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 (composed of several novels and short stories) 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 appearance

Sharpe's Tiger (Novels)

Sharpe's Rifles (Series)
Last appearance

Sharpe's Devil (Novels)

Sharpe's Peril (Series)
Created by Bernard Cornwell
Portrayed by Sean Bean
Information
Nickname(s) Dick, Sharpie
Aliases Dick Vorn
Occupation Thief
Soldier
Farmer
Rifleman
Title Lieutenant Colonel (highest rank)
Family Unknown father
Prostitute mother
Spouse(s) Teresa Moreno a.k.a. La Aguja
Jane Gibbons
Lucille Castineau (common law)
Children Antonia (with Teresa Moreno)
Patrick-Henri Lassan (with Lucille Castineau)
Dominique Lassan (with Lucille Castineau)
Nationality English

We first meet Richard Sharpe 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 soons 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 ia a good soldier and his abilties resulted in him being commisioned 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 (they were published in non-chronological order) 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. 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

Bradshaw
First appearance Sharpe's Gold (Series)
Last appearance Sharpe's Mission (Series)
Created by Bernard Cornwell
Portrayed by Will Whitlam
Information
Occupation Soldier
Title Chosen Man
Nationality English

Rifleman Bradshaw first appeared in Sharpe's Gold. He was a quiet rifleman often never 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

Cameron
First appearance Sharpe's Rifles (Novels)
Last appearance Sharpe's Rifles (Novels)
Created by Bernard Cornwell
Information
Occupation Soldier
Title Rifleman
Nationality English

Rifleman Cameron first appeared in Sharpe's Rifles where he accompanied Sharpe in the retreat to Corunna. He fought in the First Battle of Porto and also partook in the Second Battle of Porto 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 Onoro 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

Carter
First appearance Sharpe's Havoc (Novels)
Last appearance Sharpe's Escape (Novels)
Created by Bernard Cornwell
Information
Occupation Soldier
Title Rifleman
Nationality English

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 Porto and also partook in the Second Battle of Porto 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 Onoro 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

Francis Cooper
First appearance

Sharpe's Prey (Novels)

Sharpe's Rifles (Series)
Last appearance

Sharpe's Skirmish (Novels)

Sharpe's Rifles (Series)
Created by Bernard Cornwell
Portrayed by Michael Mears
Information
Occupation Soldier
Title Chosen Man
Nationality English

Rifleman Francis Cooper was a Chosen Man who served in the 95th Rifles, he was born and bred in the London slums where he learnt his trade in thieving and pick pocketing as he was a great at picklocking, as he not over his endowed on the brains side he is one of the best shot never to miss any opportunity, weather 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 his appearance in Sharpe's Rifles and however on a retreat to Corunna he was killed when a French Dragoon mule bolted eastwards when he tried to save his belongings and was stabbed by the French Dragoon Soldier instantly killing him,

However an accident written by Bernard Cromwell happened again which he reappeared alive 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 Defence of Tormes, how he reappeared in the novel it was a mishap written by Bernard Cromwell when he wrote the books when his character was supposed to be killed at Corunna in 1809,

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 however Cooper was 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 either 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 for this came to nothing 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 dialog,

Christopher Cresacre

Christopher Cresacre
First appearance Sharpe's Havoc (Novels)
Last appearance Sharpe's Company (Novels)
Created by Bernard Cornwell
Information
Occupation Soldier
Title Rifleman
Nationality English

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 Porto and also partook in the Second Battle of Porto 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. He partook in the Battle of Fuentes de Onoro 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

Matthew Dodd
First appearance Sharpe's Rifles (Novels)
Last appearance Sharpe's Escape (Novels)
Created by Bernard Cornwell
Information
Occupation Soldier
Title Corporal (highest rank achieved)
Nationality English

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 Cromwell never mentioned Dodd returning with the company at the end of the book,

Matthew Dodd isn't related to William Dodd nor are they family. He never appeared in the TV Series adaptions.

Sean Donnelly

Sean Donnelly
First appearance Sharpe's Havoc (Novels)
Last appearance Sharpe's Havoc (Novels)
Created by Bernard Cornwell
Information
Occupation Soldier
Title Rifleman
Nationality Irish

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.

Rifleman Donelly never appeared in the TV Series adaptions.

Finn

Finn
First appearance Sharpe's Battle (Novels)
Last appearance Sharpe's Battle (Novels)
Created by Bernard Cornwell
Information
Occupation Soldier
Title Rifleman
Nationality Irish

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 Porto and also partook in the Second Battle of Porto which he survived. Fin 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 Onoro 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. Fin went onto fight alongside Sharpe in Sharpe's Enemy but he wasn't mentioned at all. Fin wasn't mentioned in Sharpe’s Honour, Regiment, Christmas, Siege, Revenge, or Waterloo. Either Fin 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

Gataker
First appearance Sharpe's Rifles (Novels)
Last appearance Sharpe's Eagle (Novels)
Created by Bernard Cornwell
Information
Occupation Soldier
Title Rifleman
Nationality English

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 better shots out 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 Porto and also partook in the Second Battle of Porto 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 it exploded.

Rifleman Gataker never appeared in the TV Series adaptions.

Green

Green
First appearance Sharpe's Battle (Novels)
Last appearance Sharpe's Company (Novels)
Created by Bernard Cornwell
Information
Occupation Soldier
Title Rifleman
Nationality English

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 Porto and also partook in the Second Battle of Porto 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 Onoro 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

Daniel Hagman
First appearance

Sharpe's Rifles (Novels)

Sharpe's Rifles (Series)
Last appearance

Sharpe's Waterloo (Novels)

Sharpe's Waterloo (Series)
Created by Bernard Cornwell
Portrayed by John Tams
Information
Nickname(s) Dan
Occupation Poacher, Rifleman
Title Sergeant (highest rank achieved)

Rifleman Daniel Hagman is a former poacher from the county of Cheshire, who enlisted to avoid imprisonment or transportation. He is the oldest man in Sharpe's company and, over the entire course of the novels, its best shot. Hagman is one of the Chosen Men.

Hagman is discharged from the army in 1814 and features as a civilian in the original TV episode Sharpe's Justice, which is not based on the novels. He then re-enlisted at the start of the Hundred Days campaign, with the rank of sergeant. He and Rifleman Harris are the last of the original 95th Rifles rescued by Sharpe in 1809 (Sharpe's Rifles) to fight with Sharpe, but are killed at Waterloo in 1815.

In the novel his death is very different at Waterloo rather then in the TV series death in the novel he dies not at La Haye Sainte rather during the battle which was outside La Haye Sainte far away, Hagman was wounded at Waterloo with a bullet to his lungs, he dies in Sharpe's arms at Waterloo,

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.

