Henry Fleming Henry, the protagonist of the novel, is a young Union soldier enlistee. He enters the army with strong romantic feelings about war. After experiencing the realities of army life, he becomes plagued by doubts and fears. As the novel progresses, Henry overcomes his fears and guilt to become one of the fiercest, most aggressive soldiers in the regiment. Henry conquers doubt and accepts duty by showing the confidence and courage required to be a soldier.
The Loud Soldier (Wilson) Wilson is Henry's friend. He takes care of Henry's head injury. Wilson changes from a very pragmatic, somewhat arrogant, do-your-job soldier, to a compassionate veteran who shows care and concern for his comrades. Wilson gives Henry a packet of his personal letters to be sent home if he should die in battle. Henry considers these letters a sign of weakness, and, ironically, he uses these letters as an aid to restoring his own courage.
The Tall Soldier/The Spectral Soldier (Jim Conklin) Jim is a positive, confident Union soldier who lifts the spirits of the younger soldiers. However, Jim is mortally wounded in the first battle, and Henry watches him die in the field. His death has a profound, depressing effect on Henry.
The Lieutenant (Lt. Hasbrouck) The lieutenant leads Henry's company with courage and conviction. He represents the confident Union officers who are always shown as strong leaders. The lieutenant is so pleased with Henry's fighting ability that he calls him a "wild cat," a term which brings great pride to Henry.
The Tattered Soldier The tattered, wounded soldier twice asks Henry about how he was wounded. This questioning angers Henry, and he leaves the tattered soldier wandering in the same field where Jim dies. Henry uses the episode with the tattered soldier to remind him that he must always be humble.
Henry's Mother After Henry enlists against her wishes, Henry's mother doesn't mention anything about glorious battles and heroic actions (to Henry's disappointment). Instead, she advises him to do the right thing and not to be a shirking child.
