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The NapoleonicArchive

Sharpe’s World

The Complete Character Guide

Every major character in Bernard Cornwell’s 24 Sharpe novels, from Richard Sharpe himself to the villains, lovers and comrades who shaped his story.

A British officer at his desk

How to Use This Guide

The guide begins with the major recurring characters who appear across multiple novels. Below that, characters are organised by the book in which they first appear. Recurring characters are noted with the full list of novels they feature in. Descriptions cover each character’s role in the story without unnecessary spoilers, though key fates (deaths, departures) are included where they are central to the series.

The Complete Character Database

Every named character from the Sharpe novels and TV series, with verified book and film appearances.

Showing 151 of 151 characters

Richard Sharpe

recurring
Private, 33rd Regiment of Foot
English (London-born; portrayed as Yorkshire in the TV series)
First appearance: Sharpe's Tiger

Protagonist of the entire series. Six feet tall, angular tanned face, black hair, blue eyes, with a slash of a scar on his cheek. In Sharpe's Tiger he is a young private in the 33rd Foot serving in India. To escape the brutal Sergeant Hakeswill, he volunteers for a clandestine mission into the fortress of Seringapatam, posing as a deserter to make contact with a British prisoner and scout Tippu Sultan's defences. Has a son with Lucille Castineau: Patrick-Henri who becomes a French cavalry officer.

FateSurvives the siege of Seringapatam. Wins recognition from Colonel Wellesley and begins his slow rise from the ranks.

Books
Sharpe's TigerSharpe's TriumphSharpe's FortressSharpe's TrafalgarSharpe's PreySharpe's RiflesSharpe's HavocSharpe's EagleSharpe's GoldSharpe's EscapeSharpe's FurySharpe's BattleSharpe's CompanySharpe's SwordSharpe's EnemySharpe's HonourSharpe's RegimentSharpe's SiegeSharpe's RevengeSharpe's WaterlooSharpe's DevilSharpe's AssassinSharpe's CommandSharpe's Storm
TV Films
Sharpe's RiflesSharpe's EagleSharpe's CompanySharpe's EnemySharpe's HonourSharpe's GoldSharpe's BattleSharpe's SwordSharpe's RegimentSharpe's SiegeSharpe's MissionSharpe's RevengeSharpe's JusticeSharpe's WaterlooSharpe's ChallengeSharpe's Peril
Novel vs TV

In the novels, Sharpe is London-born and cockney; in the TV series, Sean Bean plays him as a Yorkshireman. Cornwell accepted the change and has said Bean's portrayal influenced his later writing of the character.

Military Career
  1. PrivateSharpe's Tiger

    33rd Regiment of Foot. Promoted to Sergeant by end of novel.

  2. SergeantSharpe's Triumph

    Saves Wellesley's life at Assaye. Receives battlefield commission.

  3. EnsignSharpe's Fortress

    74th Regiment of Foot.

  4. LieutenantSharpe's Trafalgar

    Transfers to newly formed 95th Rifles.

  5. LieutenantSharpe's Prey

    95th Rifles.

  6. LieutenantSharpe's Rifles

    95th Rifles. Takes command after Captain Murray is mortally wounded.

  7. CaptainSharpe's Eagle

    Promoted by Wellesley after taking the French Eagle at Talavera. Given command of South Essex Light Company.

  8. CaptainSharpe's Sword

    Wounded at Salamanca.

  9. MajorSharpe's Regiment

    Promoted by the Prince Regent after Salamanca.

  10. Lieutenant ColonelSharpe's Waterloo

    Given command of 5th Belgian Light Dragoons on Prince of Orange's staff.

Obadiah Hakeswill

recurring
Sergeant, 33rd Regiment of Foot
English
First appearance: Sharpe's Tiger

The series' principal recurring villain. Tall, with a huge belly and a long scrawny neck bearing a huge scar. Jaundiced yellowish skin, baby-blue eyes, blond hair going grey. Twitches uncontrollably. Genuinely believes he cannot be killed, he was hanged at age 12 and survived. In Sharpe's Tiger he is the brutal sergeant of Sharpe's company who flogs, robs and torments his men. His personal vendetta against Sharpe begins here.

FateSurvives Seringapatam and returns in Sharpe's Triumph and Sharpe's Fortress. Eventually executed by firing squad in Sharpe's Enemy after murdering Teresa Moreno.

Books
Sharpe's TigerSharpe's TriumphSharpe's FortressSharpe's CompanySharpe's Enemy
TV Films
Sharpe's CompanySharpe's Enemy
Novel vs TV

Pete Postlethwaite's TV portrayal (in Sharpe's Company and Sharpe's Enemy) is widely regarded as definitive. The television Hakeswill is introduced in the Peninsular War; the India novels, which establish his origin as Sharpe's tormentor in the 33rd Foot, were written later and were never filmed.

Military Career
  1. SergeantSharpe's Tiger

    33rd Regiment of Foot. Recruits Sharpe at age 16. Has Sharpe flogged.

  2. SergeantSharpe's Triumph

    Murders McCandless in the confusion of battle.

  3. SergeantSharpe's Fortress

    Final India appearance.

  4. SergeantSharpe's Company

    Returns attached to the South Essex with Colonel Windham. Frames Harper for theft. Kills Teresa Moreno.

  5. SergeantSharpe's Enemy

    Leads the deserters at Adrados. Final appearance. Tried and executed by firing squad. Sharpe commands the execution.

Lieutenant William Lawford

recurring
Lieutenant, 33rd Regiment of Foot (later Colonel, South Essex)
English
First appearance: Sharpe's Tiger

Accompanies Sharpe on the mission into Seringapatam, posing as a fellow deserter. An officer of Sharpe's own regiment and a decent man who comes to respect Sharpe's resourcefulness during their captivity inside Tippu's fortress. Rises through the ranks to Colonel of the South Essex. Wounded at Ciudad Rodrigo, losing an arm, and retires from active command.

FateWounded at Ciudad Rodrigo, loses an arm. Retires from active command of the South Essex. Survives the war.

Books
Sharpe's TigerSharpe's TriumphSharpe's FortressSharpe's HavocSharpe's Regiment
Novel vs TV

Lawford does not appear in the TV adaptations.

Military Career
  1. LieutenantSharpe's Tiger

    33rd Regiment. Accompanies Sharpe on the mission inside Seringapatam. Teaches Sharpe to read and write in Tippu's prison.

  2. ColonelSharpe's Eagle

    Commanding officer of the South Essex.

  3. ColonelSharpe's Company

    Severely wounded at Ciudad Rodrigo, loses an arm when a mine blows. Retires from active command.

Some details unverified, corrections welcome via our contact page.

Colonel Hector McCandless

recurring
Colonel, East India Company
Scottish
First appearance: Sharpe's Tiger

A Scottish Presbyterian officer of the East India Company serving as an intelligence officer. McCandless is Sharpe's first patron: honourable, devout, and a man whose incorruptibility is the moral counterweight to Hakeswill's venom. In Sharpe's Tiger he is a prisoner of Tippu Sultan whom Sharpe and Lawford must contact inside Seringapatam.

FateSurvives Seringapatam. Returns as Sharpe's protector in Sharpe's Triumph and Sharpe's Fortress. Killed in action in Sharpe's Fortress.

Books
Sharpe's TigerSharpe's TriumphSharpe's Fortress
Novel vs TV

McCandless does not appear in any TV adaptation. The India novels were never filmed.

Mary Bickerstaff

fictional
Camp follower
Anglo-Indian (of mixed English and Indian parentage)
First appearance: Sharpe's Tiger

Described as a 22-year-old half-caste widow of Sergeant Bickerstaff. Sharpe's lover during his service in India. Sharpe asks permission to marry her but she eventually leaves him for another man. When Hakeswill threatens her, Sharpe's determination to protect her becomes one of the engines of the novel's plot.

FateLeaves Sharpe at the end of the novel to make a life in India rather than follow him onward. Does not appear in later books.

Books
Sharpe's Tiger
Novel vs TV

Does not appear in the TV adaptations.

Arthur Wellesley

historical
Colonel, 33rd Regiment of Foot
Anglo-Irish
First appearance: Sharpe's Tiger

The real historical figure, the future Duke of Wellington, commanding the 33rd Foot in India in 1799. In Sharpe's Tiger he is one of Harris's subordinate commanders at Seringapatam and the officer who sanctions the mission Sharpe volunteers for. Cornwell depicts him as cold, precise and professional, already the commander he would become in Spain.

FateSurvives the siege. Goes on to become Major-General in Sharpe's Triumph and eventually Field Marshal and Duke of Wellington, appearing throughout the Peninsular and Waterloo novels.

Books
Sharpe's TigerSharpe's TriumphSharpe's FortressSharpe's EagleSharpe's GoldSharpe's BattleSharpe's CompanySharpe's SwordSharpe's HonourSharpe's RegimentSharpe's SiegeSharpe's RevengeSharpe's WaterlooSharpe's AssassinSharpe's CommandSharpe's Storm
TV Films
Sharpe's EagleSharpe's CompanySharpe's EnemySharpe's HonourSharpe's SwordSharpe's RegimentSharpe's SiegeSharpe's RevengeSharpe's Waterloo
Novel vs TV

Played by David Troughton and later Hugh Fraser in the TV series. The TV Wellington is warmer and more avuncular than the cold, reserved figure of the novels.

