List of Sharpe series characters
Sharpe is a series of historical fiction stories by Bernard Cornwell centred on the character of Richard Sharpe. Cornwell's series charts Sharpe's progress in the British Army during the Napoleonic Wars.
Director Tom Clegg filmed the television series Sharpe based on the novels by Bernard Cornwell starring Sean Bean as Richard Sharpe. The series originally ran from 1993 to 1997. In 2006, ITV premiered Sharpe's Challenge, a two-part adventure loosely based on his time in India, with Sean Bean continuing his role as Sharpe.
In both the novels and television series, Sharpe encountered many characters, some real and some fictional. Below are some of the characters mentioned in the novels by Bernard Cornwell and the television series directed by Tom Clegg.
Richard Sharpe
Richard Sharpe first appears in Sharpe's Tiger as a private in the 33rd Regiment of Foot. He later earns the rank of Sergeant by the end of the book. He soon gains promotion to Ensign in the 74th Regiment but is then transferred to the newly formed 95th Rifles as a second lieutenant during Sharpe's Trafalgar. He is gradually promoted through the ranks, finally becoming a lieutenant colonel in Sharpe's Waterloo.The stories dramatise Sharpe's struggle for acceptance and respect from his fellow officers and from the men he commands. Sharpe was born a guttersnipe in the rookeries of London but grew up in Yorkshire. He joined the army at an early age to avoid the penalty of crime.
He is a good soldier and his abilities resulted in him being commissioned as an officer on the battlefield. He overcomes class in an army where an officer's rank is often bought. Unlike many of the officers with whom he serves, Sharpe is an experienced soldier.
Sharpe is described as "brilliant but wayward" in Sharpe's Sword, and is portrayed by the author as a "loose cannon". A highly skilled leader of light troops, he takes part in a range of historical events during the Napoleonic Wars and other conflicts, including the Battle of Waterloo. The earliest books chronologically are set in India, and chronicle Sharpe's years in the ranks and as an ensign. He is known as a dangerous man to have as an enemy; he is a skilled marksman and grows to be a good swordsman. In most of the novels he is a Rifle Officer, armed with a 1796 pattern heavy cavalry sword and Baker rifle, although by Sharpe's Waterloo he has also acquired a pistol.
Sharpe's first command happened by misfortune in Sharpe's Rifles. He found himself in command of fifty rifleman after Sharpe's battalion, acting as rearguard to the army, are cut down by a squadron of French regular cavalry.
The small band of surviving riflemen join with Spanish Major Don Blas Vivar, not realizing at first that he has his own agenda. They try to stir the Spanish in the city of Santiago de Compostela to fight for the cause of Spain against Napoleon.
In Sharpe's Eagle, Sharpe and his thirty odd surviving riflemen are attached to the Light Company of the South Essex. It is with the South Essex later named Prince of Wales Own Volunteers that Sharpe spends the rest of his army career until he attains the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in Sharpe's Waterloo.
He is described as being six feet tall, having an angular, tanned face, long black hair and blue eyes. His most obvious physical characteristic is a deep scar on his right cheek, which pulls his right eye in such a way as to give his face a mocking expression when relaxed, but which disappears when he smiles, which is not too frequently. By the end of the series he has had three children and two wives, although not at the same time.
95th Rifles
Bradshaw
Rifleman Bradshaw first appeared in Sharpe's Gold. He was a quiet rifleman, rarely speaking. He was often seen with Rifleman Tobias Moore. He appeared in Sharpe's Battle as well, and also took part in the Franco-Spanish Border towards where Brigadier General Loup. He also helped Lord Kiley and the Irish Company be trained before the attack, he was friends with Hagman, Moore and Harris because he was often seen at times with them. He survived Loup's village along with Harper, Hagman, Harris, Moore and Millerson, unfortunately Perkins was killed in the hands of Irish Company Guardsman O'Rourke. He appeared in Sharpe's Sharpe's Sword, and partook at El Mirador's place, but with a stay at the town Villafranca. He stayed at Father Curtis's church for the night, but then later one night he partook in the battle at the French fortress, which resulted in the deaths of half of Col Berkeley's men and Berkeley as well. He survived but Sharpe was severely wounded. After Sharpe had recovered, he partook again attacking the fortress and he survived the battle. He cameoed in Sharpe's Regiment but didn't get seen through the whole story, only in the start and end. Bradshaw also appeared in Sharpe's Siege, and was their before they would head to France, partaken in the battle of Bordeaux and survived it. Rifleman Bradshaw also appeared in Sharpe's Mission and partook in the Battle of France.Cameron
Rifleman Cameron first appeared in Sharpe's Rifles where he accompanied Sharpe in the retreat to Corunna where he was wounded. He fought in the First Battle of Oporto and also partook in the Second Battle of Oporto which he survived. Cameron fought with Sharpe in the Battle at Talavera although he was not mentioned in Sharpe's Eagle. He also participated in the destruction of Almeida but wasn't mentioned in Sharpe's Gold and also partook in Sharpe's Escape during the battle of Bussaco. He partook in the Battle of Fuentes de Oñoro in and went to fight with Sharpe in the Siege of Ciudad Rodrigo and the Siege of Badajoz. He went on to fight in the Battle of Salamanca in Sharpe's Sword but he wasn't mentioned. Cameron went onto fight alongside Sharpe in Sharpe's Enemy but he wasn't mentioned at all. Cameron wasn't mentioned in Sharpe's Honour, Regiment, Christmas, Siege, Revenge, or Waterloo. Either Cameron did not fight at Waterloo or he was killed prior to the battle. In battle Cameron partnered fellow rifleman and friend Rifleman Harvey.Rifleman Cameron never appeared in the TV Series adaptions.
Carter
Rifleman Carter first appeared in Sharpe's Havoc would have also accompanied Sharpe in the retreat to Corunna in Sharpe's Rifles though he was not mentioned. He fought in the First Battle of Oporto and also partook in the Second Battle of Oporto which he survived. Carter fought with Sharpe in the Battle at Talavera although he was not mentioned in Sharpe's Eagle. He also participated in the destruction of Almeida but wasn't mentioned in Sharpe's Gold and also partook in Sharpe's Escape during the battle of Bussaco. He partook in the Battle of Fuentes de Oñoro in and went to fight with Sharpe in the Siege of Ciudad Rodrigo and the Siege of Badajoz. He went on to fight in the Battle of Salamanca in Sharpe's Sword but he wasn't mentioned. Carter went onto fight alongside Sharpe in Sharpe's Enemy but he wasn't mentioned at all. Carter wasn't mentioned in Sharpe's Honour, Regiment, Christmas, Siege, Revenge, or Waterloo. Either Carter did not fight at Waterloo or he was killed prior to the battle. Carter was described as being a Catholic, a quiet individual who was lucky. His best friend is Rifleman Matthew Dodd who he partnered in battles.Rifleman Carter never appeared in the TV Series adaptions.
Francis Cooper
Rifleman Francis Cooper was a Chosen Man who served in the 95th Rifles. He was born in the London slums, where he learned his trade in thieving and pick pocketing. While he has a reputation for being unintelligent and impulsive at times, he is one of the best shots, rarely missing an opportunity, whether its to leave the column to shoot a rabbit for supper, or to eye up any pretty lady.In the novels Cooper first appeared in Sharpe's Prey and was one of the original men of Major Dunnett participating in the Battle of Copenhagen alongside with Harper, and Harris. He made an appearance in Sharpe's Rifles and on the retreat to Corunna.
He featured in Sharpe's Havoc during the victory at Oporto and the Second Battle of Porto. He also appeared in Sharpe's Battle during the Battle of Fuentes de Oñoro and went to appear in the last novel Sharpe's Skirmish during the Defense of Tormes. He is referred to as one of Sharpe's best marksmen along with Hagman, Thompson and Harris.
In the TV Series adaption he is played by Michael Mears. He first appears in Sharpe's Rifles and goes to fight with Sharpe until Sharpe's Gold. Cooper was supposed to have appeared as a full-time Chosen Man and was originally going to be a long living member of Sharpe's Chosen Men, presumably to feature in either Sharpe's Mission or Sharpe's Waterloo. He was to have been and would have been the last of Sharpe's Chosen Men along with Harper to survive Waterloo, but plans changed when Michael Mears was called onto other films. His role-play was replaced with Richard Rutherford-Moore playing as Rifleman Moore, a new Chosen Man, whom had no dialogue.
Christopher Cresacre
Rifleman Christopher Cresacre first appeared in Sharpe's Havoc however he would have accompanied Sharpe in the retreat to Corunna but was he was never mentioned in Sharpe's Rifles. Cresacre fought in the First Battle of Oporto and also partook in the Second Battle of Oporto which he survived. Cresacre fought with Sharpe in the Battle at Talavera where Sharpe captured a French Eagle. He also participated in the destruction of Almeida in Sharpe's Gold and also partook in Sharpe's Escape during the battle of Bussaco. Cresacre featured in Sharpe's Battle. He partook in the Battle of Fuentes de Oñoro and went to fight with Sharpe in the Siege of Ciudad Rodrigo and the Siege of Badajoz. Cresacre was unfortunately killed in the siege of Badajoz in Sharpe's Company. Sharpe was angered by the death of Cresacre indicating he valued the rifleman. Cresacre was described as a moaner and a grumbler. He was also one of the rifleman who was considered to be troublesome.Rifleman Cresacre never appeared in the TV Series adaptions.
Matthew Dodd
Rifleman Matthew Dodd is a fictional character who appears in several of the Sharpe books by Bernard Cornwell.Rifleman Dodd is a quiet individual of Sharpe's chosen men, based on C.S Forester's novel Death to the French fictional character, Dodd fights alongside with Sharpe from Sharpe's Rifles until being promoted to Corporal in Sharpe's Escape where he goes missing in action and separated from the group, however Bernard Cornwell never mentioned Dodd returning with the company at the end of the book however in C.S Forester's novel Death to the French he does find his way back to the regiment.
Matthew Dodd isn't related to William Dodd nor are they family. He never appeared in the TV Series adaptions.
Sean Donnelly
Rifleman Sean Donnelly is one of the original riflemen who was involved in the retreat to Corunna in Sharpe's Rifles though he was not mentioned in the novel. He was mentioned in Sharpe's Havoc but was unfortunately killed. He was born in Derry in Ireland. He is described in the novels as being a little evil person who could shoot straight when not drunk. Donnelly was one of the trouble makers in the company along with Sims, Gataker, Cresacre, Williamson and Tarrent though Sharpe regarded him as a good man.Rifleman Donnelly never appeared in the TV Series adaptions.
Warren Dunnett
Major Warren Dunnett of the 95th Rifles appears in Sharpe's Prey and then in Sharpe's Rifles as Richard Sharpe's commanding officer. On the retreat to Corunna in Sharpe's Rifles, Dunnett is captured by the French in the skirmish that separates Sharpe and the fifty surviving riflemen from Sir John Moore's army.Dunnett has the misfortune to then spend the remainder of the War languishing in captivity, while the Lieutenant he despised rises through the ranks. He was given the freedom of the town of Verdun, and his captivity was not harsh, but had no money for bribes or luxuries, and he stated he'd much rather die than ever see that town again.
When he and Sharpe meet again at Waterloo, he is thin and worn, and is incredulous Harper had survived, expecting the man should have died long since, and calling him a rogue. He then apologizes to Sharpe, saying he had been wrong in his opinion of the man from the ranks, and that it was good to see him again; so few of the old battalion still lived, so many had died at New Orleans.
In the television series Dunnett was played by Julian Fellowes, who would go on to also play the Prince of Wales in Sharpe's Regiment.
The character of Dunnett did not reappear in the film adaptation of Sharpe's Waterloo as he was shown as killed in the action depicted in Sharpe's Rifles.
Finn
Rifleman Finn first appeared in Sharpe's Battle however he would have accompanied Sharpe in the retreat to Corunna in Sharpe's Rifles. He fought in the First Battle of Oporto and also partook in the Second Battle of Oporto which he survived. Finn fought with Sharpe in the Battle at Talavera although he was not mentioned in Sharpe's Eagle. He also participated in the destruction of Almeida but wasn't mentioned in Sharpe's Gold and also partook in Sharpe's Escape during the battle of Bussaco. He partook in the Battle of Fuentes de Oñoro and went to fight with Sharpe in the Siege of Ciudad Rodrigo and the Siege of Badajoz. He went on to fight in the Battle of Salamanca in Sharpe's Sword but he wasn't mentioned. Finn went onto fight alongside Sharpe in Sharpe's Enemy but he wasn't mentioned at all. Finn wasn't mentioned in Sharpe's Honour, Regiment, Christmas, Siege, Revenge, or Waterloo. Either Finn did not fight at Waterloo or he was killed prior to the battle. Finn was part of the Irish contingent of Sharpe's Riflemen along with Harper, Slattery and Donnelly.Rifleman Finn never appeared in the TV Series adaptions.
Gataker
Rifleman Gataker is one of the original riflemen who was involved in the retreat to Corunna in Sharpe's Rifles. He was not considered for a promotion to sergeant as Sharpe saw him as being too fly for his own good. He may not have been one of the best shots of the riflemen, as in Sharpe's Eagle he was asked to keep reloading for Hagman. Rifleman Gataker was mentioned in Sharpe's Havoc where he fought in the First Battle of Oporto and also partook in the Second Battle of Oporto which he survived. He also featured in Sharpe's Eagle where Gataker fought with Sharpe in the Battle at Talavera. Gataker was unfortunately killed at the beginning of the battle when a shell landed next to him and exploded.Rifleman Gataker never appeared in the TV Series adaptions.
Green
Rifleman Green first appeared in Sharpe's Battle however he would have accompanied Sharpe in the retreat to Corunna but was he was never mentioned in Sharpe's Rifles. He fought in the First Battle of Oporto and also partook in the Second Battle of Oporto which he survived. Green fought with Sharpe in the Battle at Talavera although he was not mentioned in Sharpe's Eagle. He also participated in the destruction of Almeida but wasn't mentioned in Sharpe's Gold and also partook in Sharpe's Escape during the battle of Bussaco. He partook in the Battle of Fuentes de Oñoro in and went to fight with Sharpe in the Siege of Ciudad Rodrigo and the Siege of Badajoz. He went on to fight in the Battle of Salamanca in Sharpe's Sword but he wasn't mentioned. Green went onto fight alongside Sharpe in Sharpe's Enemy but he wasn't mentioned at all. Green wasn't mentioned in Sharpe's Honour, Regiment, Christmas, Siege, Revenge, or Waterloo. Either Green did not fight at Waterloo or he was killed prior to the battle.Rifleman Green never appeared in the TV Series adaptions.
Daniel Hagman
Rifleman Daniel Hagman is the oldest man in Sharpe's company and, over the entire course of the novels, its best marksman. Hagman is one of the Chosen Men and appears in nearly all the original Sharpe novels and television series. Sharpe initially thought of Hagman as being too lazy to be considered for sergeant. Although he doesn't know exactly when he was born, he is described as being between forty and fifty years old, and missing most of his teeth. He has "a face like a grave-digger, hair down to his shoulder blades". He had been a poacher in Cheshire, as had been his father. When caught, he was given the choice of prison or the army. He chose the army, leaving his wife, a "God-damned sawney mouthed bitch of a sodding witch" behind. Sharpe wondered how he'd ever been caught since he had an uncanny ability to find his way in the dark and assumed he must have been drunk. Hagman was one of the very few who had not gotten insensibly drunk with the rest of the company in Sharpe's Rifles.He was seriously wounded at a skirmish outside Barca d'Avintas in Portugal, taking a ball to the chest. Sharpe refused to leave him behind, and as luck would have it, they billeted in one of the English merchant's houses for almost a month, giving Hagman the chance to heal. While delirious he muttered the name "Amy," and was later surprised he had, since he had not thought of her in years. He explained she had been the rector's daughter - who did things no rector's daughter ought to do. He then recommended a poultice of spider webs, moss, and vinegar backed on brown paper and tied tight to the wound. Apparently it worked because he marched out with his company.
While the company was under siege at San Isidro in Sharpe's Battle, he reveals that as a boy he spent a year down a coal mine in Derbyshire. He hated the mine, and was frightened from the moment he entered the shaft. He also said working girls used to come down the mine and work their trade among the men. A girl called Dwarf Babs who charged a penny, was his first woman, "And she didn't even charge me." He figured that if his father had not died about then, which had his mother moving to Handbridge to live with her sister, he'd have been there still - or dead, since life expectancy in the mines was about thirty.
