The Red Badge of Courage (AmazonClassics Edition) characters

Also known as The Youth

Appears from the start

A young Union private who enlisted with romantic ideas about battle and now worries that he may run when tested. He studies the other soldiers for clues about his own courage, shifting between visions of glory and fear that his imagination has deceived him.

Also known as The Tall Soldier

Appears from the start

A tall, talkative soldier in Henry's regiment and an old acquaintance from home. He confidently reports rumors that the army is about to move, though the camp has heard many such claims. His familiar presence gives Henry someone with whom he can discuss the fear of running.

Also known as The Loud Soldier

Appears from the start

A boastful private in Henry's regiment who insists that he will stand and fight. His confidence irritates Henry, who secretly hopes for an honest admission that anyone might flee.

First appears in chapter 2

Henry's practical, reserved mother. She does not share his excitement when he announces his enlistment, but sends him away with plain advice about doing his duty and avoiding corrupt influences. Henry remembers her response during the regiment's early march.

First appears in chapter 4

An officer in Henry's company who drives his men into position during their first fighting. He is harried and forceful under fire, using sharp commands to hold the inexperienced soldiers together.

Also known as The Tattered Man

First appears in chapter 8

A wounded soldier whom Henry meets among men returning from the battlefield. Friendly and persistent despite his injuries, he asks Henry where he has been hurt, forcing Henry to confront the fact that he has no wound to explain his presence there.

First appears in chapter 18

The commanding officer of Henry's regiment. During the later fighting he must respond to orders from above while trying to direct an exhausted unit whose reputation and usefulness are being judged by senior officers.

First appears in chapter 18

A senior commander whom Henry and Wilson overhear discussing their regiment before an assault. He views the unit as expendable and assigns it a limited tactical task, unaware that two of its soldiers can hear him.