Tippu Sultan

historical
Sultan of Mysore
Indian (Mysorean)
First appearance: Sharpe's Tiger

The real historical ruler of Mysore, known as the Tiger of Mysore. In Sharpe's Tiger he is the target of the British siege: a sophisticated, dangerous opponent who modernised his army with French advisers and iron-cased rockets. Cornwell portrays him closely to the historical record, including his well-attested practice of feeding prisoners to caged tigers.

FateKilled fighting at the northern gate of Seringapatam on 4 May 1799, as in history. His death ended the Kingdom of Mysore as an independent power.

Books
Sharpe's Tiger
Novel vs TV

Does not appear in TV adaptations.

Captain Morris

fictional
Captain, 33rd Regiment of Foot
English
First appearance: Sharpe's Tiger

The indolent, drunken and venal captain of Sharpe's company, and Hakeswill's protector. Morris allows Hakeswill to run the company as he pleases in exchange for a share of the sergeant's corruption. An antagonist throughout Sharpe's time in the 33rd.

FateSurvives Sharpe's Tiger. Reappears later in the India sequence.

Books
Sharpe's TigerSharpe's TriumphSharpe's Fortress
Novel vs TV

Does not appear in TV adaptations.

Some details unverified, corrections welcome via our contact page.

William Dodd

fictional
Colonel (renegade)
British
First appearance: Sharpe's Triumph

Renegade British officer who has defected to the Maratha Confederacy. Primary villain of Sharpe's Triumph. Commands Maratha infantry against the British at Assaye.

FateKilled at the Battle of Assaye, 1803.

Books
Sharpe's Triumph
TV Films
Sharpe's Challenge
Novel vs TV

In Sharpe's Challenge (2006) a similar renegade British officer character appears. Dodd is the novel's version of this villain.

Simone Joubert

fictional
Civilian
French
First appearance: Sharpe's Triumph

Wife of a French officer advising the Marathas. Brief romantic interest for Sharpe during the Assaye campaign.

FateLeaves India with funds Sharpe gives her.

Books
Sharpe's Triumph

Colonel Pierre Joubert

fictional
Colonel
French
First appearance: Sharpe's Triumph

French officer advising the Maratha Confederacy. Simone's husband.

FateKilled during the campaign.

Books
Sharpe's Triumph

Some details unverified, corrections welcome via our contact page.

Syud Sevajee

fictional
Indian mercenary
Indian
First appearance: Sharpe's Fortress

Indian ally who assists McCandless and Sharpe during the Maratha campaign and the assault on Gawilghur.

FateSurvives the campaign.

Books
Sharpe's Fortress

Some details unverified, corrections welcome via our contact page.

Captain Torrance

fictional
Captain
British
First appearance: Sharpe's Fortress

East India Company officer. Corrupt quartermaster who is the villain of Sharpe's Fortress. Exploits his position for personal gain.

FateKilled by Sharpe.

Books
Sharpe's Fortress

Colonel Stevenson

historical
Colonel
British
First appearance: Sharpe's Triumph

Historical figure. Commands a separate British column during the Second Anglo-Maratha War. Cooperates with Wellesley during the Assaye and Gawilghur campaigns.

FateSurvives the campaign.

Books
Sharpe's TriumphSharpe's Fortress

Some details unverified, corrections welcome via our contact page.

Patrick Harper

fictional
Sergeant
Irish
First appearance: Sharpe's Rifles

Sharpe's closest friend and companion throughout the Peninsular War and beyond. Immensely strong, deeply loyal, armed with a seven-barrelled volley gun. From Donegal. Initially hostile to Sharpe but becomes his most trusted ally.

FateSurvives the wars. Returns to Ireland with his wife Ramona. Appears briefly in Sharpe's Devil.

Books
Sharpe's RiflesSharpe's HavocSharpe's EagleSharpe's GoldSharpe's EscapeSharpe's FurySharpe's BattleSharpe's CompanySharpe's CommandSharpe's SwordSharpe's EnemySharpe's HonourSharpe's RegimentSharpe's SiegeSharpe's RevengeSharpe's WaterlooSharpe's AssassinSharpe's StormSharpe's Devil
TV Films
Sharpe's RiflesSharpe's EagleSharpe's CompanySharpe's EnemySharpe's HonourSharpe's GoldSharpe's BattleSharpe's SwordSharpe's RegimentSharpe's SiegeSharpe's MissionSharpe's RevengeSharpe's JusticeSharpe's WaterlooSharpe's ChallengeSharpe's Peril
Novel vs TV

Played by Daragh O'Malley in all 16 TV films. One of the most beloved characters in the series. His relationship with Sharpe is the emotional core of both the novels and TV series.

Military Career
  1. PrivateSharpe's Rifles

    95th Rifles. First appearance. Initially mutinies against Sharpe.

  2. SergeantSharpe's Eagle

    Promoted. Becomes Sharpe's right hand.

  3. Regimental Sergeant MajorSharpe's Regiment

    Promoted by Sharpe when the previous RSM is killed.

  4. CivilianSharpe's Waterloo

    Discharged from the army in 1814 with Wellington's signature. Comes to Waterloo as a civilian horse trader, unofficially to fight alongside Sharpe one last time.

Major Blas Vivar

fictional
Major
Spanish
First appearance: Sharpe's Rifles

Spanish officer and passionate patriot. Sharpe's ally during the Corunna campaign. Devout Catholic. Leads a mission to restore Spanish morale with a holy relic.

FateSurvives Corunna. Returns in Sharpe's Devil as a senior Spanish official.

Books
Sharpe's RiflesSharpe's Devil
TV Films
Sharpe's Rifles
Novel vs TV

Appears in the first TV film Sharpe's Rifles (1993).

Sir John Moore

historical
General
British
First appearance: Sharpe's Rifles

Historical figure. Commander of the British forces retreating to Corunna 1809. A respected and humane general. Sharpe admires him.

FateKilled at the Battle of Corunna, 16 January 1809. Famously buried at midnight by his soldiers.

Books
Sharpe's Rifles
TV Films
Sharpe's Rifles
Novel vs TV

Appears briefly in the first TV film.

Rifleman Harris

fictional
Rifleman
British
First appearance: Sharpe's Prey

Red-haired, ever cheerful, clever and well-read. A former schoolmaster from Lichfield. One of Sharpe's two educated chosen men alongside Isaiah Tongue. Loves philosophy and reading. His name is a tribute to the real Benjamin Harris memoirist but he is a different character.

FateKilled at Waterloo trying to save Hagman from a French infantryman. Bayoneted from behind. Sharpe came near tears when he heard.

Books
Sharpe's PreySharpe's RiflesSharpe's HavocSharpe's EagleSharpe's GoldSharpe's EscapeSharpe's FurySharpe's BattleSharpe's CompanySharpe's SwordSharpe's EnemySharpe's HonourSharpe's Waterloo
TV Films
Sharpe's RiflesSharpe's EagleSharpe's CompanySharpe's EnemySharpe's GoldSharpe's BattleSharpe's SwordSharpe's Waterloo

Rifleman Hagman

fictional
Rifleman
British
First appearance: Sharpe's Rifles

Member of Sharpe's chosen men. The best shot in the company. Older than the others. A poacher before the war, hence his marksmanship.

FateKilled at Waterloo when the Prince of Orange knocks him to the ground and a French infantryman shoots him. Harris dies trying to save him.

Books
Sharpe's RiflesSharpe's HavocSharpe's EagleSharpe's GoldSharpe's EscapeSharpe's FurySharpe's BattleSharpe's CompanySharpe's SwordSharpe's EnemySharpe's HonourSharpe's Waterloo
TV Films
Sharpe's RiflesSharpe's EagleSharpe's CompanySharpe's EnemySharpe's GoldSharpe's BattleSharpe's SwordSharpe's Waterloo

Francis Cooper

fictional
Rifleman
British
First appearance: Sharpe's Rifles

Member of Sharpe's chosen men. A skilled lockpick, useful in many tight situations. Appears throughout the Peninsular novels.

FateSurvives the war.

Books
Sharpe's RiflesSharpe's EagleSharpe's GoldSharpe's EscapeSharpe's BattleSharpe's CompanySharpe's SwordSharpe's EnemySharpe's Honour

Captain Murray

fictional
Captain
British
First appearance: Sharpe's Rifles

Commanding officer of Sharpe's rifle company at the start of the Corunna campaign. Mortally wounded early in the novel, passing command to Sharpe.

FateDies of wounds early in Sharpe's Rifles.

Books
Sharpe's Rifles
TV Films
Sharpe's Rifles

Lord William Hale

fictional
Lord
British
First appearance: Sharpe's Trafalgar

British aristocrat travelling on the same ship as Sharpe during the voyage to Trafalgar. Antagonist. Suspicious of Sharpe's relationship with his wife.

FateSurvives.

Books
Sharpe's Trafalgar

Lady Grace Hale

fictional
Lady
British
First appearance: Sharpe's Trafalgar

Lord Hale's wife. Sharpe's lover during the voyage to Trafalgar. Intelligent and unhappy in her marriage.

FateDies in childbirth shortly after the battle. The child does not survive.