In Sharpe's Enemy he offers to play valet for Sharpe, but is refused. The amused Hagman told Sharpe he was a bloody awful Major, "You have to learn to have things done for you, sir, like the nobs." That if he ate with quality, he couldn't look like a tinker. Although for himself, he could not see the point of a fork when the good Lord gave you fingers.
In Sharpe's Christmas, it was Hagman who was called upon to deliver the baby of a French camp follower, "Isn't the first baby I've done, sir.... I'll see her right." He is also apparently the alternate barber to Sally Clayton, cutting Sharpe's hair when needed.
He can neither read nor write, but he is the best marksman among the Rifles. He was a careful and deliberate shot, precise, preferring using the finest loose powder to charge his weapon rather than the prepared cartridges. He often follows each shot with a softly spoken "got him."
During the battle of Waterloo, after Sharpe takes command of the Prince of Wales' Own, Hagman takes a bullet through the chest and is fatally wounded. Sharpe kneels beside him, holding his hand, as the older man bleeds out. Sharpe offers to get him to the surgeons, but Hagman's last words were, "Bugger them surgeons, Mr Sharpe." Hagman then dies in Sharpe's arms.
In the TV adaptations he was played by John Tams, a noted English folk musician and composer, who arranged and sang much of the music used in the series. A number of differences exist between the character in the book and the TV character, notably that in the TV adaptation he is killed at La Haye Saint rather than at Sharpe's side.
In Sharpe's Rifles it was with Hagman that Sharpe made his first inroads toward connecting with his new command. He stopped to speak with the former poacher and helped him through a boggy ground.
He served a chief midwife for Ramona when she gave birth to Harper's son in Sharpe's Honour. He was calm and cool throughout, but admitted he'd never help a human give birth before.
In Sharpe's Siege, Matthew Robinson, a young rifleman from the 60th Rifles reckoned he was the best shot in the company, and like Hagman liked to grind his powder fine, and load with loose power rather than the prepared cartridges when there was time. Upon observing Robinson's grind, Hagman commented drily, "If ye grind it too fine, it'll blow yer bloody head off, then nobody'll know who's best shot; thee or me." When Robinson later had the opportunity to act as sniper, his target survived, so Hagman backed him up and delivered a fatal shot. The two marksmen shook hands and agreed that Robinson was second best shot.
At Waterloo, he and Harris rejoin Sharpe and take positions as sergeants on the Prince of Orange's roster. At the defense of La Haye Sainte, they ran out of ammunition, and in his effort to abandon the location, Orange knocked Hagman to the ground. A French infantryman then shot him in the head, and he died instantly. Sharpe came near tears when he heard, and attempted to assassinate Orange to prevent any more unnecessary deaths among the men.
There similarities between Hagman & Joseph Almond, a 95th Riflemen who, like Hagman, was a Cheshire man, although Joseph Almond was executed at Ciudad Rodrigo for desertion and betrayal to the French side.
Patrick Harper
Patrick Harper is a fictional character created by Bernard Cornwell in the "Sharpe" series of novels.Harper is a large, fierce-seeming man from Donegal, Ireland, recruited in the early years of the 19th century into the British Army and eventually the 95th Rifle Regiment.
Harper is initially an antagonist, as he leads a mutiny against Sharpe's command and conspires to murder him in Sharpe's Rifles. Over the course of the series Harper becomes one of Sharpe's closest friends and his reliable companion, sharing most of his exploits and rising in rank beside him to sergeant and sergeant-major.
Along with Sharpe he is one of the principal protagonists of the series and appears in the majority of the books.
Patrick Harper was born in , an agricultural townland in County Donegal in 1784, one of many children born into a farming family in the Catholic peasantry that predominated in rural Ireland at the time. Hunger and rural poverty drove him to join the British army, despite his antipathy to the British in Ireland.
This ambivalence at his role led to frequent rebellion against authority and a reputation as troublemaker, one of the wildest men in the army. Consequently, he was transferred from regiment to regiment, until he settled in the newly formed 95th Rifles.
Rifleman Harper got his first taste of battle when, in 1806, he was part of the disastrous attempt to capture Buenos Aires and the following year saw action at the Battle of Copenhagen.
In 1808 the Rifles were posted to Portugal and fought in the opening campaigns of the Peninsula War, at the Battles of Rolica and Vimeiro. During the retreat to Corunna Harper was among a small group of Riflemen trapped behind enemy lines and led an unsuccessful mutiny against the only surviving officer – Richard Sharpe.
Harper's growing respect – eventually deep and lasting friendship – for Sharpe and his promotion to sergeant finally provide Harper with a stability that allow him to flourish in the army. He transfers with Sharpe to the South Essex Regiment and serves throughout the Peninsula War with great courage, a ferocious and adept soldier and natural leader of infantry.
Among the exploits he shares with Sharpe, Harper is credited with the capture of a French Imperial Eagle at the Battle of Talavera in 1809 and storming of one the breaches at Badajoz in 1812.
He is discharged from the army in 1814, but is present at the Battle of Waterloo as a civilian.
He enjoys a successful second career in Dublin as a horse dealer and owner of a public house.
Despite his ferocity in battle, where he seems to embody the berserker energy of legendary Irish heroes such as Cú Chulainn, Harper is a kind and gentle man, with a passion for birdwatching. His weapon of choice is a Nock gun, given to him by Sharpe as a "Christmas present".
Harper is flogged during the siege of Badajoz as a result of the machinations of Sharpe's enemy Obadiah Hakeswill.
Harper protects Isabella, a young Spanish girl, through the horrific hours of rape and looting that follow the British capture of Badajoz. They subsequently marry and settle in Dublin, where they raise many children.
Harper speaks fluent Irish, his native tongue.
Five years after Waterloo in Sharpe's Devil he had grown very fat. Ironically, as Harper was not wounded throughout the Peninsular War, he is wounded for the first time in Chile while there with Sharpe attempting to locate Blas Vivar, the Spaniard who rescued them in Sharpe's Rifles.
Harper is played by Daragh O'Malley in the Sharpe TV series.
In the Sharpe novels, Harper's middle name is given as Augustine. But in the Sharpe TV series, it was changed to Michael.
Harris
Rifleman Harris is a fictional character from Bernard Cornwell's Sharpe series of novels, an alcoholic scholar who enlisted because of debt.In the TV series, he is a rifleman, one of Sharpe's Chosen Men or lance corporals and is played by Jason Salkey. In Sharpe's Rifles, he claims to be from Wheatley, Oxfordshire. This is contradicted in the novel Sharpe's Havoc, written after the television adaptations, where Harris tells Sharpe he is from Lichfield, "where Samuel Johnson came from".
He enjoys reading books, especially philosophy and is the intellectual member of the company. In the books the educated Rifleman was Isaiah Tongue, killed in Sharpe's Gold.
He was eventually promoted to sergeant but was killed alongside his friend Sergeant Daniel Hagman at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. In the books, Harris is absent from the battle.
He first appeared in Sharpe's Prey and, including Harper, was one of the only two men remaining from Major Dunnett's original company, from the Battle of Copenhagen. He is referred to as one of Sharpe's best marksmen, along with Hagman, Thompson and Harris. Harris last appears in Sharpe's Skirmish, but he may be alive as of Sharpe's Enemy, as he is likely to be one of the last nine from the retreat to Corunna left at the time. He possibly fought with Sharpe at the Battle of Vitoria and presumably the Battle of Nivelle. He most likely fought with Sharpe at the final Battle of Toulouse, and may still be alive as of Sharpe's Revenge, though Harris is absent in Sharpe's Waterloo. He does not appear at Waterloo and is absent from the battle.
His first name is never revealed in the series and in fact a joke is made of this in his final scene, with Hagman asking him what it is.
The character was named in tribute to Benjamin Randell Harris, of the 95th Rifles, whose memoir, The Recollections of Rifleman Harris, about his experiences during the peninsular campaign, was a major source for Cornwell's original research for the Sharpe novels.
Harvey
Rifleman Harvey first appeared in Sharpe's Eagle but he would have accompanied Sharpe in the retreat to Corunna in Sharpe's Rifles. He fought in the First Battle of Oporto and also partook in the Second Battle of Oporto which he survived. Harvey fought with Sharpe in the Battle at Talavera in Sharpe's Eagle where he was asked to keep reloading for Hagman, maybe indicating that he was one of the weaker shots of the riflemen. He also participated in the destruction of Almeida but wasn't mentioned in Sharpe's Gold and also partook in Sharpe's Escape during the battle of Bussaco. He partook in the Battle of Fuentes de Oñoro in and went to fight with Sharpe in the Siege of Ciudad Rodrigo and the Siege of Badajoz. He went on to fight in the Battle of Salamanca in Sharpe's Sword but he wasn't mentioned. Harvey went onto fight alongside Sharpe in Sharpe's Enemy but he wasn't mentioned at all. Harvey wasn't mentioned in Sharpe's Honour, Regiment, Christmas, Siege, Revenge, or Waterloo. Either Harvey did not fight at Waterloo or he was killed prior to the battle. Harvey was best friends with Rifleman Cameron, with whom he partnered in battle.Rifleman Harvey never appeared in the TV Series adaptions.
Nicholas Hine
Rifleman Nicholas Hine is one of the original 50 riflemen cut off from Sir John Moores army during the retreat to Corunna though he was not mentioned in Sharpe's Rifles. Rifleman Hine was first mentioned in Sharpe's Havoc where he fought in the First Battle of Oporto and also partook in the Second Battle of Oporto which he survived. In Sharpe's Eagle it is revealed that just over 30 rifleman survived the retreat to Corunna and Hine would have been one of them. He would have fought with Sharpe in the Battle at Talavera although he was not mentioned in Sharpe's Eagle. He also participated in the destruction of Almeida but also was not mentioned in Sharpe's Gold where it states that there are 20 surviving riflemen. Hine also partook in the battle of Bussaco in Sharpe's Escape where it is mentioned that Sharpe only has 18 riflemen left. Hine was mentioned in Sharpe's Battle where he was involved in the Battle of Fuentes de Oñoro. In Sharpe's Company Sharpe has 11 surviving riflemen and in Sharpe's Enemy he has ten which included Harper. Hine wasn't mentioned in Sharpe's Honour, Regiment, Christmas, Siege, Revenge, or Waterloo. Either Hine did not fight at Waterloo or he was killed prior to the battle. He is described as being born in Staffordshire, over six feet tall, and popular with the other men. Despite being a very competent and reliable rifleman, Hine is also known to be over-confident and on occasions arrogant.Rifleman Nicholas Hine never appeared in the TV series adaptations.
Hobbes
Rifleman Hobbes is one of the original riflemen who was involved in the retreat to Corunna though he was not mentioned in Sharpe's Rifles. Hobbes would have fought in the First Battle of Oporto and also partook in the Second Battle of Oporto which he survived. He would have been with Sharpe in the Battle at Talavera although he was not mentioned in Sharpe's Eagle. He also participated in the destruction of Almeida but also was not mentioned in Sharpe's Gold and also partook in the battle of Bussaco in Sharpe's Escape. Hobbes wasn't mentioned in Sharpe's Honour, Regiment, Christmas or Siege. He however featured in Sharpe's Revenge. He was killed in the Battle of Toulouse while creating an opportunity for the South Essex to attack the French.Jedediah Horrell
Rifleman Jedediah Horrell first appeared in Sharpe's Eagle however he would have accompanied Sharpe in the retreat to Corunna but was he was never mentioned in Sharpe's Rifles. He fought in the First Battle of Oporto and also partook in the Second Battle of Oporto which he survived. Horrell fought with Sharpe in the Battle at Talavera in Sharpe's Eagle. He also participated in the destruction of Almeida but wasn't mentioned in Sharpe's Gold and also partook in Sharpe's Escape during the battle of Bussaco. Horrell featured in Sharpe's Battle. He partook in the Battle of Fuentes de Oñoro in and went to fight with Sharpe in the Siege of Ciudad Rodrigo and the Siege of Badajoz. He went on to fight in the Battle of Salamanca in Sharpe's Sword but he wasn't mentioned. Horrell went onto fight alongside Sharpe in Sharpe's Enemy but he wasn't mentioned at all. Horrell wasn't mentioned in Sharpe's Honour, Regiment, Christmas, Siege, Revenge, or Waterloo. Either Horrell did not fight at Waterloo or he was killed prior to the battle. He is described as a good man, a sturdy labourer from the Midlands.Rifleman Horrell never appeared in the TV series adaptations.
Parry Jenkins
Rifleman Parry Jenkins was a Welsh rifleman and chosen-man that served in the 95th Rifles. He was five feet and four inches tall and he was one of the best fishers amongst the men. He was considered in Sharpe's Rifles as a candidate for Sergeant but Sharpe thought he lacked the necessary ruthlessness. He got on well with Sharpe and the rest of the men.Jenkins first appeared in Sharpe's Rifles, he was one of the original men from the retreat to Corunna. After the death of the senior officers leaves Sharpe in charge, Jenkins was one of those willing to listen to Sharpe. Jenkins partook in the battle of St. Jones, Santiago de Compostela, and managed to survive the battle and become one of the new Chosen Men with Sharpe.
In Sharpe's Gold Jenkins was one of only twenty rifleman out of the thirty-one survivors from Corunna remaining at the time. He participated in the Siege of Almeida in search of Claud Hardy, however they were too late and he was already dead. During the mission, one of Jenkins's closest friends, Rifleman Isaiah Tongue, was killed by a French sharpshooter. Jenkins blamed himself for Tongue's death and had to be reassured by Sharpe. Jenkins survived the Siege of Almeida.
In Sharpe's Company Jenkins participated in the Siege of Ciudad Rodrigo and the Siege of Badajoz. Jenkins survived the assault.
His final appearance was in Sharpe's Sword where he had a minor role but participated in the Battle of Salamanca and survived. Jenkins presumably went on to fight with Sharpe during the Defence of Tormes, where it is mentioned that only nine from the retreat to Corunna were left at this time. He may have fought in the Battle of Vitoria in Sharpe's Honour and followed Sharpe during the Invasion of France, perhaps even up to the final battle of Toulouse as of Sharpe's Revenge. Jenkins wasn't mentioned in Sharpe's Skirmish, Enemy, Honour, Regiment, Christmas, Siege, Revenge, or Waterloo. Either Jenkins did not fight at Waterloo or he was killed prior to the battle.
Parry Jenkins never appeared in the TV Series adaptions.
Latimer
Sergeant Latimer first appeared in Sharpe's Battle. Although he would have accompanied Sharpe in the retreat to Corunna, was he was never mentioned in Sharpe's Rifles. He fought in the First and Second Battles of Oporto, which he survived. Latimer fought with Sharpe in the Battle at Talavera, although he was not mentioned in Sharpe's Eagle. He also participated in the destruction of Almeida but wasn't mentioned in Sharpe's Gold; he also partook in Sharpe's Escape during the battle of Bussaco. He fought in the Battle of Fuentes de Oñoro and went on to fight with Sharpe in the Siege of Ciudad Rodrigo and the Siege of Badajoz. He went on to fight in the Battle of Salamanca in Sharpe's Sword but he wasn't mentioned. Latimer went on to fight alongside Sharpe in Sharpe's Enemy but he wasn't mentioned at all. Latimer wasn't mentioned in Sharpe's Honour, Regiment, Christmas, Siege, Revenge, or Waterloo. Either Latimer did not fight at Waterloo or he was killed prior to the battle. It is unknown when Latimer became a Sergeant, as in Sharpe's Rifles only saw Harper as a suitable replacement for Williams. It may be fair to assume that when the Rifles were drafted into the South Essex, Sharpe needed more Sergeants and as such Rifleman Latimer was suitable for the role.Sergeant Latimer never appeared in the TV series adaptations.
McDonald
Rifleman McDonald first appeared in Sharpe's Battle. He would have accompanied Sharpe in the retreat to Corunna but was he was never mentioned in Sharpe's Rifles. He fought in and survived the First and Second Battles of Oporto. McDonald fought with Sharpe in the Battle at Talavera although he was not mentioned in Sharpe's Eagle. He also participated in the destruction of Almeida but wasn't mentioned in Sharpe's Gold and also partook in Sharpe's Escape during the battle of Bussaco. He partook in the Battle of Fuentes de Oñoro in and went to fight with Sharpe in the Siege of Ciudad Rodrigo and the Siege of Badajoz. McDonald wasn't mentioned in Sharpe's Enemy, Sword, Honour, Regiment, Christmas, Siege, Revenge, or Waterloo. Either McDonald did not fight at Waterloo or he was killed prior to the battle.Rifleman McDonald is not to be confused with Ensign McDonald in Sharpe's Sword. He never appeared in the TV series adaptations.
