An Episode of War Characters

The lieutenant, the helpless and frail protagonist of Crane’s story, suffers a gunshot wound then searches for the field hospital, while enduring the belittlement of the surgeon and the officer. Readers don’t learn much… read analysis of The Lieutenant

The curt, hot-headed surgeon, denigrates the lieutenant when he finally reaches the field hospital, and he mocks the lieutenant’s fear of amputation. Building on the dismissive behavior of an officer earlier in the story, the… read analysis of The Surgeon

The over-eager and dismissive officer scolds the injured lieutenant for improperly treating his wound, further adding to the protagonist’s deep sense of shame. Though his exact rank is unclear, this officer is likely the equal… read analysis of The Officer

The orderly-sergeant, a timid and fearful subordinate, helps the lieutenant sheathe his sword after he’s shot in the arm. At the story’s opening, the sergeant is one of a large group of men who surrounds… read analysis of The Orderly-Sergeant