Books
Sharpe's Trafalgar

Captain Chase

fictional
Captain
British
First appearance: Sharpe's Trafalgar

Royal Navy captain of HMS Pucelle. Sharpe's ally during the voyage and at Trafalgar. Courageous and competent officer.

FateSurvives Trafalgar.

Books
Sharpe's Trafalgar

Pierre-Charles Villeneuve

historical
Vice-Admiral
French
First appearance: Sharpe's Trafalgar

Historical figure. Commander of the Franco-Spanish fleet at Trafalgar. Defeated by Nelson.

FateCaptured after Trafalgar. Returns to France. Found dead in 1806, officially suicide, circumstances disputed.

Books
Sharpe's Trafalgar

Captain Joel Lavisser

fictional
Captain
British
First appearance: Sharpe's Prey

British officer who has turned traitor, working for the French in Copenhagen. Primary villain of Sharpe's Prey. Charming and dangerous.

FateKilled by Sharpe.

Books
Sharpe's Prey

Ole Skovgaard

fictional
Civilian
Danish
First appearance: Sharpe's Prey

Danish merchant who is a British agent in Copenhagen. Father of Astrid. Assists Sharpe during the Copenhagen mission.

FateSurvives.

Books
Sharpe's Prey

Astrid Skovgaard

fictional
Civilian
Danish
First appearance: Sharpe's Prey

Ole Skovgaard's daughter. Romantic interest for Sharpe during the Copenhagen campaign.

FateSurvives. Does not appear in subsequent novels.

Books
Sharpe's Prey

Colonel Christopher

fictional
Colonel
British
First appearance: Sharpe's Havoc

British intelligence officer operating in Portugal. Primary villain of Sharpe's Havoc. Appears to be working for both sides. Manipulative and treacherous.

FateKilled.

Books
Sharpe's Havoc

Kate Savage

fictional
Civilian
British
First appearance: Sharpe's Havoc

Young British woman caught up in the chaos of the French occupation of Oporto. Sharpe protects her during the campaign.

FateSurvives.

Books
Sharpe's Havoc

Sir Henry Simmerson

fictional
Lieutenant Colonel
British
First appearance: Sharpe's Eagle

Commanding officer of the South Essex Regiment. Cowardly, incompetent, and vindictive. Loses the regimental colour at Valdelacasa in Sharpe's Eagle. The most persistent antagonist among British officers throughout the series. Returns repeatedly to cause trouble for Sharpe.

FateSurvives the war. Disgraced but never truly defeated.

Books
Sharpe's EagleSharpe's GoldSharpe's CompanySharpe's SwordSharpe's EnemySharpe's Regiment
TV Films
Sharpe's EagleSharpe's GoldSharpe's SwordSharpe's EnemySharpe's Regiment
Novel vs TV

Played by Michael Cochrane throughout the TV series. One of the most memorable recurring villains.

Lieutenant Berry

fictional
Lieutenant
British
First appearance: Sharpe's Eagle

Simmerson's nephew and ally in the South Essex. Bully and coward. Antagonist to Sharpe.

FateKilled by Sharpe at the Battle of Talavera.

Books
Sharpe's Eagle
TV Films
Sharpe's Eagle

Major Michael Hogan

fictional
Major
Irish
First appearance: Sharpe's Eagle

Wellington's chief intelligence officer. Sharpe's most important patron and friend among the officer class. Clever, sardonic, and deeply capable. An engineer by training who became the Peninsula's most effective spymaster.

FateDies of fever during the Peninsular campaign. In the novels he is replaced by Major Nairn as Sharpe's main intelligence contact.

Books
Sharpe's EagleSharpe's GoldSharpe's EscapeSharpe's FurySharpe's BattleSharpe's CompanySharpe's SwordSharpe's EnemySharpe's Honour
TV Films
Sharpe's EagleSharpe's GoldSharpe's BattleSharpe's SwordSharpe's EnemySharpe's Honour
Novel vs TV

In the TV series Hogan survives throughout the Peninsular campaign. In the novels he dies of fever and is replaced by Major Nairn.

Thomas Leroy

fictional
Captain
American
First appearance: Sharpe's Eagle

American-born officer in the South Essex from a Boston Loyalist family. Describes himself as an American with a French name from a Royalist family fighting for the English for a German king. Silent, watchful, invariably has a cigar in his mouth.

FateKilled at the Battle of Vitoria leading his men on foot into the village of Gamarra Mayor. Shot in the head. Dies in his first battle as Battalion Commander.

Books
Sharpe's EagleSharpe's GoldSharpe's EscapeSharpe's FurySharpe's BattleSharpe's CompanySharpe's SwordSharpe's EnemySharpe's Honour
TV Films
Sharpe's EagleSharpe's GoldSharpe's BattleSharpe's Sword
Military Career
  1. CaptainSharpe's Eagle

    South Essex. Described as the only other decent soldier in the battalion by Lennox.

  2. CaptainSharpe's Company

    Passed over for promotion to Major in favour of Collett.

  3. MajorSharpe's Sword

    South Essex.

  4. Lieutenant ColonelSharpe's Honour

    Takes command of the South Essex after Forrest transfers to Lisbon. Killed leading his men on foot at Gamarra Mayor.

Robert Knowles

fictional
Lieutenant
British
First appearance: Sharpe's Eagle

Young officer in the South Essex. Loyal to Sharpe. Appears in the early Peninsular novels.

FateKilled by Hakeswill at Badajoz while trying to protect Teresa Moreno. His name is sometimes listed as Knowles in early appearances.

Books
Sharpe's EagleSharpe's GoldSharpe's EscapeSharpe's Company

El Católico

fictional
Guerrilla leader
Spanish
First appearance: Sharpe's Gold

Spanish guerrilla leader in the Torres Vedras campaign. Primary villain of Sharpe's Gold. Initially presented as an ally but revealed to be brutal and self-serving. Rival for Teresa Moreno's affections.

FateKilled by Sharpe.

Books
Sharpe's Gold
TV Films
Sharpe's Gold

Teresa Moreno

fictional
Partisan leader
Spanish
First appearance: Sharpe's Gold

Spanish guerrilla fighter. Fierce, independent, and courageous. Becomes Sharpe's first wife and the mother of his daughter Antonia. One of the most important characters in the series.

FateKilled by Hakeswill in Sharpe's Enemy. He fires his musket blindly as she rides after him and the bullet catches her in the throat. She dies instantly. Sharpe and Teresa had married the day after Badajoz.

Books
Sharpe's GoldSharpe's EscapeSharpe's FurySharpe's BattleSharpe's CompanySharpe's Enemy
TV Films
Sharpe's GoldSharpe's BattleSharpe's Company
Novel vs TV

Played by Assumpta Serna in the TV series.

Antonia Sharpe

fictional
Civilian
Spanish
First appearance: Sharpe's Company

Sharpe's daughter with Teresa Moreno. Appears as a young child. After Teresa's death Antonia remains in Spain. Her ultimate fate is not clearly described in the main series.

FateUncertain. Her ultimate fate is not clearly resolved in the main series.

Books
Sharpe's Company

Some details unverified, corrections welcome via our contact page.

Ferragus

fictional
Civilian criminal
Portuguese
First appearance: Sharpe's Escape

Portuguese criminal mastermind operating in Coimbra. Primary villain of Sharpe's Escape. Controls the black market and has connections to the French. Brutal and cunning.

FateKilled.

Books
Sharpe's Escape

Major Harold Price

fictional
Lieutenant
British
First appearance: Sharpe's Company

Young officer first seen in Sharpe's Company. From Hampshire, youngest son of a shipwright. An inveterate gambler and seducer of women. Sharpe likes him despite himself. One of the most reliable junior officers in the later novels.

FateSurvives the war. Appears in Sharpe's Waterloo.

Books
Sharpe's EscapeSharpe's FurySharpe's BattleSharpe's CompanySharpe's SwordSharpe's EnemySharpe's HonourSharpe's RegimentSharpe's Waterloo
TV Films
Sharpe's CompanySharpe's EnemySharpe's HonourSharpe's Waterloo
Military Career
  1. LieutenantSharpe's Company

    First appearance. Shot by Hakeswill at Badajoz in the TV version.

  2. LieutenantSharpe's Sword

    South Essex Light Company.

  3. LieutenantSharpe's Enemy

    Adrados campaign.

  4. LieutenantSharpe's Honour

    Vitoria campaign.

  5. LieutenantSharpe's Regiment

    England and Pyrenees.

  6. LieutenantSharpe's Waterloo

    Officer in the Prince of Wales Own Volunteers. Worried his brother is among the casualties of Orange's foolish orders.

General Graham

historical
Lieutenant General
British
First appearance: Sharpe's Fury

Historical figure. Commands the British force at the Battle of Barrosa 1811. Wins a significant victory despite lack of Spanish cooperation. Sharpe fights under his command in Sharpe's Fury.

FateSurvives. Later created Lord Lynedoch.

Books
Sharpe's Fury

Father Sarsfield

fictional
Priest
Irish
First appearance: Sharpe's Fury

Irish Catholic priest caught up in the Barrosa campaign. Assists Sharpe during the mission in Cadiz.

FateSurvives.

Books
Sharpe's Fury

Some details unverified, corrections welcome via our contact page.