His character may be based on 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
First appearance

Sharpe's Prey (Novels)

Sharpe's Rifles (Series)
Last appearance

Sharpe's Devil (Novels)

Sharpe's Waterloo (Series)
Created by Bernard Cornwell
Portrayed by Daragh O'Malley
Information
Nickname(s) Harps/Pat
Occupation Soldier
Title Sergeant major (highest rank achieved)
Spouse(s) Isabella Harper (books)
Ramona Harper (TV series)
Religion Catholic
Nationality Irish

Sergeant Major 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 (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 Tangaveane, 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 (Sharpe's Prey).

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 (Sharpe's Rifles).

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, (Sharpe's Eagle) 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 (Sharpe's Company).

He is discharged from the army in 1814, but is present at the Battle of Waterloo as a civilian (Sharpe's Waterloo).

He enjoys a successful second career in Dublin as a horse dealer (many of which are stolen) 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" (Sharpe's Gold).

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.

(In the television adaptations Harper's wife is called Ramona and their meeting during the sack of Badajoz is not depicted.)

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.

Tangaveane, where Harper was born, ceased to exist after the Irish Potato famine in 1840.

Harris

Harris
First appearance

Sharpe's Prey (Novels)

Sharpe's Rifles (Series)
Last appearance

Sharpe's Skirmish (Novels)

Sharpe's Waterloo (Series)
Created by Bernard Cornwell
Portrayed by Jason Salkey
Information
Occupation Rifleman
Title Chosen Man
Nationality English

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 and a living member in the books,

He first appeared in Sharpe's Prey and was one of only two last remaining men from Major Dunnett's original team mates from the Battle of Copenhagen including Harper where the last two men alive, Harris last appears in Sharpe's Skirmish but he maybe 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 thought with Sharpe to the Battle of Vitoria and presumably the Battle of Nivelle he most likely thought with Sharpe to the final Battle of Toulouse and maybe still 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, though a different Harris whom is Lord John Rossendale's Horse Carriage Driver appears, and this Harris isn't the same character and is not intended to be,

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 (an audio version of the book was recorded by Salkey).

Harvey

Harvey
First appearance Sharpe's Eagle (Novels)
Last appearance Sharpe's Eagle (Novels)
Created by Bernard Cornwell
Information
Occupation Soldier
Title Rifleman
Nationality English

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 Porto and also partook in the Second Battle of Porto 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 Onoro 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 who he partnered in battle.

Rifleman Harvey never appeared in the TV Series adaptions.

Nicholas Hine

Nicholas Hine
First appearance Sharpe's Havoc (novels)
Last appearance Sharpe's Battle (novels)
Created by Bernard Cornwell
Information
Occupation Soldier
Title Rifleman
Nationality English

Rifleman Nicholas Hine is one of the original riflemen who was involved in 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 Porto and also partook in the Second Battle of Porto which he survived. Hine 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 and also partook in the battle of Bussaco in Sharpe's Escape. Hine was mentioned in Sharpe's Battle where he was involved in the Battle of Fuentes de Onoro. 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.

Hobbs

Hobbs
First appearance Sharpe's Revenge (Series)
Last appearance Sharpe's Revenge (Series)
Created by Bernard Cornwell
Information
Occupation Soldier
Title Rifleman
Nationality English

Rifleman Hobbs is one of the original riflemen who was involved in the retreat to Corunna though he was not mentioned in Sharpe's Rifles. Hobbs would have fought in the First Battle of Porto and also partook in the Second Battle of Porto 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. Hobbs 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

Jedediah Horrell
First appearance Sharpe's Eagle (Novels)
Last appearance Sharpe's Battle (Novels)
Created by Bernard Cornwell
Information
Occupation Soldier
Title Rifleman
Nationality English

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 Porto and also partook in the Second Battle of Porto which he survived. Horrell 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 Onoro 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

Parry Jenkins
First appearance Sharpe's Rifles (Novels)
Last appearance Sharpe's Sword (Novels)
Created by Bernard Cornwell
Information
Occupation Soldier
Title Rifleman
Nationality Welsh

Rifleman Parry Jenkins is a Welsh rifleman and chosen-man that served in the 95th Rifles, where he came from is unknown but he is from Wales being that it may as he is five feet and four inches of Welsh Loquaciousness and he seemed to enjoy fishing, he was one of Sharpe's best well known Chosen Man that could go fishing in the rivers, he also as mentioned in Sharpe's Rifles could have made Sergeant as according to Sharpe but he was suspected that he had lacked the necessary ruthlessness he got on well with Sharpe and the rest of the men,

Jenkins first appeared in Sharpe's Rifles he is one of the original men from the retreat to Corunna serving under Major Warren Dunnett and Captain Murray, however Jenkins bare that is if it may survived the retreat to Corunna, which unfortunately Major Dunnett was captured by the French, and Captain Murray died of his wounds only for Sharpe to be in charge of the men, Jenkins was one to listen to Sharpe but though one Patrick Harper tried to commit a mutiny against Sharpe's command and conspires to murder him, however after the death of Sergeant Williams, Harper was made the new Sergeant, as Jenkins was deemed not fit for Sergeant lacking the necessary ruthlessness, Jenkins partook in the battle of St. Jones, Santiago de Compostela, and managed to survive the battle and became one of the new Chosen Men with Sharpe,

In Sharpe's Gold Jenkins was now one of only twenty rifleman out of the thirty-one survivors from Corunna left at the time, he partook in the Siege of Almeida in search of Claud Hardy, however they later found Hardy had died and was too late, and later found that the enemy was El Catolico whom betrayed Sharpe, during the mission one of Jenkins's best friends, Rifleman Isaiah Tongue was killed as he attempted to warn Sharpe and was shot by a French Sharpshooter in a skirmish, his death affected Jenkins and blamed himself on it only for Sharpe to tell Jenkins that it was not his fault and also war is war and nothing can be changed something Jenkins had to live with and move on after Tongue's demise, Jenkins survived the Siege of Almeida and Sharpe defeated El Catolico in the end,

