Lieutenant Colonel Richard Sharpe

Sharpe is the epitome of the aging and battle-scarred warrior. He is described as tall, dark, and scarred. His name is known to all who have any knowledge of the French Wars, and everywhere he and Harper travel in their search for Don Blas, they encounter people who recognize his name.

Despite having spent the time since he left military service five years previously as a farmer, Sharpe has no difficulty transitioning back into the only life he has ever known: the professional soldier. While one does not learn all the details of Sharpe's past, there are a few details that prove that his life has been anything but ordinary. There are subtle references in the book to Sharpe having come from an impoverished background where crime and violence were common. It is apparent that he didn't get his officer's commission because of class status...