Brigadier Loup

fictional
Brigadier
French
First appearance: Sharpe's Battle

French guerrilla hunter. Primary villain of Sharpe's Battle. Commands a grey-uniformed regiment specialising in counter-guerrilla warfare. Brutal and effective. One of Sharpe's most dangerous opponents.

FateKilled by Sharpe.

Books
Sharpe's Battle
TV Films
Sharpe's Battle
Novel vs TV

Played by Oliver Cotton in the TV film.

Lord Runciman

fictional
Lord
British
First appearance: Sharpe's Battle

Incompetent and cowardly British officer assigned to command the Real Compania Irlandesa. Comic villain of Sharpe's Battle. More interested in comfort than soldiering.

FateSurvives.

Books
Sharpe's Battle
TV Films
Sharpe's Battle

Ramona

fictional
Civilian
Spanish
First appearance: Sharpe's Battle

Harper's wife. Spanish woman who follows the army. Devoted to Harper. Appears throughout the later Peninsular novels.

FateSurvives the wars. Returns to Ireland with Harper.

Books
Sharpe's BattleSharpe's CompanySharpe's SwordSharpe's EnemySharpe's HonourSharpe's RegimentSharpe's Waterloo
TV Films
Sharpe's BattleSharpe's CompanySharpe's EnemySharpe's Waterloo

Some details unverified, corrections welcome via our contact page.

Colonel Leroux

fictional
Colonel
French
First appearance: Sharpe's Sword

French intelligence officer and master swordsman. Primary villain of Sharpe's Sword. Has been unmasked Wellington's intelligence network. Dangerous, cunning, and a formidable fighter.

FateCaptured and imprisoned after Salamanca.

Books
Sharpe's Sword
TV Films
Sharpe's Sword
Novel vs TV

Played by Patrick Fierry in the TV film.

Lord Spears

fictional
Lord
British
First appearance: Sharpe's Sword

British cavalry officer. Charming, reckless, and ultimately tragic. Assists Sharpe during the Salamanca campaign.

FateDies during the campaign.

Books
Sharpe's Sword
TV Films
Sharpe's Sword

Isabella

fictional
Civilian
Spanish
First appearance: Sharpe's Sword

Spanish woman who becomes Patrick Harper's wife. First appears attached to the South Essex during the Peninsular campaign. Devoted to Harper throughout the later novels.

FateSurvives.

Books
Sharpe's CompanySharpe's SwordSharpe's EnemySharpe's HonourSharpe's RegimentSharpe's Waterloo

Pot-au-Feu

fictional
Sergeant (deserter)
French
First appearance: Sharpe's Enemy

Deserter who leads a gang of British and French deserters terrorising a Spanish village in Sharpe's Enemy. Grotesque and brutal villain.

FateKilled.

Books
Sharpe's Enemy
TV Films
Sharpe's Enemy

Colonel Dubreton

fictional
Colonel
French
First appearance: Sharpe's Enemy

French officer who cooperates with Sharpe against the deserters in Sharpe's Enemy. Honourable and professional, one of Cornwell's rare sympathetic French officers. Sharpe respects him.

FateSurvives. Returns briefly in later novels.

Books
Sharpe's Enemy
TV Films
Sharpe's Enemy
Novel vs TV

One of the most memorable guest characters in the TV series.

Major Ducos

fictional
Major
French
First appearance: Sharpe's Honour

French intelligence officer. One of the series' most persistent villains. Calculating, ruthless, and highly intelligent. Operates behind the scenes manipulating events against Sharpe and Wellington across multiple novels.

FateKilled in Sharpe's Assassin.

Books
Sharpe's HonourSharpe's RevengeSharpe's Assassin

El Matarife

fictional
Guerrilla leader
Spanish
First appearance: Sharpe's Honour

Brutal Spanish guerrilla leader. Villain of Sharpe's Honour. Works with Ducos against Sharpe. Sadistic and dangerous.

FateKilled.

Books
Sharpe's Honour

La Marquesa

fictional
Marquesa
Spanish
First appearance: Sharpe's Honour

Spanish noblewoman who is a French spy. Beautiful and dangerous. Becomes entangled with Sharpe during the Vitoria campaign.

FateSurvives.

Books
Sharpe's Honour
TV Films
Sharpe's Honour
Novel vs TV

Played by Alice Krige in the TV film.

Colonel Girdwood

fictional
Colonel
British
First appearance: Sharpe's Regiment

Commanding officer of the 2nd Battalion South Essex in England. Primary villain of Sharpe's Regiment. Running a crimping racket, using the battalion to press men into service while pocketing their pay. Brutal disciplinarian.

FateDriven mad by his first taste of real battle at the Battle of the Nivelle. Sharpe takes command.

Books
Sharpe's Regiment
TV Films
Sharpe's Regiment

Lord Simon Fenner

fictional
Lord
British
First appearance: Sharpe's Regiment

Secretary for War. Uses his mistress Lady Anne Comoynes to seduce Sharpe and find out what he knows. Sends assassins to kill Sharpe. Forced to capitulate when Lady Anne produces the incriminating ledgers.

FateExposed and ruined.

Books
Sharpe's Regiment
TV Films
Sharpe's Regiment

Jane Gibbons

fictional
Civilian
British
First appearance: Sharpe's Regiment

Sharpe's second wife. Met during the investigation into the South Essex crimping racket in England. Young, beautiful, and initially devoted to Sharpe. Later leaves him for Lord Rossendale while Sharpe is on campaign.

FateLeaves Sharpe. Becomes Lord Rossendale's mistress. Does not appear after Sharpe's Waterloo.

Books
Sharpe's RegimentSharpe's SiegeSharpe's RevengeSharpe's Waterloo
TV Films
Sharpe's RegimentSharpe's SiegeSharpe's RevengeSharpe's Waterloo
Novel vs TV

Played by Abigail Cruttenden in the TV series.

Sergeant Lynch

fictional
Sergeant
British
First appearance: Sharpe's Regiment

Girdwood's brutal enforcer in the 2nd Battalion South Essex. Carries out the illegal floggings and intimidation that keep the crimping racket running.

FateKilled or imprisoned when the racket is exposed.

Books
Sharpe's Regiment
TV Films
Sharpe's Regiment

Some details unverified, corrections welcome via our contact page.

Captain Bampfylde

fictional
Captain
British
First appearance: Sharpe's Siege

Royal Navy captain. Villain of Sharpe's Siege. Arrogant and incompetent. Commands the naval element of the Atlantic coast raid and constantly undermines Sharpe.

FateSurvives but disgraced.

Books
Sharpe's Siege
TV Films
Sharpe's Siege

Cornelius Killick

fictional
Captain
American
First appearance: Sharpe's Siege

American privateer captain. Initially an adversary of Sharpe during the Atlantic coast raid, later an uneasy ally. Tough, pragmatic, and independent.

FateSurvives.

Books
Sharpe's Siege
TV Films
Sharpe's Siege

Captain Frederickson

fictional
Captain
British
First appearance: Sharpe's Siege

Officer in the 60th Rifles. Known as Sweet William. Missing an eye, several teeth, and part of an ear, hence the ironic nickname. One of Sharpe's most capable allies in the later Peninsular novels and in France.

FateSurvives the wars. Appears in Sharpe's Revenge.

Books
Sharpe's SiegeSharpe's RevengeSharpe's Assassin
TV Films
Sharpe's SiegeSharpe's Revenge
Novel vs TV

Played by Philip Whitchurch in the TV series.

Military Career
  1. CaptainSharpe's Siege

    First appearance. 60th Rifles. Known as Sweet William. Missing an eye, several teeth and part of an ear.

  2. CaptainSharpe's Revenge

    Fights his last battle at Toulouse with the 60th Rifles after he and Sharpe are detached from the South Essex.

  3. CaptainSharpe's Assassin

    Paris 1815.

Lucille Castineau

fictional
Civilian
French
First appearance: Sharpe's Revenge

French widow living on a farm in Normandy. Sharpe's enduring companion after the Napoleonic Wars. Intelligent, calm, and deeply good. Represents the peace Sharpe never expected to find. Mother of Sharpe's son Patrick.

FateSurvives. Still with Sharpe in Normandy at the end of Sharpe's Devil.

Books
Sharpe's RevengeSharpe's WaterlooSharpe's AssassinSharpe's Devil
TV Films
Sharpe's RevengeSharpe's WaterlooSharpe's Peril
Novel vs TV

Played by Cecile Paoli in the TV series.

Lord John Rossendale

fictional
Lord
British
First appearance: Sharpe's Revenge

British cavalry officer. Becomes Jane Sharpe's lover while Sharpe is on campaign in France. Represents the wealthy, privileged world that Sharpe can never fully enter.

FateSurvives. Jane leaves Sharpe for him.

Books
Sharpe's RevengeSharpe's Waterloo
TV Films
Sharpe's RevengeSharpe's Waterloo

Prince of Orange

historical
General
Dutch
First appearance: Sharpe's Waterloo

Historical figure. Commands the Dutch-Belgian forces at Waterloo. Known as Slender Billy. His reckless and incompetent orders cost many lives during the battle. A persistent problem for Wellington.

FateWounded at Waterloo. Survives.

Books
Sharpe's Waterloo
TV Films
Sharpe's Waterloo
Novel vs TV

His incompetence is a major theme of both the novel and TV film.