In Sharpe's Company Jenkins partook in the Siege of Ciudad Rodrigo and went onto the Siege of Badajoz however prior to this time they're was a new enemy among them which was Sharpe's old arch nemesis from his service in India, Sergeant Obadiah Hakeswill, he at one stage took over the South Essex and the Light Company with Captain Rymer, when Sharpe was demoted to Lieutenant and given command of the regiment's baggage, Hakeswill brutally and cruelly treated Jenkins and most of the Rifleman of Sharpe's command as his slaves, also later Harper was framed for stealing Colonel Brian Windham's portrait of his wife, and the baggage was plundered by Hakeswill, Harper was flogged and later oneday Rifleman Hagman confronted Hakeswill which Jenkins saw the whole thing, but they're where changing the uniforms to red coats instead of Green Jackets, however what Hakeswill did not realise the Green Jackets where the real resin the Napoleon War was won, Sharpe confronted Hakeswill about the rifles including Jenkins and the others he had led from Corunna, and saw Jenkins and the others misery's in their faces, Sharpe confronted Hakeswill yet again, and unfortuantly he planned to get his revenge and Hakeswill had planned to get Teresa in Badajoz before Sharpe does, prior to the Badajoz siege Jenkins and the rest where given green jackets back, later he partook in the battle but the Siege of Badajoz was costly but due to Rymer's arrogance and a bad leader and due to the incompetence of Obadiah Hakeswill led nearly all soldiers to be killed thanks to Rymer's actions, Share, Lieutenant Harry Price, Harper, Daniel Hagman, Jenkins, Roach, Peters, Clayton, and Cresacre felt nervous before battle but Sharpe led command reaching Badajoz but the battle only cost the life of one of Sharpe's rifleman, Chosen Man Rifleman Christopher Cresacre, and also Sergeant Read was blind from the battle after the guns took his eyes, Jenkins and the rest took Badajoz and survived the assault only the battle cost the lives of not only Cresacre, but as well as one of Sharpe's best friends, Captain Robert Knowles whom tried to get to Teresa only he was murdered by Hakeswill, and Major Jack Collett, and Captain Rymer where among the 4.800 dead or wounded, Jenkins was one of the luckiest to survive the assault,

He finally appeared in Sharpe's Sword not much was said about him but he partook in the Battle of Salamanca where Sharpe was wounded and Harper was missing in the night due to a rival of his Colonel Phillppe Leroux, and later he managed to survive and Sharpe managed to defeat Leroux, Jenkins persumbly went onto fight with Sharpe to the Defence of Tormes, and it's likely as of Sharpe's Enemy and it's mentioned only nine from the retreat to Corunna where left at this time, so he might have been one of the last nine as where Harper and Hagman, he likely survived the Defence of Portugal and presumably witness the capture of Obadiah Hakeswill likely to witness his death at the Coup de Grace he likely went to fight in the Battle of Vitoria in Sharpe's Honour and he most likely survived, he likely went with Sharpe during the Invasion of France likely he may have fought with Sharpe to the final battle of Toulouse as of Sharpe's Revenge he may have likely survived the war possibly to return to England he may have started a new leaf of life after that, but although Jenkins was never mentioned in Skirmish, Enemy, Honour, Regiment, Christmas, Siege, or Revenge, he still most likely 100% survived, although Jenkins does not partake in the Battle of Waterloo in Sharpe's Waterloo as he is not mentioned,

Parry Jenkins never appeared in the TV Series adaptions,

Latimer

Latimer
First appearance Sharpe's Battle (Novels)
Last appearance Sharpe's Company (Novels)
Created by Bernard Cornwell
Information
Occupation Soldier
Title Sargeant
Nationality English

Sargeant Latimer 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 Porto and also partook in the Second Battle of Porto 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 and also partook in Sharpe's Escape during the battle of Bussaco. He partook in the Battle of Fuentes de Onoro 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. Latimer went onto 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 Green did not fight at Waterloo or he was killed prior to the battle. It is unknown when Latimer became a Sargeant 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 Sargeants and as such Rifleman Latimer was suitable for the role.

Sargeant Latimer never appeared in the TV series adaptations.

McDonald

McDonald
First appearance Sharpe's Battle (Novels)
Last appearance Sharpe's Company (Novels)
Created by Bernard Cornwell
Information
Occupation Soldier
Title Rifleman
Nationality Scottish

Rifleman McDonald 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 Porto and also partook in the Second Battle of Porto which he survived. 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 Onoro 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

Nicholas Hine
First appearance Sharpe's Havoc (Novels)
Last appearance Sharpe's Havoc (Novels)
Created by Bernard Cornwell
Information
Occupation Soldier
Title Rifleman
Nationality Scottish

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 Porto and also partook in the Second Battle of Porto 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 Onoro 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. He is described in the novels as being a Catholic.

Rifleman McNeill never appeared in the TV series adaptations.

Millerson

Millerson
First appearance Sharpe's Gold (Series)
Last appearance Sharpe's Mission (Series)
Created by Bernard Cornwell
Information
Occupation Soldier
Title Rifleman
Nationality English

Rifleman Millerson first appeared in Sharpe's Gold when Rifleman Skillicorn was accused of stealing a chicken by provosts. 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 survived Loup's village along with Harper, Hagman, Harris, Moore and Bradshaw, 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. Millerson 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 Millerson also appeared in Sharpe's Mission and partook in the Battle of France.

Tobias Moore

Tobias Moore
First appearance Sharpe's Company (Series)
Last appearance Sharpe's Mission (Series)
Created by Bernard Cornwell
Portrayed by Richard Rutherford-Moore
Information
Occupation Soldier
Title Chosen Man
Nationality English

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.

Pendleton

Pendleton
First appearance Sharpe's Havoc (Novels)
Last appearance Sharpe's Eagle (Novels)
Created by Bernard Cornwell
Information
Occupation Soldier
Title Rifleman
Nationality English

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 Porto and also partook in the Second Battle of Porto 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

Ben Perkins
First appearance

Sharpe's Havoc (Novels)

Sharpe's Rifles (Series)
Last appearance

Sharpe's Skirmish (Novels)

Sharpe's Battle (Series)
Created by Bernard Cornwell
Portrayed by Lyndon Davies
Information
Occupation Soldier
Title Chosen Man
Spouse(s) Miranda (lover and possible future wife) (Alive: novels) (television: deceased)
Nationality English

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 Porto and also partook in the Second Battle of Porto 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 Onoro 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. He also survived the battle of Fuentes de Onoro, 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 weather 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

Sims
First appearance Sharpe's Rifles (Novels)
Last appearance Sharpe's Eagle (Novels)
Created by Bernard Cornwell
Information
Occupation Soldier
Title Rifleman
Nationality English

Rifleman Sims appeared in Sharpe's Rifles where he accompanied Sharpe in the retreat to Corunna. He fought in the First Battle of Porto and also partook in the Second Battle of Porto 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 weaker shots out 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 Onoro 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 Cameron 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

Skillicorn
First appearance Sharpe's Gold (Series)
Last appearance Sharpe's Gold (Series)
Created by Bernard Cornwell
Portrayed by Philip Dowd
Information
Occupation Soldier
Title Rifleman
Nationality English

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.

