The Corporal (Simpson) When Henry returns to the regiment, Simpson, a corporal in the regiment, asks Henry the question, "Where were yeh?" Simpson's question angers Henry because he can't answer the question honestly.
The Cheery Soldier The cheery soldier befriends Henry after he is struck on the head by a retreating soldier. The cheery soldier also returns Henry to his regiment.
The Colonel (Colonel MacChesnay) The colonel is the commander of Henry's regiment. When a general criticizes the regiment's efforts after an offensive, the colonel doesn't defend the troops' actions; instead, he says, "Oh, well, general, we went as far as we could."
The General (the Officer in Charge of Henry's Brigade) This officer selects Henry's regiment to take the offensive in support of Whiterside and his troops. After the regiment returns, unsuccessfully, from the offensive, he criticizes the regiment. He calls Henry's regiment "a lot of mud diggers." This comment motivates Henry to prove that the general is wrong.
The Red-Bearded Officer He motivates the troops to charge the enemy's position in support of Whiterside, but he shows disappointment and anger when the charge stalls. However, he also shows disdain for another regiment's soldiers who criticize Henry's regiment for not achieving their objective in the charge.
Whiterside (a Union Officer) Whiterside's need for additional battlefield support prompts the general to select Henry's regiment to launch a charge against the enemy.
The Captain He is a dedicated officer in Henry's regiment who is killed in the first battle.