General Rebecque

historical
General
Dutch
First appearance: Sharpe's Waterloo

Dutch-Belgian chief of staff. Competent and professional, a sharp contrast to the Prince of Orange. Assists Sharpe during the Waterloo campaign.

FateSurvives Waterloo.

Books
Sharpe's Waterloo
TV Films
Sharpe's Waterloo

Napoleon Bonaparte

historical
Emperor
French
First appearance: Sharpe's Waterloo

Historical figure. The central antagonist of the entire series, always present as a shadow over every battle. Sharpe glimpses him at Waterloo. Meets him briefly on St Helena in Sharpe's Devil.

FateDefeated at Waterloo. Exiled to St Helena. Dies 1821.

Books
Sharpe's WaterlooSharpe's Devil
TV Films
Sharpe's Waterloo
Novel vs TV

Glimpsed at a distance in Sharpe's Waterloo TV film.

Henri Lassan

fictional
Major
French
First appearance: Sharpe's Assassin

French officer. Brother of Lucille Castineau. Initially suspicious of Sharpe's relationship with his sister. A man of honour who comes to respect Sharpe.

FateKilled in Sharpe's Assassin.

Books
Sharpe's Assassin

Lord Thomas Cochrane

historical
Admiral
British
First appearance: Sharpe's Devil

Historical figure. One of the most daring naval officers in history. Commands the Chilean independence forces in Sharpe's Devil. Flamboyant, brilliant, and unconventional.

FateSurvives. Continues his remarkable career.

Books
Sharpe's Devil

Sergeant Armstrong

fictional
Sergeant
British
First appearance: Sharpe's Honour

One of Sharpe's chosen men in the later Peninsular novels. Reliable and experienced.

FateUncertain.

Books
Sharpe's HonourSharpe's RegimentSharpe's Siege

Some details unverified, corrections welcome via our contact page.

Ben Perkins

fictional
Rifleman
British
First appearance: Sharpe's Havoc

Young member of Sharpe's chosen men. One of the newer recruits to the group in the later Peninsular novels.

FateSurvives. Does not appear in Sharpe's Waterloo.

Books
Sharpe's HavocSharpe's EscapeSharpe's FurySharpe's BattleSharpe's Sword

Peter d'Alembord

fictional
Captain
British
First appearance: Sharpe's Regiment

Officer in the South Essex. One of Sharpe's most reliable subordinates in the later Peninsular novels and at Waterloo.

FateSurvives the wars.

Books
Sharpe's RegimentSharpe's SiegeSharpe's RevengeSharpe's Waterloo
TV Films
Sharpe's RegimentSharpe's Waterloo
Military Career
  1. CaptainSharpe's Regiment

    First appearance. Travels to England with Sharpe and Harper to investigate the crimping racket.

  2. CaptainSharpe's Siege

    Atlantic coast raid.

  3. CaptainSharpe's Revenge

    France campaign.

  4. CaptainSharpe's Waterloo

    Officer in Prince of Wales Own Volunteers.

Lady Anne Comoynes

fictional
Lady
British
First appearance: Sharpe's Regiment

Fenner's mistress, forced to prostitute herself to pay off her late husband's debts. Initially used by Fenner to seduce Sharpe, she ultimately betrays Fenner by producing the incriminating ledgers that expose the crimping racket.

FateFreed from Fenner's control when Sharpe forces Fenner to cancel her debts.

Books
Sharpe's Regiment
TV Films
Sharpe's Regiment

Isaiah Tongue

fictional
Rifleman
British
First appearance: Sharpe's Rifles

One of Sharpe's chosen men. One of the two educated men in the company alongside Harris. Appears in the early Peninsular novels.

FateKilled by the French while warning Sharpe of an ambush in Sharpe's Gold.

Books
Sharpe's RiflesSharpe's EagleSharpe's Gold

Fergus Slattery

fictional
Rifleman
Irish
First appearance: Sharpe's Rifles

Irish rifleman from County Wicklow. Quiet, soft-spoken and capable. Called Slatts by his mates. Harper calls him a friend.

FateKilled at the Battle of Barrosa in Sharpe's Fury, a musket ball takes him in the throat in the closing moments of the battle.

Books
Sharpe's RiflesSharpe's EagleSharpe's GoldSharpe's EscapeSharpe's BattleSharpe's CompanySharpe's Fury

Parry Jenkins

fictional
Rifleman
Welsh
First appearance: Sharpe's Rifles

Welsh rifleman in the 95th Rifles. One of Sharpe's chosen men. Could have made Sergeant but Sharpe felt he lacked ruthlessness. Never disobeyed orders. Good friends with Tongue and Harvey. Loves fishing.

FateLast mentioned in Sharpe's Sword. Does not appear in later novels.

Books
Sharpe's RiflesSharpe's EagleSharpe's GoldSharpe's CompanySharpe's Sword
Novel vs TV

Never appeared in the TV series adaptations.

Miranda

fictional
Civilian
Spanish
First appearance: Sharpe's Battle

Young Spanish woman rescued by Ben Perkins during Sharpe's Battle after being raped by French soldiers under Brigadier Loup. Becomes attached to Perkins.

FateMurdered by French agents in Sharpe's Honour. Buried in the same grave as Perkins pays his respects.

Books
Sharpe's BattleSharpe's Honour

Josefina LaCosta

fictional
Civilian
Portuguese
First appearance: Sharpe's Eagle

Portuguese camp follower and former lover of Sharpe's. A beautiful and worldly woman. She and Sharpe have a complicated history. She reappears in Sharpe's Enemy where Sharpe nearly succumbs to her again before Teresa arrives.

FateSurvives.

Books
Sharpe's EagleSharpe's GoldSharpe's Enemy
TV Films
Sharpe's Eagle

Major Nairn

fictional
Major General
British
First appearance: Sharpe's Sword

Scottish general officer who becomes one of Sharpe's most important patrons in the later Peninsular novels. Clever, sardonic, and supportive of Sharpe. Takes over some of Hogan's intelligence role after Hogan's death.

FateSurvives the Peninsular War.

Books
Sharpe's SwordSharpe's EnemySharpe's HonourSharpe's RegimentSharpe's SiegeSharpe's Revenge
TV Films
Sharpe's EnemySharpe's HonourSharpe's Regiment
Novel vs TV

Played by Hugh Ross in the TV series.

Father Curtis

fictional
Priest
Irish
First appearance: Sharpe's Sword

Irish Catholic priest based in Salamanca. Acts as a British intelligence agent. A loyal friend to Sharpe and an unlikely spy. Appears in the Salamanca campaign novels.

FateSurvives.

Books
Sharpe's SwordSharpe's Honour
TV Films
Sharpe's Sword

Lieutenant Slingsby

fictional
Lieutenant
British
First appearance: Sharpe's Escape

Incompetent and arrogant officer posted to Sharpe's Light Company in Sharpe's Escape. Undermines Sharpe's authority and puts men's lives at risk through his incompetence. A source of considerable tension.

FateKilled during the Bussaco campaign.

Books
Sharpe's Escape

Lord Kiely

fictional
Lord
Irish
First appearance: Sharpe's Battle

Irish nobleman commanding the Real Compania Irlandesa in Sharpe's Battle. A tragic figure, proud, alcoholic, and ultimately broken by the impossible position he finds himself in.

FateDies during the campaign, suicide or killed in battle.

Books
Sharpe's Battle
TV Films
Sharpe's Battle

Lady Kiely

fictional
Lady
Irish
First appearance: Sharpe's Battle

Lord Kiely's wife. Caught up in the events of Sharpe's Battle. Connected to Loup and the French in ways that complicate the campaign.

FateSurvives.

Books
Sharpe's Battle
TV Films
Sharpe's Battle

Some details unverified, corrections welcome via our contact page.

General Thomas Picton

historical
Lieutenant General
British
First appearance: Sharpe's Company

Historical figure. Commander of the 3rd Division throughout the Peninsular War. A ferocious, unconventional general known for fighting in his nightcap. Appears in several Peninsular novels.

FateKilled at Waterloo leading his division against D'Erlon's corps. One of the most senior British officers to die in the battle.

Books
Sharpe's CompanySharpe's SwordSharpe's Waterloo
TV Films
Sharpe's Waterloo

Marshal Massena

historical
Marshal
French
First appearance: Sharpe's Escape

Historical figure. Commander of the French Army of Portugal during the Torres Vedras campaign. Sharpe operates against his forces during Sharpe's Escape and Sharpe's Fury. Wellington's most formidable opponent in the Peninsula.

FateRecalled to France after failing to break the Lines of Torres Vedras.

Books
Sharpe's EscapeSharpe's Fury

Marshal Marmont

historical
Marshal
French
First appearance: Sharpe's Sword

Historical figure. Commander of the French Army of Portugal at Salamanca 1812. Wounded at the critical moment of the battle.

FateWounded at Salamanca. Survives.

Books
Sharpe's Sword
TV Films
Sharpe's Sword

Colonel Brian Windham

fictional
Colonel
British
First appearance: Sharpe's Company

Commanding officer of the South Essex who replaces Lawford in Sharpe's Company. Brings Hakeswill back into the regiment. Killed by Leroux during his escape in Sharpe's Sword.

FateKilled by Colonel Leroux in Sharpe's Sword.

