Point of View

The novel is presented in the third-person, omniscient viewpoint, traditional for fiction and particularly suited to the narrative structure presented. Major Richard Sharpe, the primary protagonist of the novel, is present in most scenes of the novel but occasionally the scene varies so that alternative viewpoints can be presented. The most-prevalent of these concerns the military headquarters of General Calvet and a few brief meetings between Major Ducos and the Comte de Marquerre. The narrator divulges frequent internal thoughts of the protagonist and some of other characters. The majority of the story is told through action and dialogue; revealed thoughts are frequent but generally are used for characterization rather than plot development.

The third-person point of view allows Sharpe to be presented in a highly-sympathetic manner. For example, the narrative structure portrays Sharpe's brooding introspection as personal concern rather than a failing. The narrative also allows...