Starship Troopers characters

Also known as Johnnie

Appears from the start

A Mobile Infantry private and the narrator. During a raid on a world allied with humanity's enemies, he drops from orbit in powered armor and fights as part of Rasczak's Roughnecks. His account later turns back to the choices and training that brought him into the service.

Also known as Jelly

Appears from the start

The experienced platoon sergeant of Rasczak's Roughnecks. He keeps the dispersed troopers coordinated during combat and combines practical authority with close attention to every soldier in the unit.

Appears from the start

The officer commanding the Roughnecks, a Mobile Infantry platoon conducting a punitive raid. He leads from the ground in the same powered armor as his troopers and inspires fierce loyalty in the unit.

Appears from the start

A fellow Roughneck wounded during the opening raid. Rico retrieves him under fire so the platoon can extract without leaving one of its own behind.

First appears in chapter 2

Rico's high-school friend, an exceptional student fascinated by advanced science. He intends to enlist for research work and helps turn Rico's vague interest in service into a concrete decision to sign up.

Also known as Carmen

First appears in chapter 2

Rico's friend and schoolmate, mathematically gifted and determined to qualify as a spacecraft pilot. Her decision to enlist alongside Carl gives Rico another reason to present himself at the recruiting station.

First appears in chapter 2

Rico's former History and Moral Philosophy teacher. Demanding and argumentative in class, he presses students to examine the relationship among duty, force, and political responsibility rather than accept easy slogans.

First appears in chapter 2

Rico's prosperous father, who expects his son to enter the family business. He regards enlistment as an irresponsible rejection of the life planned for Rico and argues strongly against it.

First appears in chapter 3

The senior instructor who receives Rico and the other recruits at Camp Currie. Zim uses relentless drill, physical tests, and controlled violence to teach discipline, responsibility, and the realities of close combat.

First appears in chapter 11

An instructor in History and Moral Philosophy at Officer Candidates School. A disabled veteran and exacting teacher, he makes the cadets confront the moral burden attached to command and the use of force.