Books
Sharpe's CompanySharpe's Sword
Novel vs TV

Replaced in the TV version of Sharpe's Sword by the character Colonel Berkeley.

Matthew Dodd

fictional
Corporal
British
First appearance: Sharpe's Rifles

Member of Sharpe's chosen men. Goes missing in action after the Battle of Bussaco in Sharpe's Escape, last seen escaping from the French after being surrounded. His fate is never resolved.

FateMissing in action after Bussaco. Fate unknown.

Books
Sharpe's RiflesSharpe's EagleSharpe's GoldSharpe's Escape

Christian Gibbons

fictional
Lieutenant
British
First appearance: Sharpe's Eagle

Simmerson's nephew and accomplice in Sharpe's Eagle. A bully and coward who backs up Simmerson's incompetent command. Antagonist to Sharpe. Appears only in Sharpe's Eagle and does not recur.

FateKilled by Sharpe at the Battle of Talavera.

Books
Sharpe's Eagle
TV Films
Sharpe's Eagle

Anthony Pohlmann

fictional
Colonel
German
First appearance: Sharpe's Triumph

German mercenary who commands the Maratha infantry at Assaye. A former sergeant in the East India Company army who has risen to high command in Maratha service. Intelligent and dangerous.

FateSurvives Assaye. Fate after the battle uncertain.

Books
Sharpe's Triumph

Major Joseph Forrest

fictional
Major
British
First appearance: Sharpe's Eagle

Second in command of the South Essex. Inexperienced and nervous but basically decent, unlike many of Simmerson's officers. Supports Sharpe where he can. Takes temporary command after Lawford is wounded at Ciudad Rodrigo and again after Windham's death, leading the South Essex at Salamanca. Later transferred to a staff position in Lisbon.

FateTransferred to a staff position in Lisbon before Sharpe's Honour. Survives the war.

Books
Sharpe's EagleSharpe's GoldSharpe's EscapeSharpe's CompanySharpe's Sword
Novel vs TV

Despite being a prominent recurring character in the novels, Forrest was omitted from the TV series entirely.

Captain Lennox

fictional
Captain
Scottish
First appearance: Sharpe's Eagle

Officer of the South Essex Light Company in Sharpe's Eagle. A Scotsman who retired from the army after India but rejoined after losing his wife. Mortally wounded during Simmerson's foolish action at Valdelacasa when the King's Colour is lost. As a dying request, he asks Sharpe to take a French Eagle to erase the shame.

FateMortally wounded at Valdelacasa. Dies of his wounds.

Books
Sharpe's Eagle
TV Films
Sharpe's Eagle
Novel vs TV

His rank is given as Major in the TV film rather than Captain.

Major Jack Collett

fictional
Major
British
First appearance: Sharpe's Company

Friend of Colonel Windham who takes the vacant majority in Sharpe's Company ahead of the more deserving Leroy. Small man with a clipped moustache, cropped grey hair and bowed horseman's legs. Often seen at Windham's side.

FateKilled during the assault on the breach at Badajoz.

Books
Sharpe's Company
TV Films
Sharpe's Company
Novel vs TV

Appears younger in the TV adaptation than described in the novel.

Patrick-Henri Sharpe

fictional
Civilian
French
First appearance: Sharpe's Waterloo

Sharpe's son with Lucille Castineau. Named after Patrick Harper. Born after the Napoleonic Wars on the farm in Normandy.

FateSurvives. Becomes a French cavalry officer, much to his father's chagrin.

Books
Sharpe's WaterlooSharpe's Devil

Some details unverified, corrections welcome via our contact page.

Christopher Cresacre

fictional
Rifleman
British
First appearance: Sharpe's Rifles

Member of Sharpe's chosen men. Appears in the Peninsular novels as part of the core group of riflemen.

FateKilled during the Battle of Badajoz in Sharpe's Company.

Books
Sharpe's RiflesSharpe's EagleSharpe's GoldSharpe's Company

Major General David Baird

historical
Major General
British
First appearance: Sharpe's Tiger

Historical figure. Commands alongside Wellesley at Seringapatam 1799. A hard-nosed, experienced commander who had previously been a prisoner of Tippu Sultan.

FateSurvives Seringapatam. Loses an arm at Corunna 1809.

Books
Sharpe's Tiger

General Blücher

historical
Field Marshal
Prussian
First appearance: Sharpe's Waterloo

Historical figure. Commander of the Prussian Army at Waterloo. His arrival in the late afternoon saves Wellington's position. Sharpe has a brief interaction with him in Sharpe's Waterloo.

FateSurvives Waterloo. Dies 1819.

Books
Sharpe's Waterloo
TV Films
Sharpe's Waterloo

Rifleman Sean Donnelly

fictional
Rifleman
Irish
First appearance: Sharpe's Rifles

Member of Sharpe's chosen men in the early Peninsular novels. One of the 31 riflemen separated during the retreat to Corunna.

FateKilled in Sharpe's Havoc while on watch duty by a French sharpshooter.

Books
Sharpe's RiflesSharpe's Havoc

Rifleman McNeill

fictional
Rifleman
Scottish
First appearance: Sharpe's Rifles

Member of Sharpe's chosen men. One of the core riflemen from the retreat to Corunna who serve with Sharpe through the early Peninsular campaign.

FateSurvives.

Books
Sharpe's RiflesSharpe's HavocSharpe's Eagle

Some details unverified, corrections welcome via our contact page.

Rifleman Harvey

fictional
Rifleman
British
First appearance: Sharpe's Rifles

Member of Sharpe's chosen men. One of the riflemen from the retreat to Corunna. Friends with Jenkins and Tongue.

FateSurvives.

Books
Sharpe's RiflesSharpe's EagleSharpe's GoldSharpe's EscapeSharpe's Company

Some details unverified, corrections welcome via our contact page.

Rifleman Carter

fictional
Rifleman
British
First appearance: Sharpe's Escape

Member of Sharpe's chosen men. Appears in the Peninsular novels as part of the core riflemen group.

FateSurvives as of Sharpe's Escape.

Books
Sharpe's EscapeSharpe's BattleSharpe's Company

Some details unverified, corrections welcome via our contact page.

Rifleman Gataker

fictional
Rifleman
British
First appearance: Sharpe's Rifles

Member of Sharpe's chosen men from the retreat to Corunna.

FateKilled during the Battle of Talavera in Sharpe's Eagle.

Books
Sharpe's RiflesSharpe's Eagle

Rifleman Pendleton

fictional
Rifleman
British
First appearance: Sharpe's Rifles

Member of Sharpe's chosen men from the retreat to Corunna. One of the younger riflemen alongside Perkins.

FateKilled during the Battle of Talavera in Sharpe's Eagle.

Books
Sharpe's RiflesSharpe's Eagle

Rifleman Williamson

fictional
Rifleman
British
First appearance: Sharpe's Rifles

Member of Sharpe's chosen men. Turns deserter and flees to the enemy.

FateKilled by Sharpe for desertion and fleeing to the enemy in Sharpe's Havoc.

Books
Sharpe's RiflesSharpe's Havoc

Lord Uxbridge

historical
General
British
First appearance: Sharpe's Waterloo

Historical figure. Wellington's second in command at Waterloo. Commands the Allied cavalry. Has a famous exchange with Wellington after losing his leg to a cannon ball near the end of the battle.

FateLoses his leg at Waterloo. Survives.

Books
Sharpe's Waterloo
TV Films
Sharpe's Waterloo
Novel vs TV

In the TV film Sharpe nearly threatens him with his sword before Price warns him who he is.

Tobias Simmerson

fictional
Private
British
First appearance: Sharpe's Eagle

One of the South Essex soldiers. Minor background character.

FateUncertain.

Books
Sharpe's Eagle

Some details unverified, corrections welcome via our contact page.

Marshal Soult

historical
Marshal
French
First appearance: Sharpe's Rifles

Historical figure. One of Napoleon's most capable marshals. Commands French forces in Portugal and Spain during much of the Peninsular War. A persistent opponent of Wellington throughout the campaign.

FateSurvives the Napoleonic Wars.

Books
Sharpe's RiflesSharpe's HavocSharpe's Fury

Marshal Ney

historical
Marshal
French
First appearance: Sharpe's Waterloo

Historical figure. Known as the Bravest of the Brave. Commands French forces at key moments in the Peninsular War and at Waterloo where he leads the great cavalry charges against Wellington's squares.

FateSurvives Waterloo. Executed by firing squad in Paris December 1815 for treason.

Books
Sharpe's Waterloo
TV Films
Sharpe's Waterloo

General Cambronne

historical
General
French
First appearance: Sharpe's Waterloo

Historical figure. Commands a battalion of the Old Guard at Waterloo. Famous for his response when called upon to surrender, either the single word Merde or the longer defiant speech. His exact words remain disputed by historians.

FateWounded and captured at Waterloo. Survives.

Books
Sharpe's Waterloo
TV Films
Sharpe's Waterloo

Major Warren Dunnett

fictional
Major
British
First appearance: Sharpe's Prey

Rifle officer. Sharpe's original company commander before the retreat to Corunna. Commands the company at Copenhagen and the early Peninsular campaign.

FateSurvives. Appears briefly in Sharpe's Waterloo.