Fergus Slattery

Fergus Slattery
First appearance Sharpe's Havoc (Novels)
Last appearance Sharpe's Fury (Novels)
Created by Bernard Cornwell
Information
Nickname(s) Slatts
Occupation Soldier
Title Rifleman
Nationality Irish

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 Porto and also partook in the Second Battle of Porto 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 partook in Sharpe's Escape during the battle of Bussaco. In [Sharpe's Fury] Slattery along with Sharpe, Harper, Hagman, Harris and Perkins were involved in the battle of Barrosa where Slattery was unfortunately 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.

Rifleman Slattery never appeared in the TV series adaptations.

Smith

Smith
First appearance Sharpe's Battle (Novels)
Last appearance Sharpe's Company (Novels)
Created by Bernard Cornwell
Information
Occupation Soldier
Title Rifleman
Nationality English

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 Porto and also partook in the Second Battle of Porto 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 Onoro 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

Ned Tarrant
First appearance Sharpe's Havoc (Novels)
Last appearance Sharpe's Havoc (Novels)
Created by Bernard Cornwell
Information
Occupation Soldier
Title Rifleman
Nationality English

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. Tarrants fate is unknown either being killed or captured by the enemy or left to die. Ned Tarrant was described as being a trouble maker. It is noted that Tarrent was the ring leader of the troublemakers which included Simms, Williamson, Donnelly, Cresacre, Gataker and once upon a time Harper.

Rifleman Tarrant never appeared in the TV series adaptations.

Isaiah Tongue

Isaiah Tongue
First appearance

Sharpe's Rifles (Novels)

Sharpe's Rifles (Series)
Last appearance

Sharpe's Gold (Novels)

Sharpe's Eagle (Series)
Created by Bernard Cornwell
Portrayed by Paul Trussel
Information
Occupation Soldier
Title Rifleman
Nationality English

Rifleman Isaiah Tongue first appeared in Sharpe's Rifles where he accompanied Sharpe in the retreat to Corunna. 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.

Thompson

Thompson
First appearance Sharpe's Battle (Novels)
Last appearance Sharpe's Battle (Novels)
Created by Bernard Cornwell
Information
Occupation Soldier
Title Rifleman
Nationality English

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 Porto and also partook in the Second Battle of Porto 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.

Williams

Williams
First appearance

Sharpe's Rifles (Novels)

Sharpe's Rifles (Series)
Last appearance

Sharpe's Rifles (Novels)

Sharpe's Rifles (Series)
Created by Bernard Cornwell
Portrayed by Richard Ireson
Information
Occupation Soldier
Title Sergeant
Nationality English

Sargeant Williams is one of the original riflemen who was involved in the retreat to Corunna in Sharpe's Rifles. He was unfortunately 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

Williamson
First appearance Sharpe's Havoc (Novels)
Last appearance Sharpe's Havoc (Novels)
Created by Bernard Cornwell
Information
Occupation Soldier
Title Rifleman
Nationality English

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 Williams 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.

60th Royal American Rifles

William Frederickson

William Frederickson
First appearance

Sharpe's Enemy (Novels)

Sharpe's Enemy (Series)
Last appearance

Sharpe's Revenge (Novels)

Sharpe's Revenge (Series)
Created by Bernard Cornwell
Portrayed by Philip Whitchurch
Information
Nickname(s) "Sweet William"
Occupation Army Officer
Title Captain
Nationality Half English, half German

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 (taken from dead French soldiers) 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

Robinson
First appearance Sharpe's Siege (Series)
Last appearance Sharpe's Siege (Series)
Created by Bernard Cornwell
Portrayed by Danny Cunningham
Information
Occupation Soldier
Title Rifleman
Nationality English

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

Reilly
First appearance Sharpe's Siege (Series)
Last appearance Sharpe's Siege (Series)
Created by Bernard Cornwell
Portrayed by J. D. Kelleher
Information
Occupation Soldier
Title Rifleman
Nationality Irish

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

Rossner
First appearance

Sharpe's Enemy (Novels)

Sharpe's Enemy (Series)
Last appearance

Sharpe's Siege (Novels)

Sharpe's Enemy (Series)
Created by Bernard Cornwell
Portrayed by Iain Glass
Information
Occupation Soldier
Title Sergeant
Nationality Half English, half German

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

Thomas Taylor
First appearance

Sharpe's Enemy (Novels)

Sharpe's Enemy (Series)
Last appearance

Sharpe's Siege (Novels)

Sharpe's Enemy (Series)
Created by Bernard Cornwell
Information
Occupation Sailor, Soldier
Title Rifleman
Nationality American

Rifleman Thomas Taylor The only real American left in the 60th Royal American Rifles. Taylor is also the best shot in the unit. When rescued by the American privateers from the fort, Taylor decides to stay on board and serve with his countrymen. Sharpe and Frederickson cover for him by recording him missing in action. In the television series he beats rifleman Perkins in a shooting competition.

South Essex (Prince of Wales Own Volunteers)

Angel

Angel
First appearance Sharpe's Honour (Novels)
Last appearance Sharpe's Honour (Novels)
Created by Bernard Cornwell
Information
Occupation Guide, Soldier
Title Private
Nationality Spanish

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 unifrom was British, from the waist down it was purely Spanish.

Batten

Batten
First appearance Sharpe's Gold (Novels)
Last appearance Sharpe's Sword (Novels)
Created by Bernard Cornwell
Information
Occupation Soldier
Title Private
Nationality English

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. Kirby wasn't mentioned in Sharpe’s Enemy, Honour, Regiment, Christmas, Siege, Revenge, or Waterloo. Kirby 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.

Berry

Berry
First appearance

Sharpe's Eagle (Novels)

Eagle (Series)
Last appearance Sharpe's Waterloo (Novels)
Created by Bernard Cornwell
Portrayed by Daniel Craig
Information
Occupation Officer
Title Lieutenant
Nationality English

Lieutenant Berry only appeared in [Sharpe’s Eagle] both in the novels and television series. The stupid one in the book, the nasty one in the TV version, Berry serves with Christian Gibbons and participates in the attempted rape of Josefina. At Sir Henry Simmerson's instigation, he sets Sharpe up for a duel that he is sure he will win but is thwarted by Wellington's edict against duelling when Hogan sends him out on a scouting mission with Sharpe, knowing that one of them will not come back alive. He succeeds in wounding Sharpe when they are attacked by a French patrol and follows behind Sharpe as he takes cover in some bushes to tend to his wound. Harper finds them as Berry is torturing Sharpe before killing him and uses a bayonet to finish him off. In the book, Sharpe takes his revenge by way of a knife on the

Jack Bullen

Jack Bullen
First appearance Sharpe's Fury (Novels)
Last appearance Sharpe's Fury (Novels)
Created by Bernard Cornwell
Information
Occupation Officer
Title Ensign
Nationality English

Ensign Jack Bullen first appeared in Sharpe's Fury where he accompanied Sharpe to meet with the French to translate. Unfortunately Bullen was captured by the French of Which Sharpe felt angry. It is assumed that Bullen survived the war as a French prisoner or was offered as a trade. Bullen was a young and enthusiastic officer who had not long been in the South Essex.

