An American Soldier Characters & Character Analysis

An American Soldier Important People

Tommy Franks

This book is Franks' autobiography, and he emerges on every page as the most important character in the book. Franks is a fascinating person, who evolves in the course of his life from a farm boy to an ordinary soldier to the commander of a major war. Franks' personality emerges as a problem-solver and a proactive person with common sense. Franks is not intimidated by people in power, whether it's President Bush or the prince of a Middle Eastern country. Franks makes his life about the Army, and the Army is what matters to him.

Franks' concern for the average soldier and, in particular, the soldiers under his personal command, rings true time and again. Franks agonizes when he loses people in battle and is most enthusiastic about equipment that will save American or civilian lives, such as the smart bombs. On the other hand, he has little conscience about...
(read more)