Books
Sharpe's PreySharpe's RiflesSharpe's Waterloo

General Hill

historical
Lieutenant General
British
First appearance: Sharpe's Havoc

Historical figure. Known as Daddy Hill by his troops for his concern for their welfare, a rare quality among generals of the period. Commands the 2nd Division throughout the Peninsular War. One of Wellington's most trusted subordinates.

FateSurvives the Napoleonic Wars. Later becomes Commander-in-Chief of the British Army.

Books
Sharpe's HavocSharpe's EscapeSharpe's Fury

Sergeant Williams

fictional
Sergeant
British
First appearance: Sharpe's Rifles

One of the 95th Rifles sergeants during the retreat to Corunna. Killed during a battle in Sharpe's Rifles.

FateKilled in Sharpe's Rifles.

Books
Sharpe's Rifles

Tomas Vivar

fictional
Count
Spanish
First appearance: Sharpe's Rifles

Brother of Don Blas Vivar. The Count of Mouromorto. Primary antagonist of Sharpe's Rifles, has allied himself with the French against his own country for political reasons.

FateKilled.

Books
Sharpe's Rifles
TV Films
Sharpe's Rifles

The Prince Regent

historical
Prince Regent
British
First appearance: Sharpe's Regiment

Historical figure. The future King George IV. Appears in Sharpe's Regiment when Sharpe presents the 2nd Battalion South Essex to him at Hyde Park. Promotes Sharpe to Major.

FateBecomes King George IV in 1820.

Books
Sharpe's Regiment
TV Films
Sharpe's Regiment

Helene Leroux

fictional
Civilian
French
First appearance: Sharpe's Sword

Sister of Colonel Philippe Leroux. A French agent operating inside British lines in Salamanca. Beautiful and dangerous. Sharpe's love interest in Sharpe's Sword. At the end of the novel she gives Sharpe a replacement telescope in a rosewood box, a gift from Napoleon to his brother Joseph, King of Spain.

FateSurvives. Her subsequent fate is not described.

Books
Sharpe's Sword
Novel vs TV

In the TV adaptation of Sharpe's Sword her role is replaced by the character Lass, a traumatised novice nun played as a completely different character.

Captain Rymer

fictional
Captain
British
First appearance: Sharpe's Company

Officer who purchases a captaincy in Sharpe's Company and is given command of Sharpe's light company over Sharpe. Described as good looking and fair haired but fatally indecisive in battle. Harper says his worst crime as a commander is that he cannot make up his mind.

FateKilled during the assault on Badajoz.

Books
Sharpe's Company
TV Films
Sharpe's Company

Captain Mungo Munro

fictional
Major
Scottish
First appearance: Sharpe's Sword

British intelligence officer who works alongside Hogan and later assists Sharpe during the Salamanca campaign in Sharpe's Sword. Investigates the French spy network operating inside British lines.

FateSurvives.

Books
Sharpe's SwordSharpe's Enemy
TV Films
Sharpe's Sword

Some details unverified, corrections welcome via our contact page.

General Craufurd

historical
Major General
British
First appearance: Sharpe's Escape

Historical figure. Commander of the Light Division throughout the Peninsular War. Known as Black Bob for his ferocious discipline. One of the finest light infantry commanders of the era, trained at Shorncliffe like the 95th. Worshipped and feared by his men in equal measure.

FateMortally wounded at the storming of Ciudad Rodrigo January 1812. Dies of his wounds.

Books
Sharpe's EscapeSharpe's FurySharpe's Company

General Beresford

historical
Marshal
British
First appearance: Sharpe's Fury

Historical figure. Appointed by Wellington to rebuild and command the Portuguese Army. Transforms it into an effective fighting force. Commands at the bloody Battle of Albuera 1811.

FateSurvives the Peninsular War.

Books
Sharpe's Fury

Ned Tarrant

fictional
Rifleman
British
First appearance: Sharpe's Rifles

Member of Sharpe's chosen men. Wounded in action during the French victory at Oporto in Sharpe's Havoc and is unable to walk. Sharpe is forced to leave him behind.

FateMissing in action as of Sharpe's Havoc. Left behind wounded at Oporto. Fate unknown.

Books
Sharpe's RiflesSharpe's Havoc

Private Batten

fictional
Private
British
First appearance: Sharpe's Rifles

One of the riflemen from the retreat to Corunna. A complainer and malingerer, the least popular man in the company. Sharpe tolerates him because he is a good shot.

FateSurvives the early Peninsular campaign.

Books
Sharpe's RiflesSharpe's EagleSharpe's Gold

Some details unverified, corrections welcome via our contact page.

Jorge Vicente

fictional
Lieutenant
Portuguese
First appearance: Sharpe's Havoc

Portuguese officer and lawyer who joins Sharpe during the Oporto campaign in Sharpe's Havoc. Intelligent, principled, and idealistic. Becomes one of Sharpe's most trusted allies in the early Peninsular novels. Struggles with the violence of war given his civilian background.

FateSurvives. Appears in subsequent Peninsular novels.

Books
Sharpe's HavocSharpe's GoldSharpe's Escape

Sally Clayton

fictional
Civilian
British
First appearance: Sharpe's Company

Wife of a South Essex soldier. Hakeswill pursues her with sinister intent in Sharpe's Company after his attempt on Teresa fails.

FateSurvives.

Books
Sharpe's Company
TV Films
Sharpe's Company

General Loison

historical
General
French
First appearance: Sharpe's Havoc

Historical figure. French divisional commander in Portugal during the Peninsular War. Known for brutal reprisals against the Portuguese civilian population. One of Massena's subordinates during the Torres Vedras campaign.

FateSurvives the Peninsular War.

Books
Sharpe's HavocSharpe's Escape

Appah Rao

fictional
Civilian official
Indian
First appearance: Sharpe's Tiger

Indian official in Mysore who assists the British during the Seringapatam campaign. Provides intelligence and support to Wellesley and McCandless.

FateSurvives.

Books
Sharpe's Tiger

Some details unverified, corrections welcome via our contact page.

Major Davi Lal

fictional
Servant
Indian
First appearance: Sharpe's Triumph

Sharpe's servant boy in India. Killed along with his six men during the massacre at Chasalgaon perpetrated by William Dodd.

FateKilled at Chasalgaon in Sharpe's Triumph.

Books
Sharpe's Triumph

General Junot

historical
General
French
First appearance: Sharpe's Havoc

Historical figure. Commands the French forces that invade Portugal in 1807. Defeated at the Battle of Vimeiro 1808 by Wellesley. His army is repatriated to France under the Convention of Cintra in controversial circumstances.

FateRecalled from Portugal. Later goes mad and dies in 1813.

Books
Sharpe's Havoc

Captain Gillespie

historical
Captain
British
First appearance: Sharpe's Tiger

British officer at Seringapatam. Historical figure. Major General Rollo Gillespie later became famous for his own Indian campaigns but appears as a junior officer in the Seringapatam action.

FateSurvives Seringapatam. Later killed at Kalunga 1814.

Books
Sharpe's Tiger

Some details unverified, corrections welcome via our contact page.

Marshal Victor

historical
Marshal
French
First appearance: Sharpe's Fury

Historical figure. Commands French forces at the Battle of Barrosa 1811 where General Graham defeats him. Sharpe fights in this battle in Sharpe's Fury.

FateSurvives the Peninsular War.

Books
Sharpe's Fury

Sergeant Huckfield

fictional
Sergeant
British
First appearance: Sharpe's Eagle

One of the South Essex sergeants during the Peninsular campaign. Background character appearing in several novels.

FateUncertain.

Books
Sharpe's EagleSharpe's GoldSharpe's Company

Some details unverified, corrections welcome via our contact page.

Private Clayton

fictional
Private
British
First appearance: Sharpe's Company

South Essex soldier. Husband of Sally Clayton. A decent man caught up in Hakeswill's schemes in Sharpe's Company.

FateSurvives.

Books
Sharpe's Company
TV Films
Sharpe's Company

Colonel Sir Augustus Farthingdale

fictional
Colonel
British
First appearance: Sharpe's Enemy

Elderly British officer in Sharpe's Enemy. Commands the garrison at Adrados. More interested in his young wife than in soldiering. His incompetence and absence of authority allows the situation with the deserters to deteriorate.

FateSurvives.

Books
Sharpe's Enemy
TV Films
Sharpe's Enemy

Lady Isabella Farthingdale

fictional
Lady
British
First appearance: Sharpe's Enemy

Young wife of Colonel Farthingdale in Sharpe's Enemy. Her capture by the deserters is one of the catalysts for the plot. Much younger than her husband.

FateRescued. Survives.

Books
Sharpe's Enemy
TV Films
Sharpe's Enemy

General Miguel Bautista

fictional
General
Spanish
First appearance: Sharpe's Devil

Spanish royalist Governor of Chile. Primary villain of Sharpe's Devil. Ruthless, corrupt and politically cunning. Has imprisoned Don Blas Vivar and is using his position for personal enrichment. Sharpe travels to Chile to investigate Vivar's disappearance and finds Bautista behind it.

FateKilled.

Books
Sharpe's Devil

Captain Ardiles

fictional
Captain
Spanish
First appearance: Sharpe's Devil

Spanish naval captain commanding the Espiritu Santo, the ship that takes Sharpe to Chile. Initially an antagonist, arrogant and hostile to Sharpe. Ultimately a man of honour who finds himself on the wrong side of history.