Carline

Carline
First appearance

Sharpe's Regiment (Novels)

Sharpe's Regiment (Series)
Last appearance

Sharpe's Waterloo (Novels)

Sharpe's Regiment (Series)
Created by Bernard Cornwell
Portrayed by Adam James
Information
Occupation Officer
Title Captain
Nationality English

Captain Carline first appeared in Sharpe's Regiment when Sharpe discovers him dining and playing parlour games in the deserted Chelmsford barracks with ladies. Sharpe had turned up at Chelmsford in search of the second batallion of the South Essex. 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. Despite bad first impressions, Sharpe takes Captain Smith back to Spain to fight with the South Essex. He turns into a fine officer that Sharpe regrets is killed in action at Quatre Bras in Sharpe's Waterloo.

Clayton

Clayton
First appearance

Sharpe's Company (Novels)

Sharpe's Company (Series)
Last appearance

Sharpe's Waterloo (Novels)

Sharpe's Company (Series)
Created by Bernard Cornwell
Portrayed by Peter Gunn
Information
Occupation Soldier
Title Private
Spouse(s) Sally Clayton
Nationality English

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. Clayton doesn't make his wife a widow until Waterloo, after which, she takes up with the newly-promoted Sergeant Charlie Weller, a situation that Clayton had acceptingly contemplated before the battle. This is contradicted in the television series where he was killed in Sharpe's Company during the siege of Badajoz. Clayton was the husband of Sally Clayton, the prettiest wife in the Regiment and a target of Hakeswill's evil intentions. He is a useful man to have around as he is amiable and can read, write and keep the books.

Collip

Collip
First appearance Sharpe's Honour (Novels)
Last appearance Sharpe's Honour (Novels)
Created by Bernard Cornwell
Information
Occupation Officer
Title Ensign
Nationality English

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 a inexperienced plump officer.

Peter D'Alembord

Peter D'Alembord
First appearance

Sharpe's Honour (Novels)

Sharpe's Honour (Series)
Last appearance

Sharpe's Waterloo (Novels)

Sharpe's Honour (Series)
Created by Bernard Cornwell
Portrayed by Edward Atterton
Information
Nickname(s) "Dally"
Occupation British Army Officer
Title Major (highest rank achieved)
Religion Protestant (Hugenout)
Nationality British, of French descent

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

Christopher Denny
First appearance

Sharpe's Eagle (Novels)

Sharpe's Company (Series)
Last appearance

Sharpe's Eagle (Novels)

Sharpe's Company (Series)
Created by Bernard Cornwell
Information
Occupation Officer
Title Ensign
Nationality English

Ensign Christopher Denny first appeared the Sharpe's Eagle. He is young and keen, Denny fails to heed Leroy's advice about following Sharpe to glory. He participates in the battle against the French when he leaves the South Essex firing line to accompany Sharpe and the Chosen Men as they pursue the capture of a French Eagle at the Battle of Talavera. He accompanied Sharpe and Harper when they break through the French lines to capture the eagle unfortunately dying in the process.

Dobbs

Dobbs
First appearance Sharpe's Eagle (Series)
Last appearance Sharpe's Eagle (Series)
Created by Bernard Cornwell
Portrayed by Paul Bigley
Information
Occupation Soldier
Title Private
Nationality English

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

Joseph Ford
First appearance

Sharpe's Waterloo (Novels)

Sharpe's Waterloo (Series)
Last appearance

Sharpe's Waterloo (Novels)

Sharpe's Waterloo (Series)
Created by Bernard Cornwell
Portrayed by Shaughan Seymour
Information
Occupation British Army Officer
Title Lieutenant Colonel
Nationality British

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.

Bartholomew Girdwood

Bartholomew Girdwood
First appearance

Sharpe's Regiment (Novels)

Sharpe's Regiment (Series)
Last appearance

Sharpe's Revenge (Novels)

Sharpe's Regiment (Series)
Created by Bernard Cornwell
Portrayed by Mark Lambert (actor)
Information
Occupation British Army Officer
Title Lieutenant Colonel
Religion Protestant
Nationality British

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

Gutteridge
First appearance Sharpe's Eagle (Novels)
Last appearance Sharpe's Company (Novels)
Created by Bernard Cornwell
Information
Occupation Soldier
Title Private
Nationality English

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 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. 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
First appearance

Sharpe's Tiger (Novels)

Sharpe's Company (Series)
Last appearance

Sharpe's Enemy (Novels)

Sharpe's Enemy (Series)
Created by Bernard Cornwell
Portrayed by Pete Postlethwaite
Information
Occupation Soldier
Title Sergeant
Family Biddy Hakeswill (mother)
Children Barabbas Hakeswill (TV series only)
Nationality English

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" (Sharpe's Tiger) 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 (Sharpe's Tiger).

Although Sharpe escapes with "only" 202 of the assigned 2000 lashes after an intervention by Sir Arthur Wellesley, Hakeswill continues to pursue a vendetta against him for the next three years, during which he betrays Sharpe and Lawford to Tipoo Sultan (Sharpe's Tiger), falsifies a second assault charge and murders Sharpe's friend and mentor Hector McCandless (Sharpe's Triumph). 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:

However, it can be argued that the first three incidents are not serious attempts at murder; Sharpe is aware that the Tipoo's tigers are not invariably savage after seeing Colonel Gudin stroke one some days earlier; does not give the elephant the final command needed to crush Hakeswill; and is not familiar with the snake pit at Gawilghur. He is not aware at this time that Hakeswill has murdered McCandless and seems to prefer to torment the living Hakeswill with his own continued survival.

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 (portrayed by Amit Behl) - 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

Huckfield
First appearance Sharpe's Eagle (Novels)
Last appearance Sharpe's Waterloo (Novels)
Created by Bernard Cornwell
Information
Occupation Soldier
Title Colour Sergeant
Nationality English

Colour Sergeant Huckfield 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. Huckfield first appeared in [Sharpe's Company] as a private soldier 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. 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.

Kirby

Kirby
First appearance Sharpe's Eagle (Novels)
Last appearance Sharpe's Eagle (Novels)
Created by Bernard Cornwell
Information
Occupation Soldier
Title Private
Nationality English

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 [Sharpe's Sword] 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

Robert Knowles
First appearance Sharpe's Eagle (Novels)
Last appearance Sharpe's Company (Novels)
Created by Bernard Cornwell
Information
Occupation British Army Officer
Nationality British

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 (Sharpe's Escape).

