The Red Badge of Courage Characters
Every major character in The Red Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane, with a portrait, who they are and the chapters they appear in.
Henry FlemingProtagonist · 23 chaptersA young Union private wrestling with fear, honor, and the desire for a red badge of courage.
The lieutenantMajor character · 12 chaptersA young, high-strung company lieutenant who tries to steady men under fire while bearing visible wounds and fierce language.
Jim ConklinMajor character · 8 chaptersA calm, practical soldier—called the tall soldier—who steadies younger men and later dies from a grievous wound.
The generalMinor character · 8 chaptersA cool, hatless cavalry officer who gives clipped orders and directs troop movements from horseback.
WilsonMajor character · 6 chaptersA loud, blustering bunkmate whose bravado masks a steady, caring soldier who helps Henry recover and face battle.
The colonelMajor character · 5 chaptersThe regiment's stern, practical colonel who enforces order, gives commands, and becomes the immediate face of authority for the men.
The Confederate ArmyAntagonist · 5 chaptersThe opposing Confederate force that advances, fires on, resists, and at times flees during key engagements.
The tattered soldierMinor character · 5 chaptersA ragged, friendly wounded soldier who clings to company and chat while stumbling back from battle.
The color sergeantMajor character · 4 chaptersThe steady color sergeant who bears the regiment's flag and serves as the visible anchor of courage for the men.- tthe tall soldierMajor character · 3 chaptersA veteran-appearing, tall Union soldier who speaks plainly about battle and fights with the regiment in the first major engagement.
The cheery manMinor character · 2 chaptersA cheerful, talkative soldier who steadies and guides a wounded, bewildered Henry through a chaotic retreat.
All chapter summaries ›Characters ›
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