McNeill
Rifleman McNeill first appeared in Sharpe's Havoc but would have accompanied Sharpe in the retreat to Corunna in Sharpe's Rifles. He fought in the First Battle of Oporto and also partook in the Second Battle of Oporto which he survived. McNeill fought with Sharpe in the Battle at Talavera although he was not mentioned in Sharpe's Eagle. He also participated in the destruction of Almeida but wasn't mentioned in Sharpe's Gold and also partook in Sharpe's Escape during the battle of Bussaco. He partook in the Battle of Fuentes de Oñoro in and went to fight with Sharpe in the Siege of Ciudad Rodrigo and the Siege of Badajoz. He went on to fight in the Battle of Salamanca in Sharpe's Sword but he wasn't mentioned. McNeill went onto fight alongside Sharpe in Sharpe's Enemy but he wasn't mentioned at all. McNeill wasn't mentioned in Sharpe's Honour, Regiment, Christmas, Siege, Revenge, or Waterloo. Either McNeill did not fight at Waterloo or he was killed prior to the battle. He is described in the novels as being a Catholic.Rifleman McNeill never appeared in the TV series adaptations.
Millerson
Rifleman Millerson first appeared in Sharpe's Gold when Rifleman Skillicorn was accused by provosts of stealing a chicken. He appeared in Sharpe's Battle as well, and also took part in the Franco-Spanish Border towards where Brigadier General Loup . He also helped Lord Kiley and the Irish Company train before the attack. He survived Loup's village along with Harper, Hagman, Harris, Moore and Bradshaw. He appeared in Sharpe's Sword, and partook at El Mirador's place, but with a stay at the town Villafranca. He stayed at Father Curtis's church for the night, but then later one night he partook in the battle at the French fortress, which resulted in the deaths of half of Col Berkeley's men and Berkeley as well. He survived but Sharpe was severely wounded. After Sharpe had recovered, Millerson partook again in attacking the fortress, and he survived the battle. He had a cameo appearance in Sharpe's Regiment but didn't get seen through the whole story, only in the beginning and the end. Millerson also appeared in Sharpe's Siege, and was there before they would head to France, where he fought in the battle of Bordeaux and survived. Rifleman Millerson also appeared in Sharpe's Mission and partook in the Battle of France.Tobias Moore
Rifleman Tobias Moore first appeared in Sharpe's Company with the forlorn hope at the siege of Badajoz which he survived and was rewarded a laurel wreath. He then appeared in Sharpe's Honour and partook in the Battle of Vitoria, he was hiding in the bushes and gave Sergeant Harper his 7 barrel gun to him who also offered him a rifle, he welcomed him aboard, possibly meaning he was one of the new Chosen Men, he survived and managed to take the cannons and the Battle of Vitoria was won, he was seen later with an unnamed girlfriend at camp dancing with her for the victory of Vitoria as well. He appeared in Sharpe's Battle as well, and also took part in the Franco-Spanish Border towards where Brigadier General Loup. He also helped Lord Kiley and the Irish Company be trained before the attack, he was friends with Hagman, Bradshaw and Harris because he was often seen at times with them. He survived Loup's village along with Harper, Hagman, Harris, Bradshaw and Millerson, unfortunately Perkins was killed in the hands of Irish Company Guardsman O'Rourke. He appeared in Sharpe's Sword, and partook at El Mirador's place, but with a stay at the town Villafranca. He stayed at Father Curtis's church for the night, but then later one night he partook in the battle at the French fortress, which resulted in the deaths of half of Col Berkeley's men and Berkeley as well. He survived but Sharpe was severely wounded. After Sharpe had recovered, he partook again attacking the fortress and he survived the battle. He cameoed in Sharpe's Regiment but didn't get seen through the whole story, only in the start and end. Moore also appeared in Sharpe's Siege, and was their before they would head to France, partaken in the battle of Bordeaux and survived it. Rifleman Moore also appeared in Sharpe's Mission and partook in the Battle of France.John Murray
Captain John Murray of the 95th Rifles first appears in Sharpe's Prey. He is Sharpe's immediate superior and was mortally wounded during the Corunna retreat. Before he dies, he gives Sharpe his heavy cavalry sabre, hoping the men will accept Sharpe, thinking Murray favored him. Sharpe eventually manages to do this, and the two men form a bond becoming the most effective team in the battalion. When the sword Murray gave to Sharpe broke in Sharpe's Sword, it was Harper who found and modified a replacement blade.In the television movie Sharpe's Rifles, he was played by actor Tim Betinck.
Pendleton
Rifleman Pendleton is one of the original riflemen who was involved in the retreat to Corunna in Sharpe's Rifles though he was not mentioned in the novel. Rifleman Pendleton was mentioned in Sharpe's Havoc where he fought in the First Battle of Oporto and also partook in the Second Battle of Oporto which he survived. He also featured in Sharpe's Eagle where Pendleton fought with Sharpe in the Battle at Talavera. Pendleton was unfortunately killed during the battle. Pendleton was the youngest in the company being only seventeen years of age. He was a thief, pick pocket and a purse snatcher from Bristol.Rifleman Pendleton never appeared in the TV Series adaptions.
Ben Perkins
Rifleman Ben Perkins is a fictional character in the Richard Sharpe stories written by Bernard Cornwell. Rifleman Ben Perkins also appeared in episodes of the Sharpe television series, played by Lyndon Davies.Rifleman Ben Perkins first appeared in Sharpe's Havoc however he would have accompanied Sharpe in the retreat to Corunna but was he was never mentioned in Sharpe's Rifles. Perkins was from London and was an unappealing street rat who swept horse manure out of the way for pedestrians in hope of a coin. He was the second youngest of the riflemen however neither Perkins nor Rifleman Pendleton knew the day or the year of their birth. Both were young enough to not yet need to shave. Perkins was only a young rookie alongside Pendleton at the time of Havoc. He fought in the First Battle of Oporto and also partook in the Second Battle of Oporto which he survived. Perkins fought with Sharpe in the Battle at Talavera although he was not mentioned in Sharpe's Eagle. He also participated in the destruction of Almeida but wasn't mentioned in Sharpe's Gold and also partook in Sharpe's Escape during the battle of Bussaco. He returned again in Sharpe's Fury, alongside, Sharpe, Harper, Hagman, Harris, and Slattery, however in the Battle at Barrosa it cost the life of Slattery. He partook in the Battle of Fuentes de Oñoro and his major role in Sharpe's Battle was he had a romantic relationship with Miranda after she was raped by the French soldiers in Grey uniform led by Brigadier-General Guy Loup. He was also accused when his green coat was missing when Juanita stole his jacket. perkins was touchy about the loss of his jacket and the loss of his armband denoting he was a chosen man, a compliment that was paid to the most reliable and best riflemen. He also survived the battle of Fuentes de Oñoro, and went to fight with Sharpe in the Siege of Ciudad Rodrigo and the Siege of Badajoz. Perkins was not mentioned in the novel Sharpe's Company however he went on to fight in the Battle of Salamanca in Sharpe's Sword but he wasn't mentioned. He reappears in Sharpe's Skirmish in the defence of the Tormes. He survived the defence of the Alba de Tormes, and he went onto fight alongside Sharpe in Sharpe's Enemy but he wasn't mentioned at all. Perkins wasn't mentioned in Sharpe's Honour, Regiment, Christmas, Siege, Revenge, or Waterloo. In Sharpe's Waterloo it is noted that Rifleman Hagman is Sharpe's only remaining riflemen left from the retreat to Corunna, suggesting that Perkins did not fight at Waterloo or that he was killed prior to the battle or whether he survived the Peninsular War possibly to marry Miranda is concurrently unknown.
Riflemen Ben Perkins appears in the TV adaptation played by Lyndon Davies. Like the Novels, Perkins is the youngest of the Sharpe's Riflemen. He appeared in all the Sharpe films until he was eventually killed off in Sharpe's Battle.
Sims
Rifleman Sims appeared in Sharpe's Rifles where he accompanied Sharpe in the retreat to Corunna. He fought in the First Battle of Oporto and also partook in the Second Battle of Oporto which he survived. Sims fought with Sharpe in the Battle at Talavera in Sharpe's Eagle where he was asked to keep reloading for Hagman indicating that he may have been one of the weakest shots of Sharpe's rifleman. He also participated in the destruction of Almeida but wasn't mentioned in Sharpe's Gold and also partook in Sharpe's Escape during the battle of Bussaco. He partook in the Battle of Fuentes de Oñoro in and went to fight with Sharpe in the Siege of Ciudad Rodrigo and the Siege of Badajoz. He went on to fight in the Battle of Salamanca in Sharpe's Sword but he wasn't mentioned. Sims went onto fight alongside Sharpe in Sharpe's Enemy but he wasn't mentioned at all. Sims wasn't mentioned in Sharpe's Honour, Regiment, Christmas, Siege, Revenge, or Waterloo. Either Sims did not fight at Waterloo or he was killed prior to the battle. Sims was often referred to in the novels as the usual grumbler and a troublemaker along with his friends Williamson, Tarrant, Cresacre, Donnelly, Gataker and once upon a time Harper.Rifleman Sims never appeared in the TV series adaptations.
Skillicorn
Rifleman Skillicorn appears in Sharpe's Gold. Skillicorn was born in Liverpool and had a distinctive scouse accent.In the novels, the role of Skillicorn stealing a chicken is given to Private Batten.
In the TV episode Sharpe's Gold, the role of Skillicorn was portrayed by Philip Dowd. Rifleman Skillicorn was executed by hanging for the stealing of a chicken by the Provost under Lieutenant Ayres.
Fergus Slattery
Rifleman Fergus Slattery is one of the original riflemen who was involved in the retreat to Corunna in Sharpe's Rifles though he was not mentioned in the novel. Rifleman Slattery was mentioned in Sharpe's Havoc where he fought in the First Battle of Oporto and also partook in the Second Battle of Oporto which he survived. He also featured in Sharpe's Eagle where Slattery fought with Sharpe in the Battle at Talavera. He also participated in the destruction of Almeida but wasn't mentioned in Sharpe's Gold and also appeared in Sharpe's Escape where he was almost put under arrest for looking at Captain Slingsby funny. In Sharpe's Fury Slattery along with Sharpe, Harper, Hagman, Harris and Perkins were involved in the battle of Barrosa where Slattery was shot in the throat and died. Slattery was described as being a quiet and softly spoken man from County Wicklow. The novels also described him as a very capable rifleman who attended Mass on a regular basis even though he was not Catholic. He previously served in the 48th Northamptonshire regiment as a servant to Captain Murray. When Murray transferred to the 95th Rifles, he took Slattery with him.Rifleman Slattery never appeared in the TV series adaptations.
Smith
Rifleman Smith first appeared in Sharpe's Battle however he would have accompanied Sharpe in the retreat to Corunna but was he was never mentioned in Sharpe's Rifles. He fought in the First Battle of Oporto and also partook in the Second Battle of Oporto which he survived. Smith fought with Sharpe in the Battle at Talavera although he was not mentioned in Sharpe's Eagle. He also participated in the destruction of Almeida but wasn't mentioned in Sharpe's Gold and also partook in Sharpe's Escape during the battle of Bussaco. He partook in the Battle of Fuentes de Oñoro in and went to fight with Sharpe in the Siege of Ciudad Rodrigo and the Siege of Badajoz. He went on to fight in the Battle of Salamanca in Sharpe's Sword but he wasn't mentioned. Smith went onto fight alongside Sharpe in Sharpe's Enemy but he wasn't mentioned at all. Smith wasn't mentioned in Sharpe's Honour, Regiment, Christmas, Siege, Revenge, or Waterloo. Either Smith did not fight at Waterloo or he was killed prior to the battle.Rifleman Smith never appeared in the TV series adaptations.
Ned Tarrant
Rifleman Ned Tarrant is one of the original riflemen who was involved in the retreat to Corunna in Sharpe's Rifles though he was not mentioned in the novel. Rifleman Tarrant was mentioned in Sharpe's Havoc where he was wounded in action after the French victory at Oporto. He was shot in the hip and was unable to walk. Sharpe made the decision to leave him behind believing Tarrant would slow them down. Tarrant's fate is unknown either being killed or captured by the enemy or left to die. Ned Tarrant was described as being a trouble maker and a sullen man from Hertfordshire who never lost a chance to become drunk or vicious, but when he was sober he was a good marksmen who did not lose his head in battle. It is noted that Tarrent was the ring leader of the troublemakers which included Sims, Williamson, Donnelly, Cresacre, Gataker and once upon a time Harper.Rifleman Tarrant never appeared in the TV series adaptations.
Thompson
Rifleman Thompson first appeared in Sharpe's Battle however he would have accompanied Sharpe in the retreat to Corunna but was he was never mentioned in Sharpe's Rifles. Thompson fought in the First Battle of Oporto and also partook in the Second Battle of Oporto in Sharpe's Havoc which he survived. Thompson fought with Sharpe in the Battle at Talavera where Sharpe captured a French Eagle. He also participated in the destruction of Almeida in Sharpe's Gold and also partook in Sharpe's Escape during the battle of Bussaco. Thompson was killed in Sharpe's Battle where he was shot in the head by a sharpshooter whilst on watch at a fort. Sharpe classed Thompson as one of his four best marksmen along with Hagman, Cooper and Harris.Rifleman Thompson never appeared in the TV series adaptations.
Isaiah Tongue
Rifleman Isaiah Tongue first appeared in Sharpe's Rifles where he accompanied Sharpe in the retreat to Corunna. He is described as being from London, educated but the worst drunkard in the company Tongue fought in the First Battle of Porto and also partook in the Second Battle of Porto in Sharpe's Havoc which he survived. Tongue fought with Sharpe in the Battle at Talavera where Sharpe captured a French Eagle. He also appeared in Sharpe's Gold where he was killed during an ambush by the French while trying to shouting a warning to Sharpe and the rest of the rifles he was shot in the ribs. His best friend and partner in battle Parry Jenkins felt awful about Tongue's death, however Sharpe did his best to tell Jenkins it was not his fault. Tongue was described as being born and raised in London where his education was wasted by gin. He was the worst drunkard out of the riflemen, some saying he was educated in books and alcohol. Tongue could be relied on to trot it out most nights on watch without falling asleep. In the TV series, Tongue was played by Paul Trussell, appearing in the first two episodes, Sharpe's Rifles and Sharpe's Eagle.Williams
Sargeant Williams is one of the original riflemen who was involved in the retreat to Corunna in Sharpe's Rifles. He was killed in action being shot in the eye during the retreat. He is described as being nervous, unable to assert authority and that he cared too much about being liked. Sharpe believed he did not possess the qualities to be Sargeant. After his death, Rifleman Patrick Harper was promoted to Sargeant to replace him.In the television adaption Sargeant Williams was played by Richard Ireson. His death was different to that in the novels as he was strangled by the enemy not shot.
John Williamson
Rifleman John Williamson is one of the original riflemen who was involved in the retreat to Corunna in Sharpe's Rifles though he was not mentioned in the novel. Rifleman Williamson was mentioned in Sharpe's Havoc where he disagreed with Sharpe's decision to leave behind his friend Rifleman Tarrant who has been wounded and unable to walk. This left Williamson resenting Sharpe and eventually deserting. Williamson was eventually killed by Sharpe for his betrayal. Rifleman Williamson was described as a grumbler and a troublemaker alongside his friend Ned Tarrant.Rifleman Williamson never appeared in the TV series adaptations.
[[King's Royal Rifle Corps|60th Royal American Rifles]]
William Frederickson
William Frederickson comes from Westphalia. Nicknamed 'Sweet William' by his men, Frederickson has suffered a serious facial wound which has destroyed his left eye, broken his jaw, knocked out several teeth and caused nerve damage giving him an uncontrollable and permanently smug look. When fighting he takes out his false teeth and removes his wig and eye patch, to terrifying effect. He is however a cultured and sensitive man, with an informed knowledge of European architecture. He is of German and English descent and speaks both languages fluently, as well as competent French in Sharpe's Siege and Sharpe's Revenge and passable Italian Sharpe's Revenge. He is a close and loyal ally of Sharpe until the fallout over the affections of Lucille Castineau, who rejects Frederickson's proposal of marriage before taking Sharpe as a lover, as she is carrying his child Sharpe's Revenge. This makes Frederickson angry at Sharpe, and ends their friendship, so he ends up leaving Sharpe. A discussion between Sharpe and Harper in the lead-up to the Battle of Waterloo indicates that Sweet William has been posted to Canada to serve in the War of 1812.In the Sharpe adaptation, Frederickson was played by Philip Whitchurch. Instead of leaving Sharpe, he forgives him at the end of the episode.