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 (Sharpe's Company).

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 (in this Cornwell has borrowed the real life achievement of a Lieutenant James MacPherson). 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

William Lawford
First appearance

Sharpe's Tiger (Novels)

Sharpe's Rifles (Series)
Last appearance

Sharpe's Regiment (Novels)

Sharpe's Regiment
Created by Bernard Cornwell
Portrayed by Martin Jacobs, Benedict Taylor
Information
Occupation British Army Officer
Title Lieutenant Colonel
Family Hector McCandless (uncle)
Spouse(s) Jessica
Religion Protestant
Nationality Anglo-Scottish

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 (Sharpe's Eagle). 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 (Sharpe's Company).

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 (Sharpe's Regiment).

Lawford is the South Essex's second Commanding Officer, preceded by Sir Henry Simmerson and succeeded by Colonel Brian Windham.

Thomas Leroy

Thomas Leroy
First appearance

Sharpe's Eagle (Novels)

Sharpe's Eagle (Series)
Last appearance

Sharpe's Honour (Novels)

Sharpe's Eagle (Series)
Created by Bernard Cornwell
Portrayed by Gavan O'Herlihy
Information
Occupation British Army Officer
Title Lieutenant Colonel
Nationality American

Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Leroy (17?? – 1813) 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 relatively prosperous 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. Christian Gibbons and professional, or at least competent officers, such as Leroy, Major Forrest and the regiment's only veteran officer, Lennox (a captain in the novel, but a major in the television adaptation).

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. (Sharpe's Eagle), is severely injured in the breach at Siege of Badajoz in 1812, (Sharpe's Company), but recovers to take command of the regiment after the death of Colonel Windham shortly before the Battle of Salamanca in the same year (Sharpe's Sword). 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 (Sharpe's Regiment).

In the TV Adaptations, Leroy was played by Gavan O'Herlihy. The character appears only in the episode based on Sharpe's Eagle.

MacLaird

MacLaird
First appearance

Sharpe's Honour (Novels)

Sharpe's Sword (Series)
Last appearance

Sharpe's Regiment (Novels)

Sharpe's Regiment (Series)
Created by Bernard Cornwell
Information
Occupation Soldier
Title Regimental Sergeant Major
Nationality Scottish

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 atempt to break up the line of march to Pasajes in [Sharpe's Regiment]. Sharpe promoted Harper to take his place.

William Matthews

William Matthews
First appearance

Sharpe's Company (Novels)

Sharpe's Company (Series)
Last appearance

Sharpe's Company (Novels)

Sharpe's Company (Series)
Created by Bernard Cornwell
Information
Occupation Officer
Title Ensign
Nationality English

Ensign William Matthews first appeared in [Sharpe's Company] when the South Essex received reinforcements. He was 16 years old with weeks of experience, young Matthews follows Sharpe and Price around like a puppy. Unfortunately, following Sharpe has its price. When Sharpe decides to ignore his orders and have a go at the French, his pride gets Matthews killed, even though it was Hakeswill, and not the French, who fired the lethal bullet.

McGovern

McGovern
First appearance Sharpe's Eagle (Novels)
Last appearance Sharpe's Honour (Novels)
Created by Bernard Cornwell
Information
Occupation Soldier
Title Sergeant
Nationality Scottish

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

Mellors
First appearance Sharpe's Sword (Novels)
Last appearance Sharpe's Sword (Novels)
Created by Bernard Cornwell
Information
Occupation Soldier
Title Private
Nationality English

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

Peters
First appearance Sharpe's Eagle (Novels)
Last appearance Sharpe's Company (Novels)
Created by Bernard Cornwell
Information
Occupation Soldier
Title Private
Nationality English

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. Gutteridge 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. 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 trust worthy reliable soldier.

Harry Price

Harry Price
First appearance

Sharpe's Company (Novels)

(chronological)Sharpe's Battle
(publication)Sharpe's Company (Series)
Last appearance

Sharpe's Waterloo (Novels)

Sharpe's Waterloo
(publication)Sharpe's Waterloo
Created by Bernard Cornwell (Series)
Portrayed by Scott Cleverdon
Nicholas Irons
Information
Occupation Soldier
Nationality English

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 (although he has a small role in Sharpe's Battle, a novel written after but set before 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

Read
First appearance Sharpe's Eagle (Novels)
Last appearance Sharpe's Company (Novels)
Created by Bernard Cornwell
Information
Occupation Soldier
Title Sergeant
Nationality English

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 eh souls of others. He never swore or drank.

Roach

Roach
First appearance Sharpe's Eagle (Novels)
Last appearance Sharpe's Company (Novels)
Created by Bernard Cornwell
Information
Occupation Soldier
Title Private
Nationality English

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. 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. In Sharpe's Gold it mentioned that Roach pimped his wife for a shilling.

Sir Henry Simmerson

Henry Simmerson
First appearance

Sharpe's Eagle (Novels)

Sharpe's Eagle (Series)
Last appearance

Sharpe's Regiment (Novels)

Sharpe's Peril (Series)
Created by Bernard Cornwell
Portrayed by Michael Cochrane
Information
Occupation Officer
Title Major General
Nationality English

Major General Sir Henry Simmerson is a fictional British officer in the Sharpe novels and TV series by Bernard Cornwell.

He 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. Major Michael Hogan briefly sketches Simmerson's background as a Justice of the Peace, Member of Parliament for Paglesham, (a rotten borough), 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 mistakes on the battlefield. His considerable (inherited) 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 (presented by the king and representing the regiment's honour).

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, (Sharpe's Regiment) 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 (Simmerson was (legally) crimping long before this and the historical notes to Sharpe's Regiment reveal this is how he obtained his commission). 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 (1993), Sharpe's Sword (1995) and Sharpe's Regiment (1996). 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 (and reports that a court of inquiry found him innocent of losing the colour in Eagle). Simmerson takes a licentious interest in "Lass" (Emily Mortimer), 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.

Smith

Smith
First appearance

Sharpe's Regiment (Novels)

Sharpe's Regiment (Series)
Last appearance

Sharpe's Waterloo (Novels)

Sharpe's Regiment (Series)
Created by Bernard Cornwell
Portrayed by Tristram Wymark
Information
Occupation Officer
Title Captain
Nationality English

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. Despite bad first impressions, Sharpe takes Captain Smith back to Spain to fight with the South Essex. He turns into a fine officer that Sharpe regrets is killed in action at Quatre Bras in Sharpe's Waterloo.

