharpe a dangerous intelligence assignment when ordinary military justice has nearly destroyed him.

First appears in chapter 10

An experienced East India Company intelligence officer held inside Seringapatam. McCandless has learned about Tippoo Sultan's defenses and must get that knowledge to the besieging army before its assault.

Also known as Tippoo Sultan

First appears in chapter 11

The ruler of Mysore and commander of Seringapatam's defense against the British-led army. Intelligent, suspicious, and determined to preserve his kingdom, he uses French expertise, elaborate fortifications, and fear to hold the city.

First appears in chapter 12

A Mysorean soldier working with the British. Sevajee knows the country and its competing loyalties, and helps the intelligence mission approach the fortified city without advertising its purpose.

First appears in chapter 18

A French officer in Tippoo Sultan's service who trains troops along European lines. Gudin receives the supposed deserters Sharpe and Lawford as useful professionals and judges them largely by their conduct as soldiers.

First appears in chapter 21

A senior Hindu officer within Tippoo Sultan's forces. Appah Rao must balance service to Mysore against his fear of the ruler's suspicions and the consequences of a disastrous defense.