Point of View

Sharpe's Rifles is told by an omniscient third person narrator and comes primarily from the perspective of the protagonist Richard Sharpe. However, the narrator occasionally presents events from the perspective of other characters, though these instances are few and short.

The perspective of Sharpe gives the novel its predominant tone and voice. Richard Sharpe is an officer in the British army who has seen many battles. He tends to view things in pragmatic terms. He puts no value in the things he regards as superstition but instead thinks in tactical and strategic terms. Sharpe is still new to being an officer and at times he is troubled by a lack of confidence.

Because the narrator allows the reader to see the inner thoughts of Sharpe, his insecurities in assuming the role of leader are vividly portrayed and the reader can understand his resentment toward some of...