Honor

Sharpe's honor is what both gets him into trouble and redeems him. He refuses to take the dishonorable route even when it is easier and seems to make more sense. For instance, La Marquesa calls him foolish when he will not sign the parole for General Verigny, but to do so would have seriously compromised Sharpe's character, which may be all he has left after his adventures. He has a stringent personal code he cannot break, which is much of the reason the men of his battalion look up to him. Sharpe's idea of honor is unwavering, and even at his weakest moments, he is much too honest to break his word. While Ducos is subversive and scheming in attempt to achieve his goals, Sharpe seeks nothing but the truth of his situation: to find out why he was framed for a murder and why it was primarily...