War Horse 40th Anniversary Edition characters

Appears from the start

A red-bay farm horse who narrates the story. Bought as a young colt at auction, he is frightened and unused to people until Albert approaches him with patience. Joey learns farm work and responds strongly to familiar voices, forming a powerful bond with the boy.

Appears from the start

The farmer's young son, who immediately takes responsibility for the nervous colt his father brings home. Albert trains and cares for Joey with unusual gentleness and regards him as his closest companion.

Appears from the start

Albert's proud, quick-tempered father, whose drinking and rivalry with another farmer lead him to buy Joey for more than the family can readily afford. He expects the horse to earn his keep on the farm.

Appears from the start

Albert's practical and sympathetic mother. She understands both the farm's precarious finances and her son's devotion to Joey, and often tries to soften the conflict between Albert and his father.

Appears from the start

The Narracotts' steady older farm horse. Zoey's calm presence helps Joey settle into farm life, and she works beside him when he is first taught to pull a plough.

First appears in chapter 3

A British cavalry officer who buys Joey for army service after war begins. A confident horseman with a considerate manner, he promises the distressed Albert that he will look after the horse and write about his progress.

First appears in chapter 4

A tall, powerful black cavalry horse admired for his strength and composure. He becomes Joey's inseparable companion during training and their service in France.

First appears in chapter 4

Topthorn's cavalry officer and Captain Nicholls's friend. He is an accomplished rider who treats the two horses with respect as the regiment prepares to fight in France.

First appears in chapter 5

The young cavalryman assigned to ride Joey after Captain Nicholls. Warren is not a naturally assured rider, but he is kind to Joey and draws confidence from the horse.

First appears in chapter 6

A German officer who takes charge of Joey and Topthorn after their capture. He values the horses and assigns them to pull an ambulance, hoping the work will keep them away from direct fighting.

First appears in chapter 7

A frail French girl living with her grandfather on a farm used by German troops. Emilie adores Joey and Topthorn, tends them attentively, and gives them the feeling of having a home again.

First appears in chapter 7

Emilie's protective grandfather, a farmer living under occupation. He is wary of the soldiers but grateful for the comfort the horses bring his granddaughter.

First appears in chapter 10

A German artilleryman assigned to care for the gun team's horses. Friedrich dislikes being a soldier and speaks to Joey and Topthorn as companions, doing what he can to protect them from exhaustion.

First appears in chapter 16

Albert's close friend in the British Army veterinary corps. Cheerful and loyal, David works beside Albert among the wounded horses and supports his conviction that Joey may still be found.