Robinson
Rifleman Robinson only appeared in the television series and was not mentioned by Cornwell in the novels. Sharpe's Siege Rifleman Robinson is distraught when his friend rifleman Reilly is killed by an intruder in the camp when they are on guard duty. Robinson is later found with a local French girl. Sharpe is required to hang him by Wellington's standing orders, but when the girl says she had been willing, Sharpe reduces the sentence to a beating from Sergeant Harper. Robinson is a keen rifleman and a crack shot. He boasts he is the best shot in the brigade but Hagman proves him wrong. When Sharpe asked his men their opinions before defending the fort, Robinson replied 'fight them to the death' still angered by the death of his friend Reilly.Reilly
Rifleman Reilly first appeared in Sharpe's Siege when trying to fake illness so he did not have to march. He was friends with rifleman Robinson and partnered each other in battle. Reilly was unfortunately killed whilst on guard duty when Robinson took badly. Reilly was not mentioned by Cornwell in the novels.Rossner
Sergeant Rossner was a rifleman in the 60th Royal American Rifles. He was a reliable soldier often accompanying Frederickson into battle. He was huge and tall and a good fighter. Like Frederickson he was half German, half English. In the television series he was played by Iain Glass.Thomas Taylor
Rifleman Thomas Taylor: In the television series he beats rifleman Perkins in a shooting competition.South Essex (Prince of Wales Own Volunteers)
Angel
Private Angel is a Spanish boy who acted as Sharpe's guide on his dangerous mission in Sharpe's Honour. His consuming hatred for the French led him to join the South Essex Light Company with whom he fought until the French were finally driven out of Spain. From his waist up his uniform was British, from the waist down it was purely Spanish.Batten
Private Batten was a soldier in the South Essex Regiment, later to be known as The Prince of Wales Own Volunteers. He part of the light company commanded by Sharpe. Batten first appeared in Sharpe's Gold where he was caught be a provost for stealing a chicken.. He would have fought with Sharpe in the Battle at Talavera in Sharpe's Eagle. He would have also partook in Sharpe's Escape during the battle of Bussaco. Batten would have been involved in the Siege of Ciudad Rodrigo and the Siege of Badajoz. He went on to fight in the Battle of Salamanca in Sharpe's Sword. Batten wasn't mentioned in Sharpe's Enemy, Honour, Regiment, Christmas, Siege, Revenge, or Waterloo. Batten was described as a useless soldier who was known for his grumbling and whining. He thought the world was against him and was never satisfied. He was referred to as a one-man destroyer of flintlocks.Berkeley
Colonel Berkeley was the commanding officer of the South Essex in Sharpe's Sword, during the early stages of the attack on Villafranca. Berkeley was friendly towards Sharpe, a reasonable and amiable man if occasionally overly officious. He granted parole to Philippe Leroux, who was posing as a French captain. Sharpe, suspicious, attempted to convince Berkeley to revoke Leroux's parole and hold him in custody until Munro could investigate his identity. Berkeley was almost convinced by Sharpe pointing out the uniform supposedly belonging to a dead colonel fit Leroux better than the one he claimed was his own, but was fooled when Leroux, with Jack Spears acting as his advocate, portrayed himself as a simple soldier who could not afford a uniform that fitted.Approaching Villafranca, Berkeley, Sharpe and the rest of the South Essex were greeted by Sir Henry Simmerson, acting as a special envoy. Although contemptuous of Simmerson, calling him "another nasty little brute", Berkeley instructed his officers to pretend they didn't hate him. French cannon fire caused a distraction, allowing Leroux to escape and race to the fort, killing Ensign McDonald in the process. Furious at the violation of the rules of war and realising Sharpe had been right, Berkeley vowed to take the fortress that night and see Leroux dead by morning.
After spending the rest of the day at the British-allied town, Berkeley led a night assault on the French-held fort. Simmerson, however, who traded with the French, warned them they were coming, and Leroux organised cannon fire on the charging British. Berkeley, at the front of the attack, was caught in the explosion of one of the first cannon blasts. He died of his wounds almost immediately with Sharpe at his side.
The character of Berkeley was created for the television adaptation, taking the place of Brian Windham from the novel. He survived slightly longer than Windham, who was killed during Leroux's escape.
John Berry
Lieutenant John Berry only appeared in Sharpe's Eagle both in the novels and television series.Jack Bullen
Ensign Jack Bullen first appeared in Sharpe's Escape where he was new to the Light Company transferring from Lawfords number 9 Company replacing Ensign Iliffe. Bullen's father was a judge and his brothers were barristers, however Bullen had never shone at school. He was described as a tough, cheerful youngster. He proved himself to be a reliable officer. In Sharpe's Fury he accompanied Sharpe to meet with the French to translate. Unfortunately, Bullen was captured by the French, angering Sharpe. It is assumed that Bullen survived the war as a French prisoner Seville or was offered as a trade. Bullen was a young and enthusiastic officer who had not long been in the South Essex.Philip Carline
Captain Philip Carline first appeared in Sharpe's Regiment. He hides the fact he is one of the officers at the recruitment camp of the South Essex, a secret and brutal training camp in Foulness, run by the second battalion's commanding officer Lieutenant-Colonel Girdwood and the regiment's disgraced founder Sir Henry Simmerson.Clayton
Private Clayton was a soldier in the South Essex Regiment, later to be known as The Prince of Wales Own Volunteers. He part of the light company commanded by Sharpe. Clayton first appeared in Sharpe's Company when Sharpe's riflemen were attach to the light company of the South Essex. He would have fought with Sharpe in the Battle at Talavera in Sharpe's Eagle. He also participated in the destruction of Almeida but wasn't mentioned in Sharpe's Gold and also partook in Sharpe's Escape during the battle of Bussaco. Clayton was involved in the Siege of Ciudad Rodrigo and the Siege of Badajoz and went on to fight in the Battle of Salamanca in Sharpe's Sword. Clayton wasn't mentioned in Sharpe's Enemy, Honour, Regiment, Christmas, Siege, or Revenge. In the novels he was killed at the battle of Waterloo alongside Rifleman Hagman.Jack Collett
Major Jack Collett is described as a small man with a clipped mustache, cropped grey hair, with bowed horseman's legs, and leathery skin, but lacking his colonel's shrewdness. As a friend of the South Essex's new commanding officer, Brian Windham, he takes the vacant majority that otherwise would have gone to senior captain, Thomas Leroy. He agrees with Major Forrest's decision to leave Sharpe in temporary command of the light company after the arrival of Rymer, leaving Windham the job of downgrading Sharpe to lieutenant.Collett is often seen at Windham's side, organising parades for him. He loses a watch and a silver shaving mirror when Hakeswill robs the baggage train. He led half the battalion - later increased to six companies by reinforcements - in protecting engineers making a failed attempt to blow the dam near Badajoz. He is killed early on during the assault on Badjoz, his neck severed by roundshot.
In the television adaptation of Sharpe's Company, there is no significant difference to Collett's character. Like Windham, he is friendly towards Sharpe but not sure how to treat an officer who rose from the ranks. He shakes hands with Sharpe when he is temporary assigned away from the battalion. He quickly picks up on Price's fondness for drink.
During the assault on the breach at Badajoz, he is shot dead by one of the French defenders, grieving Windham who expresses sorrow at his death.
Collip
Ensign Collip first appeared in Sharpe's Honour as Sharpe's new quartermaster. Sharpe was not impressed with Collip's ability to be a quartermaster having to watch over him constantly. Collip was described as an inexperienced plump officer.Peter D'Alembord
Major Peter D'Alembord, nicknamed "Dally" joined the British Army after killing a man in a duel over a woman's favours. He is of French Hugenout extraction and enters the South Essex Regiment as one of Sharpe's many Light Company Subalterns. He becomes captain of the South Essex Light Company after Sharpe's promotion to major. After Napoleon's return from Elba, D'Alembord is also promoted to major as an inducement to rejoin the army. He is badly injured at the Battle of Waterloo and has to have his leg amputated. It remains unclear whether he survives the wound.In the Sharpe television series, his only appearance is in Sharpe's Honour, where he is portrayed by Edward Atterton, who received no credit for the part.
Christopher Denny
Ensign Christopher Denny first appeared the Sharpe's Eagle. He accompanied Sharpe and Harper when they break through the French lines to capture the eagle unfortunately dying in the process.In the Sharpe television series, his only appearance is in Sharpe's Eagle, where he is portrayed by Nolan Hemmings.
Dobbs
Private Dobbs was a soldier in the South Essex Regiment, later to be known as The Prince of Wales Own Volunteers. He part of the light company commanded by Sharpe. Dobbs first appeared in Sharpe's Eagle where he was flogged for collapsing during marching on parade due to exhaustion. He later proved his worth by being able to fire four shots a minute and surviving the battle of Talavera. Sharpe acknowledged Dobbs abilities by asking if he would like to join the Rifles.Joseph Ford
Lieutenant colonel Joseph Ford is not a military man, but a wealthy landowner who purchases a commission as lieutenant colonel of the Prince of Wales Own Volunteers in the peace of 1814–1815, which he subsequently commands during the engagement at Quatre Bras and at the Battle of Waterloo. He is not confident in command and relies on the support of other under-experienced senior officers, Major Micklethwaite and Major Vine, both of whom are killed in the course of the campaign. Only the timely intervention of Richard Sharpe and his fellow Peninsula veteran, Major Peter d'Alembord saves the regiment from the twin threats of the incompetent command of the Prince of Orange and an attack by Napoleon's Imperial Guard.In the television adaptation, he was portrayed by Shaughan Seymour.
Christian Gibbons
Christian Gibbons is a British Army Officer in the South Essex.Bartholomew Girdwood
Bartholomew Girdwood is a British Army officer, the nominal commander of the South Essex Regiment's Second Battalion and later the first Commanding Officer of the Regiment after its renaming as the "Prince of Wales' Own Volunteers."Girdwood served as a junior officer in Ireland during the United Irish rebellion of 1798. While on patrol he became lost and was ambushed. The court of inquiry at Dublin Castle dismissed him on half pay, effectively ending his military career. Some 10 years later Girdwood was recruited by Sir Henry Simmerson to command Second Battalion of the South Essex Regiment, a cover for an extensive financial fraud and crimping scheme. Girdwood is also betrothed to Simmerson's orphaned niece, Jane Gibbons. The scheme is discovered in 1813 by, Major Richard Sharpe, when he returns to England seeking reinforcements for the Regiment's First Battalion in Spain. With the help of Regimental Sergeant Major Patrick Harper, Sharpe, under an assumed identity, tracks the South Essex's recruiting parties to a secret training camp on Foulness Island, where he observes the new recruits being brutalised, cheated and auctioned to other, less popular regiments. When Harper intervenes to protest the summary execution of a deserter, he and Sharpe are hunted through the Foulness marshes by Girdwood and his fellow officers. Sharpe returns to the camp and removes Girdwood from command. Girdwood escapes and Sharpe attempts to follow his trail to evidence that will implicate Simmerson and his allies in Government. After discrediting Simmerson and saving the Battalion, Sharpe retains Girdwood as the nominal commander of the South Essex. On his first experience of battle, a relatively minor engagement in the Pyrenees, Girdwood suffers a complete mental breakdown and is invalided home.
Girdwood is punctilious in his dress and military protocol, modelling himself on the reforming military king Frederick the Great of Prussia, to the extent of stiffening his moustache with hot pitch. He harbours irrational fears of the Irish and of dogs and writes poetry which glorifies the art of war. The contrast between his image of himself as a great military leader and the reality of battle leads to his breakdown.
In the TV adaption, Girdwood was played by Mark Lambert.
Gutteridge
Private Gutteridge was a soldier in the South Essex Regiment, later to be known as The Prince of Wales Own Volunteers. He part of the light company commanded by Sharpe. Gutteridge first appeared in Sharpe's Eagle when Sharpe's riflemen were attach to the light company of the South Essex. He would have fought with Sharpe in the Battle at Talavera in Sharpe's Eagle. He also participated in the destruction of Almeida but wasn't mentioned in Sharpe's Gold and also partook in Sharpe's Escape during the battle of Bussaco. Gutteridge was involved in the Siege of Ciudad Rodrigo and the Siege of Badajoz and went on to fight in the Battle of Salamanca in Sharpe's Sword. Gutteridge wasn't mentioned in Sharpe's Enemy, Honour, Regiment, Christmas, Siege, Revenge or Waterloo.Obadiah Hakeswill
Obadiah Hakeswill is a fictional character who appears in several of the Sharpe books by Bernard Cornwell.Hakeswill's early history is related in every novel in which he appears. He was raised by his mother, Biddy, in an unknown "dale" town in England. He sexually assaulted a parson's daughter. To protect the girl's reputation he was charged and convicted of stealing a sheep and sentenced to death by public hanging. On the day of his execution, the hangman hoisted the numerous victims into the air to die by strangulation, for the amusement of the crowd, and paid little attention to the small boy struggling at the far end of the scaffold. When a heavy rainstorm scattered both executioner and crowd, Hakeswill's uncle was able to cut the boy from the scaffold "for his mother's sake". Hakeswill fled south and enlisted in the 33rd Regiment of Foot as a drummer boy.
As a result of this close encounter with death, Hakeswill was convinced that he was unkillable and protected by God and the spirit of his mother. He extended this reverence to mothers in general, "Mothers were sacred... Mothers were Obadiah Hakeswill's guardian angels" and in Sharpe's Enemy, he protects his hostage Josefina LaCosta when she lies that she came to a church in the town of Adrados to pray for the health of her own mother. Sharpe's Enemy also hints that Hakeswill's mother was actually abusive of him before his hanging, but those memories have been eclipsed by his belief that she sent his uncle to save him.
The hanging left him with a thick dark scar around his neck and uncontrollable facial tics.
Hakeswill gains promotion to sergeant by brutalising the lower ranks and pandering to the whims and vanity of less experienced officers. Outwardly he is punctilious in his military routine and obsequious towards officers, who find him very useful for keeping order among their soldiers. Thus protected, Hakeswill is free to terrorize the soldiers in his units, forcing them to bribe him to avoid floggings for imaginary infractions and forcing their wives to have sex with him to protect their husbands.
In the early 1790s he recruits the young Richard Sharpe into the 33rd from a public house in Sheffield.
In subsequent campaigns in Flanders and India, Hakeswill torments Sharpe, until in 1799 he conspires with Captain Charles Morris to have Sharpe flogged to death.
Although Sharpe escapes with "only" 202 of the assigned 2000 lashes after an intervention by Sir Arthur Wellesley, Hakeswill continues to pursue a :wikt:vendetta|vendetta against him for the next three years, during which he betrays Sharpe and Lawford to Tipoo Sultan, falsifies a second assault charge and murders Sharpe's friend and mentor Hector McCandless. He later kidnaps Sharpe and sells him to a corrupt merchant and finally deserts to join the turncoat William Dodd at Gawilghur in Sharpe's Fortress.
Hakeswill reappears in Sharpe's life in 1812, in the novel Sharpe's Company, as a sergeant in the new draft of the South Essex Regiment, in which Sharpe has risen to the rank of captain. He is quick to resume the vendetta, conspiring to have Sharpe's friend and ally Patrick Harper flogged and demoted and disarming Sharpe's remaining riflemen. He also attempts to rape Sharpe's wife, Teresa Moreno and plots to assault her during the sack of Badajoz, murdering Captain Robert Knowles in the process.
His evil finally exposed, Hakeswill deserts from the army once again, joining a band of cross-national deserters on the Portuguese border, led by the Frenchman, Deron, aka "Marshal Pot-au-Feu". He is captured by the now Major Sharpe during an operation to release hostages, but escapes to shoot and kill Teresa. Hakeswill surrenders to a French officer, Colonel Alexandre Dubreton who, disgusted by his actions, hands him back to Sharpe.
Hakeswill is finally executed by firing squad, while Sharpe looks on.