Michael Trumper-Jones

Trumper-Jones
First appearance

Sharpe's Honour (Novels)

Sharpe's Honour (Series)
Last appearance

Sharpe's Honour (Novels)

Sharpe's Honour (Series)
Created by Bernard Cornwell
Portrayed by Benjamin Soames
Information
Occupation Officer
Title Lieutenant
Nationality English

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 Share's legal representative when he accused of murder.

Charlie Weller

Charlie Weller
First appearance

Sharpe's Regiment (Novels)

Sharpe's Regiment (Series)
Last appearance

Sharpe's Waterloo (Novels)

Sharpe's Regiment (Series)
Created by Bernard Cornwell
Portrayed by Steve Chambers
Information
Occupation Soldier
Title Sergeant
Nationality English

Sergeant Charlie Weller first appeared in Sharpe's Regiment when he was recruited into the South Essex's second battalion but finds army life is not how expected it to be, especially as he finds himself in a secret camp run by Simmerson. Fortunately Sharpe has been similarly recruited and he can see in Charlie the makings of a good soldier, and tries his best to look out for the lad. Charlie's dog, Buttons, is shot by Colonel Girdwood who hates and fears the creatures. When Sharpe takes Charlie and the best of the recruits back with him to Spain, they all adopt dogs as pets to upset the Colonel. Charlie survives the Battle of Waterloo, although Hagman and Clayton, standing beside him, fall. After the battle Sharpe makes Weller a Sergeant. He is described as young, keen and a dog fancier.

British


Joel Chase

Joel Chase
First appearance Sharpe's Trafalgar (Novels)
Last appearance Sharpe's Prey (Novels)
Information
Occupation British Naval Officer
Title Captain of the Peculiar
Nationality English

Captain Joel Chase

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 the year of his birth in 1769. 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 the HMS Pucelle, a seventy-four-gun (third rate) 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

Harry Collier
First appearance Sharpe's Trafalgar (Novels)
Last appearance Sharpe's Prey (Novels)
Information
Occupation British Naval Officer
Title Midshipman
Nationality English

Midshipman Harry Collier served under Joel Chase who was Captain of the Peculiar. 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
First appearance

Sharpe's Triumph (Novels)

Sharpe's Challenge (Series)
Last appearance

Sharpe's Fortress (Novels)

Sharpe's Challenge (Series)
Portrayed by Toby Stephens
Information
Occupation East India Company Officer
Title Major (highest rank achieved)
Nationality English

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 appearance Sharpe's Waterloo (Novels)
Last appearance Sharpe's Waterloo (Novels)
Created by Bernard Cornwell
Information
Occupation Officer
Title Captain
Nationality English

Simon Doggett first appeared in Sharpe's Waterloo. He was young, inexperienced and career conscious. Doggett is at first proud to be on the Prince of Orange's staff, but after witnessing cowardice after military bungle, Doggett decides Sharpe is quite correct in his assessment of the Prince.

Tom Garrard

Tom Garrard
First appearance Sharpe's Tiger (Novels)
Last appearance Sharpe's Battle (Novels)
Created by Bernard Cornwell
Information
Occupation Soldier
Title Captain
Nationality English

Tom Garrard first appeared in Sharpe's Tiger as a private soldier where he was Sharpe's best friend in the ranks while they fought in India. Sharpe was delighted to meet his old friend again in Almeida in Sharpe's Gold, now an officer with the Portuguese army. Wellington had allowed deserving Sergeants to become officers with the Portuguese because they were desperately needing in training. Garrard survives Sharpe blowing up the fort of Almeida to meet him again in Sharpe's Battle, Garrard's Portuguese soldiers having been sent there to reinforce and mind the Irish. Garrard sacrifices his life to save Sharpe's during an attack by Loup, lighting a wagon of gunpowder to serve as a distraction. Sharpe finds Garrard had still kept his one of the tin tinderboxes they had bought in Mysore together, just about the only thing left after the explosion.

Jane Gibbons

Jane Gibbons
First appearance

Sharpe's Eagle (Novels)

Sharpe's Regiment (Series)
Last appearance

Sharpe's Waterloo (Novels)

Sharpe's Waterloo (Series)
Created by Bernard Cornwell
Portrayed by Abigail Cruttenden
Information
Family Christian Gibbons (brother, deceased), Henry Simmerson (uncle)
Spouse(s) Richard Sharpe (separated)
Significant other(s) Lord John Rossendale
Nationality English

Jane Gibbons (later Sharpe) 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 (at the hands of Sharpe's friend Patrick Harper), 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. (Sharpe would wear the locket himself for some time afterwards before losing it while he was a prisoner of Ducos in Sharpe's Honour.)

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 (although it can be inferred from their shared surname and uncle in Simmerson). In Sharpe's Siege, Jane does contract fever, rather than Sharpe merely fearing she has and is already ill when he leaves (here she visits Major-General Ross rather than Hogan, who had already left the series). 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 (ironically, a position assigned to him by Rossendale's connivance in order to keep him away from London). 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
First appearance

Sharpe's Rifles (Novels)

Sharpe's Rifles (Series)
Last appearance

Sharpe's Siege (Novels)

Sharpe's Eagle (Series)
Created by Bernard Cornwell
Portrayed by Brian Cox
Information
Occupation British Army Officer
Title Captain (to 1809); Major (1809-c 1814); Lieutenant Colonel (1814)
Religion Catholic
Nationality Irish

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 (Sharpe's Rifles).

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 (with or without his men) 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' (Sharpe's Battle).

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 (Michael Byrne), Mungo Monroe (Hugh Ross) and Major-General Ross (James Laurenson).

John Hopper

John Hopper
First appearance Sharpe's Trafalgar (Novels)
Last appearance Sharpe's Prey (Novels)
Information
Occupation Sailor
Title Bosun
Nationality English

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 tattoo's.

Kelly

Tom Garrard
First appearance Sharpe's Siege (Series)
Last appearance Sharpe's Siege (Series)
Created by Bernard Cornwell
Portrayed by Morgan Jones
Information
Occupation Soldier
Title Chosen Man
Nationality English

Private Kelly only appears in the television series . He is a former Connaught Ranger, Kelly saw Sharpe take the Eagle at Talavera. Now a deserter under the command of Hakeswill, he finds raping and pillaging not to his taste so he helps Sharpe capture the deserters and dies bravely as a newly re-instated corporal and a Chosen Man.

Josefina LaCosta

Josefina LaCosta
First appearance

Sharpe's Eagle (Novels)

Sharpe's Eagle (Series)
Last appearance

Sharpe's Enemy (Novels)

Sharpe's Eagle (Series)
Created by Bernard Cornwell
Portrayed by Katia Caballero
Information
Aliases "Lady Farthingdale"
Occupation Courtesan
Title "Countess"
Spouse(s) Duarte (estranged)
Nationality English

Josefina LaCosta is a fictional character in the Richard Sharpe novels by Bernard Cornwell.

