The Colonel Character Analysis in Journey’s End

Stanhope’s immediate superior. The Colonel is the one who tells Stanhope to expect the large German attack on March 21st. He is also the person who informs Stanhope of the high-ranking generals’ decision to raid the German trenches before the attack. Stanhope, for his part, thinks this is ill-advised, and even the Colonel seems to have his doubts, but he does nothing to undermine his orders. Instead, he soberly instructs Stanhope to organize the raid, helping him come to the conclusion that Osborne and Raleigh should be the officers to lead it.

The Colonel Character Timeline in Journey’s End

The timeline below shows where the character The Colonel appears in Journey’s End. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

Friendship and Human Interaction Theme Icon

...go mad with fright.” Hearing this, Osborne suggests that Stanhope take a break, insisting that the Colonel would be happy to let him leave for a while, given his track record. Nonetheless,... (full context)

Anticipation, Expectations, and Uncertainty Theme Icon

...platoon’s rifles at nine o’clock. He then tells Osborne that he was recently talking to the Colonel , who told him that a German prisoner let slip that the big attack is... (full context)

Repetition, Futility, and Perspective Theme Icon

...says the Sergeant-Major, taking notes in a small book. “Very good, sir.” When he leaves, the Colonel enters and tells Stanhope that the brigadier is almost certain the attack will happen on... (full context)

Stanhope asks the Colonel when the general wants the raid to happen, and the Colonel says tonight, which Stanhope... (full context)

On his way out, the Colonel invites Stanhope to dine with him that night to further discuss the plans, asking if... (full context)

Near sunset the following day, Stanhope paces the dugout and speaks with the Colonel , who tells him that headquarters has told him the raid must take place before... (full context)

On his way out, the Colonel wishes Osborne and Raleigh good luck, saying he’ll recommend them for awards if they succeed... (full context)

...voice rises into the air. “All right, sir,” he says. “Come down quickly!” In response, the Colonel ’s voice calls out, asking how many soldiers were captured. “Only one,” Stanhope says. As... (full context)

Stanhope slowly comes down the dugout stairs, and the Colonel says, “Splendid, Stanhope! We’ve got all we wanted […]. I must go right away and... (full context)