The Red Badge of Courage Study Guide

Character List

The youth (Henry Fleming)

the main character of the book. Fights with the 304th regiment, flees his first battle, fights courageously in his second. His musings, thoughts, and responses to war are the focus of the book; because of his changing minds and deeds, he matures as the book progresses.

The loud soldier or the friend (Wilson)

begins the book headstrong and proud, but through battle gains a sense of tranquility. He takes close care of Henry when he returns to the regiment and fights bravely in battle the next day. His maturity is a clue for what will happen to Henry.

The tall soldier (Jim Conklin)

one of Henry's friends. He converses and argues much with Wilson before any battle begins. During his journeys after deserting, Henry encounters Jim in a procession of wounded soldiers. He is there when Jim breathes his last.

The tattered soldier

one of the wounded soldiers. He tries to chat with Henry about the battle and about Henry's wounds. His questions make Henry so upset and guilty that he runs away from him, leaving the tattered man stumbling in a field.

The young lieutenant

the commander of Henry's regiment. He is shot in the hand in the first battle and in the arm in the second. He tries to get his men to fight and charge, even when they are stagnant and even when all he can do is curse.

Henry's mother

does not approve of her son's enlisting, but does not prevent him from going. She only tells him to do what he thinks is right, instead of telling him to be a hero.