Portuguese by birth, LaCosta is to married a nobleman, Duarte, who has fled to South America with the Portuguese family, 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, attaches herself to Lieutenant Christian Gibbons, the nephew of Lieutenant Colonel Sir Henry Simmerson, commander of the South Essex Regiment.

Lt Richard Sharpe, temporarily attached to the South Essex, desires LaCosta, which fuels his growing feud with the arrogant Gibbons.

This 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 and takes her into his protection. He is forced to borrow heavily from his friend, Major Michael Hogan to pay for her room and board. They become lovers.

Gibbons, smarting over Sharpe's brevet promotion to captain, attempts to provoke Sharpe into a duel by raping and beating LaCosta. 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 (Sharpe's Eagle).

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 (Sharpe's Gold).

LaCosta reappears in 1812 as the supposed wife of 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 (Sharpe's Enemy).

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 (who, unlike his sadistic counterpart in the novels, is more of a clod), 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.

Charles Morris

Charles Morris
First appearance Sharpe's Tiger (Novels))
Last appearance Sharpe's Fortress (Novels)
Created by Bernard Cornwell
Information
Occupation British Army Officer
Title Captain
Nationality English

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 (Sharpe's Tiger).

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 (Sharpe's Triumph). 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 (Sharpe's 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 (Sharpe's Company).

Author Bernard Cornwell has indicated that Morris is one of the story threads he has yet to complete.

Nairn

Nairn
First appearance

Sharpe's Enemy (Novels)

Sharpe's Company (Series)
Last appearance

Sharpe's Revenge (Novels)

Sharpe's Honour (Series)
Created by Bernard Cornwell
Portrayed by Michael Byrne
Information
Occupation Soldier
Nationality Scottish

Major-General Nairn (first name unknown) 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 (in reality Sharpe's old flame Josefina) 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 (rather than a major general), 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 La Marques de Cesares el Grande ye Melida Sadaba and who arranges to have Sharpe's execution faked after he is accused of killing La Marques. He then despatches Sharpe and Harper to search for La 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.

Lord John Rossendale

John Rossendale
First appearance

Sharpe's Regiment (Novels)

Sharpe's Regiment (Series)
Last appearance

Sharpe's Waterloo (Novels)

Sharpe's Waterloo (Series)
Created by Bernard Cornwell
Portrayed by Alexander Armstrong, Alexis Denisof
Information
Occupation British Cavalry Officer
Title Lord, Captain (military rank)
Nationality British

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 (Sharpe's Waterloo).

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".[1] 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

French

Lucille Castineau

Lucille Castineau, nee Lassan (novels), Lucille Castineau, nee Maillot (TV)
First appearance

Sharpe's Revenge (Novels)

Sharpe's Revenge (Series)
Last appearance

Sharpe's Devil (Novels)

Sharpe's Waterloo (Series)
Created by Bernard Cornwell
Portrayed by Cecile Paoli
Information
Occupation Farmer
Title Madame la Vicomtesse de Seleglise
Family Comte de Lassan (father), Henri Lassan (brother)
Spouse(s) Xavier Castineau (deceased), Richard Sharpe
Children Patrick-Henri Lassan, Dominique Lassan
Nationality French

Lucille Castineau was Richard Sharpe's third (common-law) wife. She was aged twenty-seven in June 1815, placing her birth date in 1788. 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 (leading to Sharpe's permanent estrangement from Frederickson).

After travelling to Italy to defeat Ducos, Sharpe returned to the Lassan estate permanently. Lucille bore Sharpe a son, Patrick-Henri (named for her brother and for Sharpe's friend, Patrick Harper), 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 Cecile 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
First appearance

Sharpe's Battle (Novels)

Sharpe's Enemy (Series)
Last appearance

Sharpe's Revenge (Novels)

Sharpe's Revenge (Series)
Created by Bernard Cornwell
Portrayed by Féodor Atkine
Information
Occupation Spy
Title Major
Nationality French

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 (Sharpe's Enemy). In 1813 Ducos finally captures Sharpe and tortures him, destroying Sharpe's telescope (a gift from Wellington) 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 (Sharpe's Enemy). 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.

German

Lossow

Lossow
First appearance Sharpe's Gold (Novels)
Last appearance Sharpe's Sword (Novels)
Created by Bernard Cornwell
Information
Occupation Officer
Title Captain
Nationality English

Captain Lossow first appears in Sharpe's Gold during a cavalry charge saves Sharpe from the French lancers. Lossow takes an instant liking to Sharpe and will do as much as he can to help save his friend's neck from the French and Partisans who are after the Spanish gold Sharpe is carrying. In Sharpe's Sword Lossow's Germans manage to break the French square that is hiding Leroux, allowing Sharpe to capture the spy. Sharpe is inspired by the memory of Lossow's charge while taking the forts in Sharpe's Devil. Lossow is described as kind hearted, dedicated to his job and loyal.

Spanish

Teresa Moreno

Teresa Moreno
First appearance

Sharpe's Gold (Novels)

Sharpe's Rifles (Series)
Last appearance

Sharpe's Enemy (Novels)

Sharpe's Enemy (Series)
Created by Bernard Cornwell
Portrayed by Assumpta Serna
Information
Aliases La Aguja
Occupation Partisan
Spouse(s) Richard Sharpe
Children Antonia
Religion Catholic
Nationality Spanish

Teresa Moreno (died 27 December 1813) 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 (Sharpe's Company).

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 (Sharpe's Enemy).

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.

Portuguese

Jorge Vincente

Jorge Vincente
First appearance Sharpe's Havoc (Novels)
Last appearance Sharpe's Escape (Novels)
Created by Bernard Cornwell
Information
Occupation Portuguese Army Officer, Lawyer
Title Captain
Spouse(s) Kate Savage
Religion Catholic
Nationality Portuguese

Captain Jorge Vincente is a fictional character who features in the Richard Sharpe novels by Bernard Cornwell.

Jorge Vincente 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 Vincente with a handful of men from the Portuguese 18th (2nd Oporto) Line Infantry.

Vincente 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 (Sharpe's Havoc).

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. Vincente, now Captain of a Portuguese caçadores regiment, modelled after Sharpe's own 95th Rifles has matured into an able soldier, without losing his innate optimism.

Vincente's admiration of Sharpe is expressed in his adoption of many of Sharpe's idiosyncrasies, including his possession of a 1796 Heavy Cavalry Sword and a Baker rifle (Sharpe's Escape).

Between the events of Sharpe's Havoc and Sharpe's Escape, Vincente marries Kate Savage, the daughter and heiress of an English port wine producer.

Jorge Vincente does not feature in any of the TV adaptations.

Notes

References

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