The novels record at least four unsuccessful attempts by Sharpe and/or Harper to kill Hakeswill, which lend weight to the latter's conviction that he cannot die:
- Confining him in a courtyard with six tigers
- Ordering an elephant trained as an executioner to trample him
- Throwing him into a pit inhabited by venomous snakes
- Harper shooting him through a window in Badajoz, with a seven-barrelled Nock gun..
Only after the murder of Knowles and Hakeswill's threat to kill his infant daughter, does Sharpe seek Hakeswill's death and even then chooses to bring him to justice within the formal structures of the British Army. He feels that Hakeswill has victimised so many people that their families deserve to know that Hakeswill died after a fair legal process.
Author Bernard Cornwell has admitted that he regrets finishing the character off, as he has struggled since to create an antagonist of equal depravity and energy.
In the TV adaptations, Sergeant Obadiah Hakeswill was played by Pete Postlethwaite. His character follows a similar arc to the later novels, including his framing of Harper, attack on Teresa, desertion and eventual capture and execution. It is revealed in Sharpe's Peril that he has a son - Corporal Barabbus Hakeswill - whom Sharpe initially distrusts but eventually proves to be a useful ally.
In the popular post-apocalyptic role playing game Fallout 2, a character by the name of Obidiah Hakeswill resides in the town of Redding. In the side quest to aid the sheriff, you can choose to bring Obadiah to justice for cutting up the face of a prostitute. Besides their somewhat sociopathic nature, Obadiah and Obidiah share a scar around their necks and obsession with their mothers and a belief in their own invincibility.
Huckfield
Colour Sergeant Huckfield was a soldier in the South Essex Regiment, later to be known as The Prince of Wales Own Volunteers. He was part of the light company commanded by Sharpe. Huckfield first appeared in Sharpe's Eagle as a private soldier when Sharpe's riflemen were attached to the light company of the South Essex. He would have fought with Sharpe in the Battle at Talavera in Sharpe's Eagle. He also participated in the destruction of Almeida but wasn't mentioned in Sharpe's Gold and also partook in Sharpe's Escape during the battle of Bussaco. Huckfield was involved in the Siege of Ciudad Rodrigo and the Siege of Badajoz and went on to fight in the Battle of Salamanca in Sharpe's Sword where by then he had made the rank of Sergeant. By the time of the Battle of Waterloo, Huckfield had achieved the rank of Colour Sergeant Major. Huckfield was described in the novels as being educated, previously being employed as a clerk in a foundry that made iron. He was from Shropshire and volunteered to join the army to escape encroaching industrialisation of his native Midlands.Iliffe
Ensign Iliffe was an officer in the Light Company of the South Essex. He was the son of an Essex gentleman. To begin with Sharpe had not liked Iliffe, however Iliffe proved himself in battle by showing courage after previously being sick before battle. Ensign Iliffe was killed in Sharpe's Escape getting shot in the forehead.Kirby
Private Kirby was a soldier in the South Essex Regiment, later to be known as The Prince of Wales Own Volunteers. He part of the light company commanded by Sharpe. Kirby first appeared in Sharpe's Eagle when Sharpe's riflemen were attach to the light company of the South Essex. He would have fought with Sharpe in the Battle at Talavera in Sharpe's Eagle. He also participated in the destruction of Almeida but wasn't mentioned in Sharpe's Gold and also partook in Sharpe's Escape during the battle of Bussaco. Kirby would have been involved in the Siege of Ciudad Rodrigo and the Siege of Badajoz. He went on to fight in the Battle of Salamanca in but he wasn't mentioned. Kirby wasn't mentioned in Sharpe's Enemy, Honour, Regiment, Christmas, Siege, Revenge, or Waterloo. Kirby was described as a small man who had lost most of his teeth.Robert Knowles
Captain Robert Knowles first appears in Sharpe's Eagle as an inexperienced lieutenant in the Light Company of the South Essex Regiment. He is one of the handful of officers who sides with Lieutenant Richard Sharpe in his feud with Sir Henry Simmerson, quickly recognising Sharpe's abilities as a soldier and adopting him as a role model.Knowles plays a significant role in the recovery of stolen Spanish gold behind enemy lines in Sharpe's Gold and is shortly afterwards appointed as Adjutant to Lt Colonel William Lawford, the South Essex's senior officer.
By early 1812 Knowles has purchased a captaincy in 45th Regiment of Foot, but is on hand to assist Lawford when the later is seriously injured during the storming of Ciudad Rodrigo.
Knowles sympathises with Sharpe when he learns that his mentor has been demoted from captain to lieutenant and promises to protect Sharpe's lover, Teresa Moreno, who is trapped with her young child in the besieged city of Badajoz.
Subsequently, Knowles takes part in a successful escalade of the castle at Badajoz. He then seeks out Teresa, but is shot and killed by Obadiah Hakeswill.
Knowles does not appear in the TV adaptations of the Sharpe series; his role in Sharpe's Gold was abandoned when the script was first, then radically revised, following an injury to the actor originally cast as Richard Sharpe, Paul McGann. In Sharpe's Company the character is combined with that of Lieutenant Harry Price and it is Price who shot in the last minutes of the film, though his character re-appears in Sharpe's Waterloo.
William Lawford
Sir William Lawford is a fictional British officer and a character in Bernard Cornwell's Sharpe books.Lawford is the son of a Scottish mother and English father and raised near Portsmouth in Hampshire. He is a member of the gentry and is able, with the help of his maternal uncle, Hector McCandless, to purchase a commission as a lieutenant in the 33rd Regiment of Foot. As McCandless is an officer in the East India Company, it is probable that Lawford joins the regiment, then under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Arthur Wellesley sometime after its arrival in India in 1796. He is posted to the light company under Captain Charles Morris and there meets Private Sharpe for the first time.
When McCandless, who acts as an exploring officer for the company, is captured by the forces of the Tipoo Sultan, Lawford is tasked with his rescue and chooses Sharpe to accompany him, thus saving the latter from execution by flogging.
The pair infiltrate the city of Seringapatam and, posing as deserters, are recruited into the Tipoo's army. Lawford learns to rely on and trust Sharpe's instincts and experience as a soldier to ensure the success of their mission. Unfortunately they are betrayed by Sergeant Obadiah Hakeswill and thrown into prison, where Lawford teaches Sharpe to read, using a single page of the Bible.
During the British assault on the city, Lawford and Sharpe escape and successfully detonate a mine built into the city walls, saving many British lives and ensuring a British victory.
As a result of this both men are promoted, Sharpe as a sergeant, Lawford as captain. Lawford is still in India at least as late as 1803, when his uncle is killed in the closing stages of the Battle of Assaye, but he returns at some point in the next six years.
In 1809 Lawford is part of the garrison of Dublin Castle in Ireland, but purchases a lieutenant colonelcy and transfers to Wellesley's staff in Portugal. There he is reunited with Sharpe, now a lieutenant in the 95th Rifles. During the Battle of Talavera Lawford is given command of the South Essex Regiment when its commander Sir Henry Simmerson attempts to flee the field, thus once again becoming Sharpe's commanding officer.
Lawford continues in that role until early 1812, when he is gravely wounded in the assault on Ciudad Rodrigo, loses his left arm and is invalided back to Britain.
Back in England Lawford dedicates himself to his family and political career. He is knighted and elected to parliament, seeking advancement through alliance with the ruling Tory administration. He attempts to use these contacts to extricate Sharpe from the scandals that threatens to destroy their old regiment.
Lawford is the South Essex's second Commanding Officer, preceded by Sir Henry Simmerson and succeeded by Colonel Brian Windham.
Lennox
Captain Lennox is an officer of the South Essex Light Company in Sharpe's Eagle. Lennox was a Scotsman, who retired after returning from India. But after losing his wife, and because a pension on half pay wasn't enough, he rejoined the army as an officer of the South Essex then being raised by Sir Henry Simmerson.General Wellesley dispatches the South Essex, alongside Sharpe's Riflemen and the engineers of Major Hogan, to blow up the bridge at Valdelacasa, so as to protect the army's flank as they march.
During an unnecessary action against the French ordered by Simmerson, Lennox was mortally wounded, and the King's Colour was lost. As a dying request, Lennox asks Sharpe to take a French Eagle, to erase the shame of losing their own standard.
In the television adaption Lennox was a Major.
Thomas Leroy
Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Leroy is a fictional character in the Richard Sharpe series of novels by Bernard Cornwell. He is an American Loyalist serving as an officer in the British Army during the Peninsular War.Thomas Leroy was born in Virginia to a gentry class planter family at some point prior to the American War of Independence. As Leroy's family support the Crown, they fled first to Canada and then to Britain on the defeat of loyalist forces. In 1809, Leroy purchased a Captain's commission in the fictional South Essex Regiment, where he first meets Richard Sharpe in the novel Sharpe's Eagle. During Sharpe's first mission with the South Essex, its officers quickly place themselves into one of two categories: inept, cowardly dilettantes, such as the regiment's Colonel, Sir Henry Simmerson and his nephew, Lt. :Category:Sharpe characters|Christian Gibbons and professional, or at least competent officers, such as Leroy, Major Forrest and the regiment's only veteran officer, Lennox.
Leroy remains with the South Essex throughout his military career, rising steadily in ranks through the Peninsular Campaign. He is present at the loss of the regiment's colours at the fictional engagement at Torrecastro and at the subsequent capture of a French Imperial Eagle at the Battle of Talavera in 1809., is severely injured in the breach at Siege of Badajoz in 1812,, but recovers to take command of the regiment after the death of :Category:Sharpe characters|Colonel Windham shortly before the Battle of Salamanca in the same year. He dies in action at the Battle of Vittoria in 1813, leading the assault on the village of Gamarra-Mayor.
Leroy is the last Commanding Officer of the South Essex, before its change of name to the Prince of Wales' Own Volunteers, commanded by Lt. Col Bartholomew Girdwood.
In the TV Adaptations, Leroy was played by Gavan O'Herlihy. The character appears only in the episode based on Sharpe's Eagle.
MacLaird
Regimental Sergeant Major MacLaird was a soldier in the South Essex Regiment. Maclaird would have fought with Sharpe in the Battle at Talavera in Sharpe's Eagle. He also participated in the destruction of Almeida but wasn't mentioned in Sharpe's Gold and also partook in Sharpe's Escape during the battle of Bussaco. Maclaird was involved in the Siege of Ciudad Rodrigo and the Siege of Badajoz and went on to fight in the Battle of Salamanca in Sharpe's Sword. Maclaird wasn't mentioned in Sharpe's Enemy but appeared at the battle of Vitoria in Sharpe's Honour. He died in Sharpe's arms a week later as the South Essex fought off a French attempt to break up the line of march to Pasajes in Sharpe's Regiment. Sharpe promoted Harper to take his place.William Matthews
Ensign William Matthews appeared in Sharpe's Company when the South Essex received reinforcements.McGovern
Sergeant McGovern was a Sergeant in the South Essex Regiment, later to be known as The Prince of Wales Own Volunteers. He part of the light company commanded by Sharpe. McGovern first appeared in Sharpe's Eagle when Sharpe's riflemen were attach to the light company of the South Essex. He would have fought with Sharpe in the Battle at Talavera in Sharpe's Eagle. He also participated in the destruction of Almeida but wasn't mentioned in Sharpe's Gold and also partook in Sharpe's Escape during the battle of Bussaco. McGovern would have been involved in the Siege of Ciudad Rodrigo and the Siege of Badajoz. He went on to fight in the Battle of Salamanca in Sharpe's Sword but he wasn't mentioned. McGovern wasn't mentioned in Sharpe's Enemy, Honour, Regiment, Christmas, Siege, Revenge, or Waterloo. McGovern was described as a strong but slow man with children from Scotland.Mellors
Private Mellors was a soldier in the South Essex Regiment, later to be known as The Prince of Wales Own Volunteers. He part of the light company commanded by Sharpe. He would have fought with Sharpe in the Battle at Talavera in Sharpe's Eagle. He also participated in the destruction of Almeida but wasn't mentioned in Sharpe's Gold and also partook in Sharpe's Escape during the battle of Bussaco. Mellors would have been involved in the Siege of Ciudad Rodrigo and the Siege of Badajoz. He went on to fight in the Battle of Salamanca in Sharpe's Sword. Mellors wasn't mentioned in Sharpe's Enemy, Honour, Regiment, Christmas, Siege, Revenge, or Waterloo. He was described as being one of the useless members of the light company along with private Batten.Peters
Private Peters was a soldier in the South Essex Regiment, later to be known as The Prince of Wales Own Volunteers. He part of the light company commanded by Sharpe. Peters first appeared in Sharpe's Eagle when Sharpe's riflemen were attach to the light company of the South Essex. He would have fought with Sharpe in the Battle at Talavera in Sharpe's Eagle. He also participated in the destruction of Almeida but wasn't mentioned in Sharpe's Gold and also partook in Sharpe's Escape during the battle of Bussaco. Peters was involved in the Siege of Ciudad Rodrigo and the Siege of Badajoz guarding the gates of the chapel where Teresa was being held. He and went on to fight in the Battle of Salamanca in Sharpe's Sword. Peters wasn't mentioned in Sharpe's Enemy, Honour, Regiment, Christmas, Siege, Revenge or Waterloo. Peters is described as a huge sensible man who was older than most. Sharpe saw Peters as a sensible man and a trust worthy reliable soldier.Harry Price
Harry Price is a fictional character in the Richard Sharpe stories written by Bernard Cornwell. Characters named Harry Price appeared in two episodes of the Sharpe television series, played by different actors.Price makes his first appearance in the novel Sharpe's Company. He is a new lieutenant in the South Essex Regiment, serving as Sharpe's second-in-command in the light company, replacing Robert Knowles from the earlier books. He is fond of alcohol but affable and well liked by the men.
Price has minor roles in the next few novels. In Sharpe's Sword, he is briefly placed in command of the light company after Sharpe is believed killed during the capture of Salamanca. He is involved in the action on the Portuguese/Spanish border in Sharpe's Enemy and is present at the Battle of Vitoria in Sharpe's Honour.
He is given a larger role in the next novel, Sharpe's Regiment, where he accompanies Sharpe, Harper and D'Alembord back to England to try to find recruits to bolster the depleted regiment. He plays a part in helping Sharpe take control of the battalion's training camp and expose a plan by corrupt officers to sell the recruits to other regiments. He then returns to Spain with the regiment, now known as the Prince of Wales' Own Volunteers and is promoted to captain and given command of a company after Captain Thomas is killed at the Battle of Nivelle.
In his last appearance, in Sharpe's Waterloo, he is still with the regiment and, after they suffer casualties at Quatre Bras and Waterloo, the most senior officer after [|Colonel Ford] to escape uninjured. When Sharpe takes command of the battalion, he promotes Price to major.
Price appears in the TV adaptation Sharpe's Company, played by Scott Cleverdon. He is given a similar role to that in the book but he is shot and apparently killed by Sergeant Hakeswill during the storming of Badajoz while trying to protect Teresa, a fate that befell Captain Knowles in the book.
However, a character named Harry Price appears in Sharpe's Waterloo, played by Nicholas Irons. He talks to Sharpe and Harper and it is clear they know him quite well and that he is a veteran, possibly indicating that this is meant to be the same Harry Price from Sharpe's Company. When several soldiers are killed as a result of the Prince of Orange's incompetent orders at Quatre Bras, Price worries that his brother, who has just joined up, is among the dead. He is last seen in the closing seconds of the episode, standing alongside Sharpe as he turns back the French advance at Waterloo.
Read
Sergeant Read was a soldier in the South Essex Regiment. He part of the light company commanded by Sharpe. Read first appeared in Sharpe's Eagle when Sharpe's riflemen were attach to the light company of the South Essex. He would have fought with Sharpe in the Battle at Talavera. He also participated in the destruction of Almeida but wasn't mentioned in Sharpe's Gold and also partook in Sharpe's Escape during the battle of Bussaco. Read was involved in the Siege of Ciudad Rodrigo and the Siege of Badajoz. He was unfortunately blinded in the siege of Badajoz in Sharpe's Company. He was unable to continue as a soldier due to losing his sight and was presumably sent back home to England. Huckfield took his place as Sergeant in the light company. Read was described as a Methodist who worried about the souls of others. He never swore or drank.Roach
Private Roach was a soldier in the South Essex Regiment, later to be known as The Prince of Wales Own Volunteers. He part of the light company commanded by Sharpe. Roach first appeared in Sharpe's Gold when Sharpe's riflemen were attach to the light company of the South Essex. In Sharpe's Gold it mentioned that Roach pimped his wife for a shilling. He would have fought with Sharpe in the Battle at Talavera in Sharpe's Eagle. He also participated in the battle of Bussaco in Sharpe's Escape. Roach was involved in the Siege of Ciudad Rodrigo and the Siege of Badajoz and went on to fight in the Battle of Salamanca in Sharpe's Sword. Roach wasn't mentioned in Sharpe's Enemy, Honour, Regiment, Christmas, Siege, Revenge or Waterloo.Sir Henry Simmerson
Colonel Sir Henry Simmerson is a recurring villain, portrayed as a stereotypical snobbish, petty and tyrannical minor English aristocrat. He is narrow-minded, militarily inept and cowardly; while he is not presented as a clever man, he does display a certain cunning and deviousness.In his first appearance in the novels, he is described as short, squat, and red-faced giving the impression of "a pig sitting on horseback".
