Sharpe’s Trafalgar characters

Appears from the start

A newly made ensign returning from India after years in the ranks. Sharpe carries the confidence of a veteran soldier and a concealed fortune from his campaigns, but he remains uncertain among gentlemen and knows almost nothing about life aboard ship. Passage to England places him outside the army structures he understands.

Appears from the start

A wealthy and well-connected passenger traveling from India to Britain. Lord William is formal, proud of rank, and accustomed to exercising authority over those around him, including his much younger wife Grace.

Also known as Lady Grace

Appears from the start

Lord William Hale's young wife and a fellow passenger on the voyage from India. Grace is intelligent and composed, but her marriage leaves her isolated and subject to her husband's cold authority. She treats Sharpe without the contempt he expects from aristocrats.

First appears in chapter 2

The master of the East Indiaman Calliope. Cromwell presents himself as the absolute practical authority aboard his ship, guarding its commercial interests and expecting passengers and crew to accept his decisions at sea.

First appears in chapter 3

A secretary in Lord William's household. Braithwaite watches status closely and understands that information about his employers and their companions can be turned into influence or money.

First appears in chapter 3

The Hanoverian soldier of fortune who commanded Maratha troops against Wellesley at Assaye. Pohlmann is now another traveler leaving India, outwardly genial and cosmopolitan but still guided by survival, profit, and the ability to shift identities when circumstances demand it.

First appears in chapter 6

The French commander of the Revenant. Montmorin is an experienced naval officer operating far from France, intent on capturing valuable British shipping and then bringing his powerful vessel into the larger war at sea.

First appears in chapter 8

The captain of HMS Pucelle, an energetic Royal Navy officer who combines aggressive seamanship with an unusual sympathy for common sailors. Chase recognizes Sharpe as a fellow professional despite the ensign's ignorance of naval custom.

First appears in chapter 9

A young officer aboard HMS Pucelle. Collier helps Sharpe understand the routines and language of a warship, translating naval practice for a soldier who must find a useful place during action at sea.

Also known as Admiral Nelson

First appears in chapter 14

The celebrated British admiral commanding the fleet watching the combined French and Spanish force. Nelson plans to force a decisive battle by attacking in columns that will break the enemy line and turn the engagement into a close contest.