The Red Badge of Courage
(Stephen Crane)

Henry Fleming - "The Youth"

The main character of Red Badge of Courage, the entire book takes place entirely in Henry Fleming's mind. A young boy who dreamed of the glories of war, Henry joined the army despite his mother's protests expecting to become a hero. In reality, Henry realizes that war is brutal, vicious, and utterly inglorious. At the beginning of the novel, Henry is a naive and scared youth. He is full of doubt, contradictory thoughts, and rationalizations for his actions. Throughout his struggles, he faces his fears and becomes a young man because of his experiences at war.

Wilson - "The Friend"

Wilson is another youth, like Henry, who experiences battle for the first time along with him. Before they enter battle, Wilson boasts and talks big, but when it comes time to fight he is so sure he is going to die that he hands Henry letters to give to his family back home after he is gone. The two are reunited at the end of the first day, and Wilson tends to Henry's head wound and gives him his blanket to sleep in. The second day of battle, both boys have gained courage enough to lead the charges, become the flag-bearers, and capture enemy soldiers.

Jim Conklin - "The Tall Soldier"

Although not close friends with Henry, the two are acquainted because they are in the same regiment. While they are still at camp, Jim spreads the rumors that the regiment will be marching and defends his position. Excited about the prospect of battle, Jim is mortally wounded by a cannon ball to the side. Henry recognizes him even with his gray skin and wandering eyes in the column of wounded men. He tries to help Jim, who is so near death he goes crazy and runs into the fields before dying gruesomely. Jim's death haunts Henry afterward, as it was his first experience watching someone die.

The Tattered Soldier

Henry meets the tattered soldier in the column of wounded men. The soldier, with his gentle voice, tries to make friends with Henry. Eventually, he asks Henry where he is wounded, and Henry is so ashamed he runs away. The tattered soldier follows Jim and Henry when they leave the column, and is there when Henry dies. He has been shot in two places, and his condition worsens as they are trying to make their way back towards the road. Henry gets so fed up with the tattered soldier's questions and leaves him wandering around in a field. After the battles are over, his treatment of the tattered soldier is his biggest haunt.

The Helpful Stranger

A kind older soldier sees Henry staggering, dizzy from his head wound and helps him back to his regiment. Along the way, he keeps Henry's attention by talking about the battles and telling stories from back home. Henry is grateful for the kindness the stranger shows him, but realizes later that he won't ever be able to thank the man because he never saw his face.

Lieutenant of the 304th Regiment

The lieutenant is never named, but is in charge of Henry's regiment which is made up mostly of new recruits. He is a good leader, alternating between cajoling and swearing as needed. He is pleased when Henry shows true ferocity and defends his soldiers, saying that they fought well, when others insult them.

The Insulting Officer

One officer in particular angers Henry and Wilson when they overhear him say that their regiment fights like "mule drivers". The officer doesn't seem to treat the regiment as a system made up of human beings, but talks about them as if they were only tools. This upsets Henry and Wilson, prompting them to fight bravely in order to prove the officer wrong. Later, the officer tells the lieutenant that Henry and Wilson are good fighters, and they are so pleased they forget the officer's previous offense.

The Dead Soldier

A decaying corpse Henry runs across when he is fleeing deeper into the woods, the dead soldier has obviously been deceased awhile. His uniform is faded, his jaw slackened, his skin gray and partly eaten away. The sight of the dead soldier shocks Henry, and makes him realize his own mortality. Although the soldier is not alive, he and Henry exchange a long look in which Henry is unable to look away.

The Four Prisoners of War

During the 304th Regiment's last charge, Wilson and Henry succeed in capturing four prisoners of the enemy line. All the prisoners act differently upon being captured; some are friendly, others cruel, and one silent. The prisoners are never named, and Henry, although he does not view them with malice, he does not view them as human beings either. Rather, to him they proof of his success.

Henry's Mother

Henry's mother appears in one short flashback of when Henry decided to join the army. While her son was caught up in the glorious image of war, Henry's mother was all too aware of the reality behind it and strongly cautions her son against joining. When she realizes that he cannot be turned away, however, she does all she can to prepare him and give him sound advice. At the time, Henry is not appreciative and wishes that she would act tearful and proud like he thought she would in his mind.