Simmerson first appears in Sharpe's Eagle, as commanding officer of the South Essex Regiment of the British Army, during the Talavera Campaign. Captain Michael Hogan briefly sketches Simmerson's background as a Justice of the Peace, Member of Parliament for Paglesham,, and a colonel in the Militia. He is also a distant cousin of General Sir Banastre Tarleton and thus has some influence at Horse Guards which serves to protect him, to a considerable extent, from the full consequences of his cowardice and military ineptitude. His considerable wealth has allowed him to not only purchase his commission in the army, but also raise the regiment at his own expense.
Simmerson is thus portrayed as the archetype of the military dilettante allowed to hold rank and responsibility in the British Army, a type which is the constant bane of professional soldiers like Sharpe. Throughout the first novel, he consistently ignores the advice of the few professional soldiers among his officers, and blames the often disastrous consequences of his own blunders on them. He also displays blatant nepotism in favouring his nephew, Christian Gibbons, as his aide.
The South Essex is assigned the relatively easy mission of linking up with an allied Spanish regiment and escorting Hogan to a point on the River Tagus to destroy a bridge that the French could use. In a minor skirmish with a French cavalry patrol, however, Simmerson's appalling judgement leads to the loss of a substantial number of men, and the loss of one of his regiment's two colours.
At the end of the novel, when the South Essex is positioned on the British flank during the Battle of Talavera, Simmerson panics and starts to withdraw the regiment, before he is ignominiously relieved from his post by William Lawford.
He is mentioned in passing in the subsequent novels as having returned to England and resumed his political activities, in particular helping to implement the new income tax.
In 1813, Simmerson uses the second battalion of the South Essex in an illegal crimping operation, recruiting men for the South Essex then selling them to posts overseas. Sharpe exposes him and presumably this is the end of his military career. Sharpe also snubs Simmerson by eloping with his niece, Jane Gibbons.
In the first run of the television adaptations, Simmerson, played by Michael Cochrane, appears in Sharpe's Eagle, Sharpe's Sword and Sharpe's Regiment. His appearances in Eagle and Regiment remain faithful to the novel versions, while his appearance in Sword is a creation of the show's writers, since that story was largely re-vamped from the novel.
Simmerson proved to be a popular character with the viewers, and was brought back for several subsequent appearances.
In Sword he has renounced his military rank in favour of being a political commissar with the British Army in Spain. Simmerson takes a licentious interest in "Lass", a novice nun under Sharpe's protection, rendered mute by the trauma of watching her sisters tortured for information by a French spy. Simmerson tries, on two occasions, to rape Lass, but fails both times, due both to Lass's pluck, and the intervention of an Irish priest, who thrashes Simmerson in a sword fight. It is also implied that Simmerson betrayed a night attack attempted by the South Essex to the French, in the hopes that Sharpe would be killed.
In the revival series, Cochrane returns as Simmerson, now an officer in the army attached to the British East India Company, in the 2006 revival, Sharpe's Challenge and its 2008 sequel Sharpe's Peril.
In Peril, Simmerson is found naked, staked to the ground and is saved by Sharpe, and whether it is the severe sunstroke he has suffered or an offer of genuine friendship, becomes Sharpe's ally by bidding him a fond farewell at the end.
Cornelius Slingsby
Lieutenant Cornelius Slingsby appeared in Sharpe's Escape. At 31, he is old for a Lieutenant, but inexperienced, having served most of his army career in the East Indies. He is the brother-in-law of Col. Lawford's wife, Jessica, who pressures her husband to advance Slingsby's career in the South Essex. He is assigned as second-in-command of the Light Company under Sharpe, who detests him. At Bussaco, after Sharpe rescues a detachment of the Light Company from one of Slingsby's blunders, Slingsby demands an apology for Sharpe using harsh language towards him. When Sharpe refuses, Lawford reluctantly reassigns Sharpe as a quartermaster and puts Slingsby in temporary command of the Light Company. Even Lawford quickly becomes annoyed with Slingsby, silently comparing him to a dog that barks too often, just to ensure that people are still paying attention to him. Under the pressures of his new position, Slingsby quickly breaks down, getting drunk on duty with hoarded rum. After another brief skirmish with the French in which Sharpe rescues the Light Company, Lawford quietly reinstates him to command, while leaving Slingsby's fate ambiguous.Smith
Captain Smith first appeared in Sharpe's Regiment. He is one of the officers at the recruitment camp of the South Essex, a secret and brutal training camp in Foulness, run by the second battalion's commanding officer Lieutenant-Colonel Girdwood and the regiment's disgraced founder Sir Henry Simmerson.Michael Trumper-Jones
Lieutenant Michael Trumper-Jones first appears in Sharpe's Honour as an inexperienced lieutenant in the South Essex. He is one of the handful of officers who sides with Major Richard Sharpe. Trumper-Jones acts as Sharpe's legal representative when he is accused of murder.Charlie Weller
Sergeant Charlie Weller first appeared in Sharpe's Regiment. Charlie Weller first appeared in Sharpe's Regiment when he was recruited into the South Essex's second battalion by Sergeant Horatio Havercamp.In the brutal conditions at the training camp under Col. Bartholomew Girdwood, however, he finds army life is not how expected it. He was the rarest of recruits, something respected by fellow undercover recruit, Richard Sharpe, a man who joined the army out of patriotism rather than desperation.
Sharpe and Harper, disguised as fellow recruits, can see in Charlie the makings of a good soldier, and try their best to look out for him. Weller had been promised by Havercamp that his small terrier, Buttons, would be welcome at camp, but Girdwood, who hates and fears dogs, orders it killed, earning Weller's eternal enmity.
When Major Sharpe finally takes the new recruits and Col. Girdwood back with him to Spain to fill out the depleted ranks of the newly named Prince of Wales' Own Volunteers, he tells the men that they may all keep dogs as pets in the ranks, making it clear who actually is in command of the Regiment.
Weller survives the remainder of the war, and appears in Sharpe's Waterloo, where he is asked by Private Clayton to watch out for his wife Sally, should he fall. When Clayton does indeed die in the final hour of the battle, Weller is as good as his word. After the battle Sharpe notices Weller and Sally together and tells the young man he can be a sergeant if only he'd fetch Sharpe a cup of tea.
Brian Windham
Colonel Brian Windham first appears in Sharpe's Company as the new commander of the South Essex, replacing the injured Colonel William Lawford. He is described as a bluff man, not unkind, with cropped grey hair. Sharpe thought his was a face one might expect to see sitting on the bench in a county court; a knowing face, experienced. He is obsessed with hunting and brought both hunters and hounds with him to Spain. He is utterly devoted to his wife Jessica, whose portrait shows a rather stern, somewhat chinless woman. Initially he wants a regular inspection of the wives attached to the South Essex, saying he wants no girls like the one he'd seen Sharpe arguing over. Sharpe, anticipating future events, named Teresa his wife. That the wedding had been private nearly 16 months previously, and that they had a seven month old daughter. He further informed the Colonel that his wife was employed outside the Regiment - as a partisan. Flustered, Windham apologized for mistaking Sharpe's wife. He then, however, fell back on accepted lore. That officers from the ranks never succeeded except in administration. Taking pains to ease Sharpe into the reality of his situation, he informs him that the captaincy he'd been hoping for had been purchased by another, and his gazette rank denied. He then sends Lieutenant Sharpe back to quartermaster duties, so that the new captain of the Light Company would not have to compete with Sharpe for the men. When Sharpe then immediately asks for the Forlorn Hope at Badajoz, Windham calls him unbalanced, that there will be vacancies a plenty after the attack. When his wife's portrait is stolen, the silver frame for it is found in Harper's kit. The furious Windham demands to know where the portrait was, but Harper, innocent of the crime, could not tell him. Windham, in his fury, breaks Harper back to private and sentences him to 100 lashes. After the intervention of Michael Hogan, Windham reduces the sentence to 60 lashes.After Badjoz, Sharpe returns Jessica Windham's portrait to him, and explains where it had been found. That Harper had been innocent. Windham, to his credit, offers Harper an apology. Harper brushed off the need by telling him a striped back was very attractive to the ladies. He returns the command of the Light Company to Sharpe after the death of the new captain.
In Sharpe's Sword, he was murdered by a Philippe Leroux, a man he thought was a paroled French officer, who then broke parole, killed his ensign and then the Colonel before escaping into the forts outside Salamanca.
British
Ayres
Lieutenant Ayers was a British Army Provost officer, military police responsible for military discipline among British troops in Portugal and Spain.He was one of three provosts on duty in a small deserted Portuguese village. Their equipment was new, and their faces burned red, indicating that they had newly arrived on the Peninsula.
After some verbal sparring with Captain Sharpe, Lieutenant Ayes and the two other Provosts went to examine Sharpe's men, and he caught Private Batten with a stolen chicken. Ayers determined that Private Batten must hang and only armed intervention by Sharpe and Harper stopped it happening.
Subsequently, Sharpe was forced to apologize to an embarrassed Lieutenant Ayers, in the company of the Provost Marshal and Colonel Williams. Sharpe's smart apology caused Ayers to agree to his own regret over the incident, to the confusion of Colonel Williams. But the matter was dropped.
In the television movie of the same name, but of a wildly divergent plot, it was a private Skillicorn who had the chicken, and things played out exactly the same - save that Ayers re-arrested the rifleman after the incident was over, and apparently hanged him. He then accompanied Sharpe on a mission to trade rifles to the partisans for deserters in their camp. He was killed during a raid into the partisan's lair by a knife that was thrown at him.
Joel Chase
Captain Joel Chase is the captain of HMS Pucelle. Sharpe first encounters Chase in Calcutta, shortly before he is due to sail back to England to join his new regiment. The captain informs Sharpe that he is thirty-five and later gives his birthday as 21 October, which places 1769 as the year of his birth. From Devon speaking in a Devonshire accent. Chase followed in his father's footsteps by joining the Royal Navy. Given that he is a post captain at the age of thirty-five, it may be surmised that he had a moderately successful career and probably entered the service as a young adolescent. He was a highly rated midshipman, and gained the necessary experience required for the lieutenant's examination. Chase's first command was apparently a twenty-eight-gun frigate by the name of HMS Spritely, in which he captured a French frigate. His ship, HMS Pucelle, a seventy-four-gun ship. Chase is married to a woman named Florence, has an unspecified number of children, and owns a small farm/estate somewhere in Devonshire. Chase is attached to the East Indian fleet, under the command of Sir Edward Pellew in Trafalgar but, having chased a French ship of the line halfway around the world in order to intercept a dangerous French politico, he finds himself under the command of Lord Nelson at Trafalgar. Needless to say, Sharpe too takes part in the battle, having been rescued by Chase after his ship was taken prize by the very third-rater that Chase was chasing. Captain Chase makes up part of the fleet that sails to Denmark, under Admiral Gambier, to help persuade the Danish to hand over their fleet for "protection" in 1807. While in Copenhagen he meets Sharpe again aiding him in his mission. Chase seems to represent the very best of the Royal Navy: he is good-natured, enthusiastic, seamanlike, possesses easy authority, and is readily accepting of Sharpe, despite Sharpe's humble origins. He is a devoted husband though he does have a weakness for gambling and has to pay off quite a large debt to Lord William Hale at the beginning of Trafalgar. He is clearly loved by his men, as attested to by one of his midshipmen, Harry Collier and his Bosun John Hopper. Chase is not a supporter of harsh discipline and dislikes flogging, though he does employ it when necessary and he is apt to reward his men generously, once giving oarsmen a double tot of rum after a stiff bout of towing in becalmed waters.Harry Collier
Midshipman Harry Collier served under Joel Chase who was Captain of HMS Pucelle. He was very fond of Chase and also made a good impression on Sharpe. He was a young, enthusiastic and very able sailor.William Dodd
William Dodd appears in the novels set in India near the start of Sharpe's army career. Although he is based on a real historical figure, his involvement in the Sharpe novels is entirely fictional. Dodd appears in the 2006 television revival Sharpe's Challenge, portrayed by Toby Stephens. He also appears in the Simon Scarrow novel The Generals as the actual historical character.The real William Dodd was a lieutenant in the East India Company. In 1803, he was responsible for beating a native worker to death and was fined by the company. Arthur Wellesley was outraged by the leniency of the sentence and demanded his dismissal, aiming to have him tried as a civilian for murder. Instead Dodd deserted to the Maratha army. Despite the offer of a seven hundred guinea reward for his capture, he was never seen again.
Cornwell uses this backstory, adding the desertion of Dodd's entire sepoy company. Dodd is charged by the mercenary commander of the Mahratta army, Anthony Pohlmann, with raiding the British fort at Chasalgoan, where he massacres the entire garrison, with the single exception of Richard Sharpe. He is rewarded with a promotion to Major and command of a battalion, which he christens "Dodd's Cobras". Dodd escapes the British capture of Ahmednuggur. Shortly afterwards he encounters Sharpe with his mentor Colonel Hector McCandless and offers Sharpe a commission in his battalion. Sharpe is tempted to desert, but chooses instead to remain with McCandless when the Colonel is wounded during the theft of his horses by Dodd. Dodd survives Pohlmann's defeat at Assaye taking his Cobras with him.
In Sharpe's Fortress Dodd has allied with Manu Bappoo and has been promoted to colonel. Once again he survives defeat at the Battle of Argaum and withdraws to the mountain fortress of Gawilghur. There he makes plans to usurp power from his Indian employers. He welcomes Obadiah Hakeswill, an old antagonist of Sharpe's, when the former deserts, making him an officer in the Cobras. When the fortress is stormed by the British, Dodd betrays the Indian commander and locks the gates of the inner keep against both the retreating Indian defenders and the British assault force. Newly commissioned Ensign Sharpe leads a small force over the walls and traps Dodd on the ramparts. Dodd first kills Sharpe's young Arab servant, Ahmed, then almost defeats Sharpe in single combat, inflicting the facial scar which becomes Sharpe's most noted feature in later novels. He is only defeated and killed after the intervention of Sharpe's companion Sergeant Lockart.
The Dodd of the television series is a British deserter but makes no reference to the real Dodd's back story. The film begins with the massacre at Chasalgaon in 1803 before skipping forward to the post-Waterloo period, circa 1817. By now, Dodd is the effective ruler of the region, being the lover of the regent Madhuvanthi. Dodd meets Sharpe and Patrick Harper when they arrive at his fort posing as deserters and offers them places in his army until he learns their true allegiance. He has arranged a mine to take care of the attacking British force but Sharpe and Harper manage to escape during the attack and set off the mine prematurely. Seeing his cause lost, Dodd kills Madhuvanthi and attempts to flee with the royal treasury but is confronted by Sharpe. A sword fight between the two men sees Dodd disarmed after which Sharpe forces him to sit on the throne he had coveted and skewering him through the chest with his sword, pinning him to it.
Simon Doggett
Simon Doggett first appeared in Sharpe's Waterloo.Tom Garrard
Tom Garrard first appeared in Sharpe's Tiger.Jane Gibbons
Jane Gibbons is the second wife of Richard Sharpe. She is first mentioned in the very first Sharpe novel, Sharpe's Eagle, in which Sharpe encounters her sadistic brother Christian. After Gibbons' death, Sharpe finds he is wearing a locket containing a miniature of Jane, signed "God keep you. Love, Jane" and wonders if she knows what her brother was like.At some point in between Sharpe's Gold and Sharpe's Company, Sharpe and Harper met Jane off-page during a visit to England. She makes her full debut in the series in Sharpe's Regiment where Sharpe and Harper encounter her again while back in England investigating the apparent disappearance of the South Essex Regiment's Second Battalion. The battalion is being used for illegal soldier auctions by Jane's uncle Henry Simmerson, an old enemy of Sharpe's. Jane herself is eking out a miserable existence in Simmerson's country house, unwillingly engaged to the battalion's arrogant and incompetent commander Bartholomew Girdwood. She explains to Sharpe that her parents died when she was thirteen and she went to live with Simmerson and his wife, her mother's sister. Since her father was a commoner, Simmerson considers her an embarrassment and keeps her away from high society. After Sharpe puts an end to the auctions, he takes Jane back to Spain with them where they marry.
Jane plays only a small role in the following novel, Sharpe's Siege in which Sharpe is alarmed to discover she has been visiting his friend Lieutenant-Colonel Michael Hogan, who is sick with fever and fears she has been infected. When he returns from the mission that is the main focus of the book, he finds he was mistaken.
The following book, Sharpe's Revenge, sees a major change in Jane's character. With the Peninsular War nearing an end, Sharpe sends Jane back to England to procure a house in the country. Disliking the idea, she instead buys an expensive and gaudy London town house and is seduced by the wealth of high society previously denied her. When she hears Sharpe has been arrested on suspicion of theft, she initially tries to help him but when it appears he has murdered Commandant Lassan, a man who might have given evidence against him, she sees it as license to begin an affair with Lord John Rossendale. The affair is discovered by Harper and Peter D'Alembord when they come to Jane with a message from Sharpe, during which Jane gleefully watches as Rossendale horsewhips Harper. When Sharpe's name is cleared, Jane and Rossendale are fearful he will come looking for him, not least because Jane has withdrawn a large sum of money from his account.
Jane accompanies Rossendale to Belgium in Sharpe's Waterloo but finds herself shunned by society since she is only Rossendale's mistress. She attends the Duchess of Richmond's ball with him where they have a violent encounter with Sharpe. She then encourages Rossendale to kill Sharpe using the confusion of battle so that they may marry. She has not told anyone that she is pregnant with Rossendale's child, an idea that appalls her. At the end of the book, she is left to await the news of Rossendale's death at Waterloo.
The fate of Jane and her child is unknown, although she is referred to as still being alive at the time of Sharpe's Devil. In his book The Sharpe Companion, Mark Adkin claims Jane died in 1844, presumably of natural causes, but this has not been confirmed in any novel.
In the Sharpe's television series, Jane is played by Abigail Cruttenden. Her character arc stays very close to that of the novels. She and Sharpe are familiar with each other in Sharpe's Regiment but she has not been mentioned previously and how they met before is never stated: although her brother appeared in the television version of Sharpe's Eagle he is not mentioned there and indeed their relationship is never explicitly confirmed. In Sharpe's Siege, Jane does contract fever, rather than Sharpe merely fearing she has and is already ill when he leaves. When he returns he finds she recovered thanks to Wellington acquiring some quinine from the Spanish. In this episode she is also seen working as an assistant to the regimental surgeon, Kenefick and her wedding to Sharpe, unlike in the books, occurs onscreen towards the beginning. In Sharpe's Revenge, Jane's betrayal of Sharpe is partly motivated by his breaking a promise to not fight again after Toulouse when he challenges Colonel Wigram to a duel.
In addition to the television adaptations of the four novels she appeared in, Jane is present in two stories unique to the television series. In Sharpe's Mission, set after Sharpe's Siege, she is shown to already be disenchanted with the soldier's life that seems destined to always be Sharpe's lot and is easily seduced by the arrival of the superficially cultured poet Shellington. She appears to contemplate an affair with him in Sharpe's absence but sees through him when Harris reveals that the poem he has supposedly written about her is plagiarised and reconciles with Sharpe at the end. In Sharpe's Justice, Jane accompanies Rossendale to a property left for him by a recently deceased aunt and in doing so encounters Sharpe, who is in the area commanding the Scarsdale Yeomanry. Jane and Rossendale seem eager to take advantage of Sir Willoughby Parfitt's schemes to bankrupt and buy out mills but fail when Sharpe exposes his methods. Afterwards, Jane tells Sharpe that Rossendale will obtain him release from his post in exchange for him leaving them alone.
In Sharpe's Waterloo, as in the novel, Jane travels to Belgium with John. She is shunned for being the wife of another man and when Sharpe turns up, he disgraces her at a ball, calling her a whore. Jane convinces John to kill Sharpe at Waterloo but he is killed before he can do so.
Michael Hogan
Michael Hogan is a fictional character in the Sharpe series of novels by Bernard Cornwell, loosely based on the career of the historical Colquhoun Grant.Hogan is a Royal Engineers officer — while the Purchase System still allowed many British infantry and cavalry officers to buy commissions in the early 19th century, all other British military branches, including the engineers, the Royal Navy and the Royal Artillery, promoted by seniority or merit. Unfortunately, this meant promotion was rather slow and Hogan is still a captain in 1808, despite his long service and abilities.
Born in Ireland of presumed Catholic ancestry, his life before he encounters Sharpe is rather unclear. It is implied that he has spent time in India and Gibraltar, before joining the British garrison in Lisbon in 1808 following the British capture of the Portuguese capital after the Battle of Vimeiro. He is employed by Arthur Wellesley in mapping the Portuguese border and it is here that he first meets Lieutenant Richard Sharpe, who is to become his friend and colleague.
Hogan is promoted to major in 1809, and thereafter appears to head the British intelligence network in the Iberian Peninsula. This was at a time when there was no formal military intelligence unit and Hogan's role is a good illustration of the sort of ad hoc arrangements used by the British in the field in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.
Sharpe is frequently employed to carry out small scale secret operations for Hogan – for example, destroying a bridge in Sharpe's Eagle, capturing a renegade exploring officer in Sharpe's Havoc, retrieving treasure vital to the war effort in Sharpe's Gold, retrieving hostages in Sharpe's Enemy'' and uncovering or capturing French spies in Sharpe's Battle, Sharpe's Sword and Sharpe's Siege.
Although Hogan's role as spymaster requires him to be at times both ruthless and duplicitous, he is a good friend to Sharpe throughout the series, often protecting him from official censure and advancing his career.
In 1814, in the last months of the war, Lieutenant Colonel Hogan is fatally stricken by fever. Even in his final delirium he is able to warn Sharpe of the presence of a double agent and so foil plans by his French counterpart, Pierre Ducos, to lure Sharpe into a trap. Thus he fulfils his obligations as a friend and officer to the very end.
Hogan is addicted to snuff taking.
Hogan is clearly proud of his Irish heritage and for many years carried around a small box of earth around with him, so that if he died he could be buried in 'Irish soil'.
However, unlike Sergeant Patrick Harper, Hogan does not wear his pride on his sleeve, nor does he demonstrate any anti-English sentiment. In the same novel he exhibits no qualms about arranging the assassination of Father Sarsfield, a nationalist Irish priest, who has been working as a French agent.
Hogan was portrayed in the TV adaptations by Scottish actor Brian Cox. However, due to scheduling conflicts, Cox was unable to reprise the role after the first two films and Hogan's character was subsequently merged with other exploring officers from the novels, particularly Major-General Nairn, Mungo Monroe and Major-General Ross.
John Hopper
John Hopper first appeared in Sharpe's Trafalgar serving under Captain Chase to whom he is very loyal. Hopper is a very able sailor which is noted in his rank of Bosun. He is a big strong fighter who is noted for his tattoos.Kelly
Private Kelly only appears in the television series. A deserter under the command of Hakeswill. Kelly was a former Connaught Ranger who was wrongfully flogged and chose to desert as a consequence. Sharpe recognised Kelly from the battle of Talavera where he saw Sharpe take the Eagle. Sharpe recalls Kellys bravery and fighting ability and asks Kelly to join him and fall in with the rest of the Chosen Men to which Kelly has no hesitation. Kelly helps Sharpe and the Chosen Men fight against the band of deserters. At the end of the battle Kelly is mortally wounded by a bayonet. Before Kelly dies of his injury, Sharpe makes Kelly a Chosen Man.Hector McCandless
Charles Morris
Captain Charles Morris is a fictional character in the Richard Sharpe novels by Bernard Cornwell and a significant antagonist in the hero's early career.Morris is a lazy, venal and corrupt officer in the 33rd Regiment of Foot's Light Company, replacing the more energetic and decent Captain Hughes after the latter's death from "the flux". He relies on the brutal Sergeant Obidiah Hakeswill to run the company and is easily drawn into peculation and other abuses of authority.
On the eve of the regiment's deployment against the Tipoo Sultan in 1799, Morris conspires with Hakeswill to frame private Richard Sharpe for assault, leading to a sentence of 2,000 lashes, a prolonged and agonising death sentence. Only the reluctant intervention of the regiment's commander, Lieutenant Colonel Arthur Wellesley, prevents the flogging being carried beyond the 200th stroke.
Four years later Hakeswill is able to manipulate Morris into laying a further charge of assault against Sharpe, by knocking the Captain unconscious himself and dousing the officer with the contents of a full chamber pot. This plot is foiled when Sharpe is given a battlefield commission as ensign, after the Battle of Assaye and placed out of Hakeswill's power.
Morris makes one final appearance during the assault on the fortress at Gawilghur, when he refuses to lead a detachment of troops over the wall; Sharpe knocks him unconscious, leads the assault and so takes the fortress.
Little is known of Morris's subsequent career, until 1812, when Hakeswill joins the South Essex Regiment and informs Sharpe that Morris is part of the garrison of Dublin Castle in Ireland.
Author Bernard Cornwell has conceded that Morris is one of the story threads he has yet to complete.
Nairn
Major-General Nairn is a fictional character in the Sharpe series of novels written by Bernard Cornwell. He was a regular on the second series of the Sharpe television programme, in which he was played by Michael Byrne.Nairn first appears in Sharpe's Company, where he orchestrates the assault on the fortress of Ciudad Rodrigo.
He makes his first major appearance in Sharpe's Enemy, where he is in command of the British forces in Frenada whilst Wellington is in Lisbon. He informs Sharpe that he has been promoted to major on the order of the Prince Regent and assigns him the job of rescuing Lady Farthingdale from a deserters' enclave at Adrados. At the climax of the novel, it is Nairn who leads the British force that comes to Sharpe's aid when he is facing a French attack at Adrados.
Nairn has something of a friendship with Sharpe and meets with him again in Sharpe's Regiment to inform him that a request for reinforcements has been refused and the South Essex Regiment is in danger of being disbanded. He therefore gives Sharpe permission to take a party of four back to England to try to find reinforcements. He later greets Sharpe on his return to Spain and observes his harsh treatment of the corrupt Lieutenant-Colonel Girdwood. He gives his tacit approval of the behaviour but also warns Sharpe that he will arrange for Girdwood's replacement to be a hard taskmaster.
By the time of Sharpe's Revenge, Nairn has finally been given command of a brigade after years as a staff officer. He has Sharpe assigned to him as his staff major and also makes Harper, Frederickson and Frederickson's company part of his command. He is finally given a chance to lead his men into battle at Toulouse, where he is injured by a canister shot. He claims he has only been hit in the leg and instructs Sharpe to lead the brigade forward. When Sharpe returns to the scene where Nairn fell after the battle, he learns that he died from his wounds – the canister had also pierced his lung.
Nairn appears in all three episodes of Sharpe's second series, comprising Sharpe's Enemy and adaptations of Sharpe's Company and Sharpe's Honour. His character is recreated as a Major, who effectively fulfills the same duties as Hogan in the novels – the chief of Wellington's espionage operations.
Nairn is first seen in Sharpe's Company, where he approaches Sharpe in the aftermath of the attack on Ciudad Rodrigo to discuss the wounding of Sharpe's commanding officer Colonel Lawford during the attack. Like Hogan, this Nairn is a major in the Royal Engineers and Sharpe criticises their performance during the attack. He is also a spymaster, as Sharpe learns when Nairn sends Teresa into Badajoz. Like many of the spymasters in the series, Nairn has a somewhat uneasy relationship with Sharpe, who sees him as placing Teresa in needless danger. He is at Wellington's side during the subsequent attack on Badajoz.
In Sharpe's Enemy, Nairn's role is slightly expanded from in the novel. He realises the French have an interest in Adrados when he learns of the presence of Pierre Ducos, his opposite number. Along with Teresa, he spies on the French positions and, after Teresa is shot by Hakeswill, he takes her dying body to Sharpe. He is present in the courtyard when Ducos attempts to force Sharpe to surrender.
In his last episode, Sharpe's Honour, Nairn worries about Sharpe's malaise in the aftermath of Teresa's death. It is Nairn who breaks up Sharpe's illegal duel with El Marques de Casares el Grande y Melida Sadaba and who arranges to have Sharpe's execution faked after he is accused of killing El Marques. He then despatches Sharpe and Harper to search for El Marques' widow, Helene and later gives permission for Harper to take the rest of the Chosen Men to rescue Sharpe after he is captured by Ducos. He is last seen, alongside Wellington as ever, watching the victory celebrations after the Battle of Vitoria. As with Hogan, his absence from subsequent series is not explained.
Septimus Pyecroft
Major Septimus Pyecroft specialises in demolitions and appeares only in Sharpe's Mission. He was badly burned in a munitions accident, and wears a leather hood to conceal his scars.Lord John Rossendale
Lord John Rossendale first crosses Richard Sharpe's path in 1813 in Sharpe's Regiment as a courtier to the Prince Regent in London. Rossendale is initially an ally in Major Sharpe's attempts to find missing recruits to the South Essex Regiment, providing support and guidance through the social pitfalls of Court circles.However, a year later, in Sharpe's Revenge, Rossendale takes advantage of Sharpe's arrest for theft to embark on an affair with his wife, Jane, while also laying waste to Sharpe's considerable fortune.
In June 1815, at the outset of Napoleon's Hundred Days campaign, Rossendale satisfies his desire to see active service by joining the heavy cavalry appropriately enough under Henry Paget, Lord Uxbridge, who had conducted a similarly adulterous affair with the wife of Wellington's younger brother, Henry. He is accompanied by Jane, who is snubbed by society for her affair and who suspects she may be pregnant with Rossendale's bastard child.
Unfortunately, Sharpe, now a lieutenant colonel, is also serving with the Allied army, as staff officer to the Dutch Prince of Orange. Jane attempts to persuade Rossendale to murder Sharpe during the chaos of the imminent battle. When he suggests the French may kill Sharpe for them, she replies "They’ve had plenty of chances before and achieved nothing". Later that evening Sharpe and Rossendale clash at the Duchess of Richmond's ball in Brussels, where Sharpe humiliates his rival.
At the battle of Quatre Bras the next day, Sharpe corners Rossendale, destroys his pistol and sword and extracts a note of hand for the stolen money. Ashamed of his dishonourable conduct, Rossendale determines to prove himself during the forthcoming battle at Waterloo.
On the afternoon of the battle, the British Heavy Brigade, Rossendale in its midst, charges to complete the rout of a French infantry attack by the Comte d'Erlon at La Haye Sainte. Rossendale fights well, but the charge ends in disaster when the enthusiasm of the British cavalrymen leads them to gallop unsupported towards the French guns. Caught by French light cavalry, the British take appalling casualties.
Rossendale is pursued by a group of French lancers and hussars, blinded, stabbed and left for dead. He lies helpless on the field until his throat is cut by a Belgian peasant woman looting the wounded in the aftermath of the Allied victory. His death renders the note of hand given to Sharpe worthless, as he dies bankrupt and his estate has no legal call on the money stolen by Jane.
In the Carlton UK TV adaptation, Rossendale was portrayed by Alexander Armstrong in Sharpe's Regiment and by Alexis Denisof in Sharpe's Revenge, Sharpe's Justice and Sharpe's Waterloo.
Lord Wellington
Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington was an Anglo-Irish soldier and statesman who was one of the leading military and political figures of 19th-century Britain, serving twice as Prime Minister. His victory against Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815 puts him in the first rank of Britain's military heroes.He worked his way through a series of promotions, but as an aristocrat, started as an officer rather than in the ranks. He did, however, earn no end of contempt from his peers. His career was only possible because of his aristocratic origins and connections. Nobody not born into the gentry could ever hope to attain commands such as those Wellington was given, and the only thing that truly distinguished him from other noblemen given command as a favor rather than on merit, was that he proved to have actual talent when it came to command, as did Sharpe. Because of a prominent nose, he was often called Nosey behind his back.
Wellington features throughout the Bernard Cornwell Sharpe novels and in the television series directed by Tom Clegg. He is portrayed by David Troughton in Sharpe's Rifles and Sharpe's Eagle, and by Hugh Fraser in all appearances afterward.
French
Napoleon Bonaparte
Napoleon Bonaparte was the Emperor of France from 1799 through 1814. Under his reign, Europe was plunged into war as he attempted a campaign of conquest that was remarkably successful.In the world of the Sharpe Napoleon Bonaparte is often referred to, usually as Boney, a soldiers nickname for him, but is not seen. Only once was he glimpsed by the characters of Sharpe in the television series during the wars, briefly and through the smoke of battle at Waterloo.
He only appeared in the novels in any noticeable way in Sharpe's Devil, when Sharpe and Harper stopped at the island of St. Helena to visit the exiled dictator.
Jean-Baptiste Calvet
Jean-Baptiste Calvet is described as squat and having a broad, scarred face, burned with gunpowder stains. He was a brutal and effective soldier. The son of a ditch digger, he rose through the ranks in the post-revolution army, to become one of Napoleon's most dedicated adherents.His demi-brigade of 2000 men was fought to a standstill by Richard Sharpe and his handful of men during the siege at Teste de Buch in Sharpe's Siege, after Sharpe used such desperate measures as dropping lime on to the attacking forces to blind them.
When they met again in Sharpe's Revenge, he slapped Sharpe's face for the use of the lime, and Sharpe returned the slap. The two then joined forces to retrieve the Imperial treasury, stolen by Pierre Ducos, from a Neapolitan villa. He then returned the stolen treasure to Napoleon on Elba and remained with him in exile.
By 1820, after Napoleon's defeat and final exile, Calvet was reported as living in Louisiana in the United States rather than remain in France under a Bourbon king.
In the television series, two separate actors played Calvet: Olivier Pierre in Sharpe's Mission and Sharpe's Siege, and John Benfield in Sharpe's Revenge.
Lucille Castineau
Lucille Castineau was Richard Sharpe's third wife. She was aged twenty-seven in June 1815, placing 1788 as her birth date. She was born to the Lassan family of Normandy. Her father was the Comte de Lassan, a minor aristocrat in possession of a large estate house and farm fallen on hard times. Lucille herself bore the title of Vicomtesse. Her father was killed during the Revolution and was succeeded in his title by her older brother Henri Lassan. Her brother soon renounced his title in the face of further persecutions and later joined Napoleon's army as an officer. This left Lucille and her mother, the Dowager Countess, to run the estate.During the Napoleonic wars, Lucille married the son of a French general, a cavalry officer named Xavier Castineau. However, he soon after died in Russia, forcing Lucille to move back into the Lassan home. After Napoleon's defeat by the British, Henri also returned home and made arrangements to marry. Unfortunately, both Henri and her mother were murdered soon afterwards by thugs of French spymaster Pierre Ducos, trying to prevent Lassan from revealing Ducos's own treachery to Richard Sharpe. Lucille was left alone on the farm.
When Sharpe afterwards came to seek out her brother, Lucille mistakenly shot him with a large blunderbuss, wounding Sharpe. Realising her mistake, she took him and his friend William Frederickson in for several months. While Sharpe recuperated, Frederickson became interested in Lucille, but when he proposed, she turned him down. Frederickson left to pursue their original investigation and Sharpe took a hand in helping Lucille on the farm. During this solitude, Sharpe learned to speak French and the two became lovers.
After travelling to Italy to defeat Ducos, Sharpe returned to the Lassan estate permanently. Lucille bore Sharpe a son, Patrick-Henri, who was still an infant at the time of the Waterloo Campaign. In 1819, Sharpe was still living on the farm with Lucille, who had born him a second child, a daughter named Dominique. Both children carried the Lassan name. According to Henri-Patrick, Sharpe and Lucille never married formally. Probably this was because Sharpe's English wife, Jane Gibbons, did not predecease him and he could not afford a legal divorce. Later in 1861, Patrick-Henri Lassan, by then a lieutenant-colonel in the French Cavalry and liaison to the Union Army during the US Civil War in Cornwell's Starbuck Chronicles reported that Lucille was still alive and well but lonely – implying that by this time Sharpe is dead.
In the Carlton UK TV series, Lucille was portrayed by Cécile Paoli. However, in the original episode Sharpe's Challenge, the series departed from the novels' continuity and reported that she had died of fever around 1817.
Pierre Ducos
Pierre Ducos is a French secret agent and alongside Obadiah Hakeswill is Sharpe's most bitter and persistent enemy through the later novels.Ducos' exact origins are unclear. It appears he was born in France sometime in the 1770s, of fairly humble background. How he became involved in the world of espionage is not revealed, though he is described as a zealous revolutionary, and his rise occurred during the French Revolution of 1789 and the Terror that followed it. He was a protégé of Joseph Fouché, the notorious secret policeman of the revolutionary period. Following this he came into the service of the young General Napoleon Bonaparte, who was to crown himself Emperor of the French in 1804.
Until he first met Sharpe his schemes were largely successful and he is well regarded by his Imperial Master who entrusted him with matters of great importance, posting him to Spain to resolve what Napoleon described as the "Spanish Ulcer". As an example of his talent he is said to have bribed the Spanish commander of the strategic city of Badajoz to hand the keys of the garrison to the French. Ducos possesses a book listing a number of enemy officers, British, Portuguese and Spanish, whom he crosses out when they have been killed. He possesses a fervent hope that one day all the names in his book will be crossed out. Sharpe is already listed when their paths cross in 1812, during the events of Sharpe's Battle and in the following months Ducos comes to regard Sharpe as his nemesis, as the latter thwarts several plans to change the course of the war in Spain, particularly by defeating a surprise French invasion of Portugal in the winter of 1812, during which Sharpe had personally insulted Ducos and broken his spectacles. In 1813 Ducos finally captures Sharpe and tortures him, destroying Sharpe's telescope in retaliation for his own smashed spectacles. Sharpe is rescued by the intervention of a former lover, Helene Leroux and escapes after the accidental destruction of the castle.
In 1814, with acute foresight Ducos anticipates the fall of Napoleon and in its wake decides to betray the cause he has served so zealously for years. He steals the Imperial jewels and treasury, in the process implicating Sharpe in the crime and retires to the comfort of a villa in Naples. Unfortunately, he is once again bested by Sharpe, who escapes from custody, captures him and takes him back to Paris to face execution by firing squad; as with Hakeswill, Sharpe chooses to hand Ducos to the proper authorities for justice, rather than killing his enemy himself.
Ducos is described as short, his face scarred by smallpox. Weak and timid when physically confronted, he claims to detest ‘unnecessary violence’ and is indifferent to the suffering of others. He is despised and feared by many of his colleagues, who nonetheless obey and respect him because of the enormous influence he wields. Until his final betrayal of Napoleon, Ducos seems entirely motivated by his dedication to the ideals of the French Revolution, continuing to use the French Republican Calendar long after it has been abandoned by his fellow countrymen. He has no personal friends and shows no sexual interest in women or in men, although is not entirely asexual, as in Sharpe's Battle it is said that he visits prostitutes.
In the TV adaptations Ducos was played by Féodor Atkine.
Henri-Patrick Lassan
Henri-Patrick Lassan is Richard Sharpe and Lucille Castineau's son, born in 1814. He first appears in Sharpe's Waterloo as an infant, whom Lucille has brought to Brussels while waiting for Sharpe to return from the Waterloo Campaign. He is named for Lucille's murdered brother, Henri, and Sharpe's best friend, Patrick Harper. He later appears as a boy of five in the prologue of Sharpe's Devil, taking place in the summer of 1819.The adult Henri-Patrick is a recurring character in Bernard Cornwell's Starbuck Chronicles, taking place during the American Civil War, when he is in his late forties. He has adopted the surname Lassan, and admits that he severely disappointed his father by electing to join the French cavalry forces instead of the British Army. Posted to the United States by the French government as a neutral observer, he voluntarily attaches himself to J.E.B. Stuart's Confederate cavalry.
German
Lossow
Captain Lossow first appears in Sharpe's Gold.Spanish
Teresa Moreno
Teresa Moreno is a fictional character in the novels of Bernard Cornwell. She is a Spanish partisan and the second wife of Richard Sharpe, as Sharpe was unofficially married to Mary Bickerstaff in Sharpe's Tiger.Teresa Moreno is the daughter of wealthy Spanish border landowner and one time partisan Cesar Moreno. She first appears in Sharpe's Gold, in the aftermath of a French attack on the village of Casteljada, in which her brother Ramon is tortured and she herself raped. This, in addition to the earlier rape and murder of her mother by the French, fuels her desire for revenge and lead to her becoming a leader of a guerrilla force, with the nom de guerre "La Aguja", or "The Needle", after the stiletto knife which is her weapon of choice.
Sharpe takes Teresa hostage to ensure the safety of his men as they escape from the partisan El Catolico. They fall in love, despite Teresa's engagement to El Catolico and form an alliance which delivers to Sharpe the Spanish gold he has been tasked to collect and grants to Teresa leadership of the partisans.
The couple are separated for over a year, until Teresa finds Sharpe in the aftermath of the storming of Ciudad Rodrigo and reveals that she has given birth to their daughter Antonia, in the French held city of Badajoz.
The British are about to besiege the city and Sharpe is determined to be first over the wall to protect his new family. He is foiled by his bitter enemy Sergeant Obadiah Hakeswill, who plans to rape and murder Teresa. Sharpe and his close friend Sergeant Patrick Harper only just arrive in time to prevent the crime. Teresa and Sharpe are married the next morning.
Eighteen months later Teresa and her partisans are involved with Sharpe in an operation to remove a murderous gang of deserters, including Hakeswill, from a remote mountain village. Hakeswill escapes and murders Teresa.
Her daughter is adopted by Teresa's brother, Ramon and, as far as is known, never meets her father again.
In the TV adaptations, she was portrayed by Assumpta Serna.
Don Blas Vivar
Captain-General Don Blas Vivar first appears in Sharpe's Rifles as a Major. He is described as a deeply religious man, he is very conservative, a believer in honor, he is the rare creature: an honest man. He earns Sharpe's respect.In Sharpe's Devil he is reported missing while serving as Captain-General of Chile. Louisa approaches Sharpe about going to Chile to find out his fate. Sharpe assumes he is going to the new world to bring back a corpse, but the facts were much stranger than his assumptions.
Don Blas had met with rebels under a flag of truce thinking they wanted to treat with him, they had mistaken him for his Francophile brother, however, and assumed he'd be interested in a plot to free Napoleon. When they discovered their error, they held him prisoner on a remote island while their plots played out.
He was shocked and dismayed that anyone would so abuse the flag of truce and stated his intention to retire from service in a world he no longer understood.
Portuguese
Ferragus
Ferragus is a fictional character who features in the Richard Sharpe novels by Bernard Cornwell. Ferragus is the brother of a corrupt Portuguese Major who both sold supplies to the French. Ferragus was killed by French musket fire during a fist fight with Sharpe. He is described as being built like a prize fighter and tattooed like a sailor as well as being broader and taller than Harper.Ferreira
Major Ferreira is a fictional character who features in the Richard Sharpe novels by Bernard Cornwell. A corrupt Portuguese Major who sold supplies to the French but was eventually detained by Sharpe and his men. He is described as being tall with a carefully trimmed moustache.Josefina LaCosta
Portuguese by birth, Josefina LaCosta is to married a nobleman, Duarte, who has fled to South America in the aftermath of the French invasion in 1808, abandoning his wife. She is, however, happy to find herself unencumbered and seeking a wealthy man to provide her with a life of luxury and excitement.She first appears in Sharpe's Eagle, attaching herself to Lieutenant Christian Gibbons, the nephew of Lieutenant Colonel Sir Henry Simmerson, commander of the South Essex Regiment. Richard Sharpe, temporarily attached to the South Essex, desires LaCosta, which fuels his growing feud with the arrogant Gibbons.
This feud breaks into the open after Gibbons and LaCosta come to blows over a game of cards; Gibbons claims that LaCosta "staked her body" on the next hand, then lost and refused to pay the debt, while LaCosta claims that she was winning and Gibbons attacked her. Sharpe steps in to protect LaCosta from Gibbons and his crony, John Berry. He takes her into his protection and they become lovers, but he is forced to borrow heavily from his friend, Major Michael Hogan to pay for her room and board. Gibbons, smarting over Sharpe's brevet promotion to captain, attempts to provoke Sharpe into a duel by raping and beating LaCosta, with Berry's help. Sharpe takes revenge by killing both men in the confusion of the battlefield. LaCosta deserts Sharpe for a wealthy cavalry officer, Claude Hardy, souring Sharpe's pleasure in his capture of the French Imperial Eagle, during the Battle of Talavera.
In Sharpe's Gold, after Hardy is murdered by a treacherous band of Spanish partisans, in 1810, Sharpe seeks out LaCosta in Lisbon and discovers she has set herself up in business as a courtesan. He is happy to buy her services, despite his growing attachment to Teresa Moreno, his future wife.
LaCosta reappears in Sharpe's Enemy, taking place in 1812, as the supposed wife of Lt. Colonel Sir Augustus Farthingdale, a prominent British diplomat. Sharpe is detailed to rescue "Lady Farthingdale" when she is taken hostage by a gang of deserters led by Sharpe's nemesis, Obadiah Hakeswill, in a remote village on the Portuguese border. When Sharpe discovers that a substantial French force is approaching the village, he blackmails Farthingdale into resigning command, by threatening to reveal the nature of the fake marriage and LaCosta's former profession. With Farthingdale removed, Sharpe is able to hold the border crossing against the French until reinforcements arrive, but in the last moments of the siege, Hakeswill escapes and murders Sharpe's own wife, Teresa.
Sharpe is devastated by his loss, the more so because Teresa had caught him flirting with LaCosta only hours before her death. Meanwhile, Farthingdale returns home to England, deciding that LaCosta is too great a liability to him. When LaCosta writes, bitterly reprimanding Sharpe for his betrayal of her secret and the destruction of her financial future, Sharpe remains unmoved.
In the TV adaptation, Josefina LaCosta appears only in Sharpe's Eagle, played by Katia Caballero. Several changes were made to her history which made her a more sympathetic character.
She is a widow, rather than separated and is courted in earnest by Lt. Gibbons, but is drawn to Sharpe, as a genuinely honorable man. When Gibbons attacks her after suborning her maids, she is protected by Sharpe but they do not become lovers, due to the presence of Teresa Moreno in the story, sometime before the couple meet in the novel continuity. Sharpe kills one of her attackers, John Berry, but not Gibbons, who is disgraced along with his Uncle, Sir Henry Simmerson, by the latter's cowardice during the Battle of Talavera. Josefina becomes attached to Captain Thomas Leroy, an American Loyalist on Simmerson's staff and another honorable soldier.
LaCosta does not appear in the television adaptations of Sharpe's Gold or Sharpe's Enemy; her role in that story is taken by an original character with a similar backstory and a previous liaison with Sharpe, Lady Isabella Farthingdale, played by Elizabeth Hurley. Ironically, although Sharpe does not commit adultery with LaCosta in the novel, he does sleep with Isabella Farthingdale in the film.
Jorge Vicente
Jorge Vicente first encounters Richard Sharpe in the aftermath of the first Battle of Oporto in March 1809, when both men are cut off from their respective armies – Sharpe and his riflemen from the British, Lieutenant Vicente with a handful of men from the Portuguese 18th Line Infantry.Vicente is a studious and idealistic young man, who prior to the French invasion of Portugal studied law at University of Coimbra. His passionate adherence to the rules of war bring him into frequent conflict with Sharpe, but the two men discover a mutual respect as they work and fight together in the weeks leading up to the second Battle of Porto.
This is fully vindicated the following year, when both men fight at the Battle of Bussaco, and are again cut off together behind enemy lines in Coimbra. Vicente, now Captain of the atirador company in a Portuguese caçadores regiment, has matured into an able soldier, without losing his innate optimism. Vicente's admiration of Sharpe is expressed in his decision to lead a company of sharpshooters in the Portuguese Army's newly-formed light infantry regiment, and his adoption of many of Sharpe's personal idiosyncrasies, including carrying a 1796 Heavy Cavalry Sword instead of the lighter sword or curved sabre usually carried by light infantry, and a Baker rifle, with which he has become expert after assiduous practice.
He also confides to Sharpe that he married Kate Savage, the daughter and heiress of an English port wine producer, whom he and Sharpe rescued during the French's retreat from Oporto. By the time of Bussaco, she has already given birth to their first child, a daughter..
Vincente does not feature in any of the TV adaptations.