FateKilled during the Chilean campaign.

Books
Sharpe's Devil

George Blair

fictional
Civilian
British
First appearance: Sharpe's Devil

British consul in Valdivia, Chile. Assists Sharpe on his arrival in Chile. A pragmatic man who has to navigate between the Spanish royalists and the Chilean independence forces.

FateSurvives.

Books
Sharpe's Devil

General San Martin

historical
General
Argentine
First appearance: Sharpe's Devil

Historical figure. Commander of the South American independence forces alongside Cochrane. One of the liberators of South America. Mentioned in Sharpe's Devil as part of the wider independence struggle.

FateSurvives. One of the great figures of South American history.

Books
Sharpe's Devil

Midshipman Harry Collier

fictional
Midshipman
British
First appearance: Sharpe's Trafalgar

Young midshipman aboard HMS Pucelle during the voyage to Trafalgar. One of the junior officers who encounters Sharpe. Survives and flourishes.

FateSurvives Trafalgar.

Books
Sharpe's Trafalgar

Llewellyn

fictional
Lieutenant
Welsh
First appearance: Sharpe's Trafalgar

Marine officer aboard HMS Pucelle during Sharpe's Trafalgar. Works alongside Sharpe during the battle.

FateUncertain.

Books
Sharpe's Trafalgar

Some details unverified, corrections welcome via our contact page.

Colonel Lanier

fictional
Colonel
French
First appearance: Sharpe's Assassin

French royalist officer in Sharpe's Assassin. Connected to the La Fraternite assassination plot against the restored Bourbon monarchy. Operates in Paris 1815.

FateUncertain.

Books
Sharpe's Assassin

Some details unverified, corrections welcome via our contact page.

Lucille Castineau's mother

fictional
Civilian
French
First appearance: Sharpe's Assassin

Lucille's mother. Lives on the Norman farm. Present in the later novels set in France.

FateUncertain.

Books
Sharpe's Assassin

Some details unverified, corrections welcome via our contact page.

Aksel Bang

fictional
Civilian
Danish
First appearance: Sharpe's Prey

Danish villain in Sharpe's Prey. Works with Lavisser against the British mission in Copenhagen. Dangerous and fanatical.

FateKilled.

Books
Sharpe's Prey

Captain Vandal

fictional
Captain
French
First appearance: Sharpe's Storm

French officer and antagonist in Sharpe's Storm. Commands forces opposing Sharpe during the southern France campaign 1813.

FateUncertain.

Books
Sharpe's Storm

Some details unverified, corrections welcome via our contact page.

Colonel Tissot

fictional
Colonel
French
First appearance: Sharpe's Command

French commander encountered during the Sharpe's Command mission in Spain 1812.

FateUncertain.

Books
Sharpe's Command

Some details unverified, corrections welcome via our contact page.

General Anstruther

historical
Brigadier General
British
First appearance: Sharpe's Havoc

Historical figure. Commands British forces at Vimeiro 1808 alongside Wellesley. One of the generals present at the controversial Convention of Cintra.

FateDies of illness in Portugal 1809.

Books
Sharpe's Havoc

Lieutenant Ayres

fictional
Lieutenant
British
First appearance: Sharpe's Gold

South Essex officer who files a charge against Sharpe after Sharpe threatens him. Used by Simmerson to try to have Sharpe court-martialled.

FateUncertain.

Books
Sharpe's Gold

Some details unverified, corrections welcome via our contact page.

Colonel Fletcher

historical
Colonel
British
First appearance: Sharpe's Escape

Historical figure. Wellington's chief engineer in the Peninsula. Responsible for designing and constructing the Lines of Torres Vedras. One of the most important officers in Wellington's army.

FateKilled at the siege of San Sebastian 1813.

Books
Sharpe's Escape

Sergeant Read

fictional
Sergeant
British
First appearance: Sharpe's Eagle

One of the South Essex sergeants during the Peninsular campaign. Background character in the early Peninsular novels.

FateUncertain.

Books
Sharpe's EagleSharpe's Gold

Some details unverified, corrections welcome via our contact page.

General Foy

historical
General
French
First appearance: Sharpe's Sword

Historical figure. French divisional commander in the Peninsular War. Wounded at Salamanca. One of the more capable French commanders Sharpe encounters.

FateSurvives the Peninsular War and Waterloo.

Books
Sharpe's SwordSharpe's Waterloo

General Clausel

historical
General
French
First appearance: Sharpe's Sword

Historical figure. Takes command of the French Army of Portugal after Marmont is wounded at Salamanca. Conducts a skilled fighting retreat that saves the army from complete destruction.

FateSurvives. Commands French forces at Waterloo.

Books
Sharpe's Sword

Doña Juanita

fictional
Civilian
Spanish
First appearance: Sharpe's Battle

Female French agent operating in Spain. Steals Ben Perkins' green jacket when Sharpe paroled her after capture, it was the only one small enough to fit a woman. Appears in Sharpe's Battle.

FateParoled by Sharpe. Subsequent fate uncertain.

Books
Sharpe's Battle

General D'Erlon

historical
General
French
First appearance: Sharpe's Waterloo

Historical figure. Commands the French I Corps at Waterloo. His attack on the Allied centre at 1pm is repulsed by Picton's division and the cavalry charge of the Scots Greys. A pivotal moment in the battle.

FateSurvives Waterloo.

Books
Sharpe's Waterloo
TV Films
Sharpe's Waterloo

Lord Fitzroy Somerset

historical
Colonel
British
First appearance: Sharpe's Waterloo

Historical figure. Wellington's military secretary throughout the Peninsular War and at Waterloo. Has his arm amputated after Waterloo. Later becomes Field Marshal Lord Raglan and commands in the Crimean War.

FateLoses his arm at Waterloo. Survives.

Books
Sharpe's Waterloo

Recurring Major Characters

Richard Sharpe

Private to Lieutenant-Colonel
English (London-born, Yorkshire in the TV series)
Appears in:All 24 novels

The protagonist of the entire series. Born in poverty, enlisted in the 33rd Foot to escape a murder charge, and commissioned from the ranks after saving Arthur Wellesley's life at the Battle of Assaye in 1803. Transfers to the 95th Rifles and fights through the Peninsular War, rising by battlefield merit rather than purchase. Carries a heavy cavalry sword in preference to the regulation officer's sabre and is a crack shot with the Baker rifle.

FateSurvives the wars. Settles in Normandy with Lucille Castineau after Waterloo.

Patrick Harper

Private to Regimental Sergeant Major
Irish (Donegal)
Appears in:Sharpe's Rifles onward (most Peninsular and later novels)

Sharpe's closest friend, conscience and strong right arm. A huge Irishman from Donegal who carries a seven-barrelled Nock volley gun. Loyal, devout (carries a crucifix), immensely strong, and often the most dangerous man in the room. Marries Isabella, a Spanish woman, during the Peninsular campaigns.

FateSurvives the wars. Returns to Ireland with Isabella.

Obadiah Hakeswill

Sergeant
English
Appears in:Sharpe's Tiger, Sharpe's Triumph, Sharpe's Fortress, Sharpe's Company, Sharpe's Enemy

The most loathsome villain in the series. A former soldier in the 33rd Foot who tormented the young Private Sharpe in India. Survived a botched hanging as a child, which left him with a facial twitch and a conviction that he cannot be killed. A bully, thief, rapist and murderer who returns to plague Sharpe in the Peninsular War. He is responsible for the death of Teresa Moreno.

FateKilled by Sharpe. Executed by firing squad in Sharpe's Enemy.

Novel vs TV

In the novel Sharpe's Enemy, Sharpe commands the firing squad and personally delivers the coup de grâce. In the 1994 ITV television film, Sharpe is present at the execution but another officer delivers the final shot. Hakeswill's last words, directed at Sharpe, his greatest enemy, are his famous line: You cannot kill me.

Major Michael Hogan

Major, Royal Engineers / Exploring Officers
Irish
Appears in:Sharpe's Eagle through the mid-Peninsular novels

Wellington's head of intelligence in the Peninsula. A fictional character loosely inspired by real exploring officers such as Colquhoun Grant and George Scovell. Urbane, shrewd and quietly ruthless, he acts as Sharpe's patron and protector, seeing in him a useful instrument that the gentlemen officers overlook. He is one of the few senior officers who treats Sharpe as an equal.

FateDies during the Peninsular campaigns. His death is reported between novels.

Arthur Wellesley, Duke of Wellington

General to Field Marshal
Anglo-Irish
Appears in:Sharpe's Tiger (as Colonel Wellesley) onward through the Peninsular and Waterloo novels

The real historical commander, depicted throughout the series as cold, private, calculating and brilliant. He recognises Sharpe's value while never quite accepting him socially. Their relationship is one of mutual respect without warmth. Cornwell portrays Wellington closely following the historical record, including his famous reserve and dry wit.

Teresa Moreno

Partisan leader / La Aguja (The Needle)
Spanish
Appears in:Sharpe's Rifles, Sharpe's Gold, Sharpe's Company, and others

A Spanish guerrilla leader and Sharpe's first wife. Fierce, independent and a skilled fighter, she commands a band of partisans in the mountains of Spain. She and Sharpe have a daughter, Antonia. Teresa is murdered by Obadiah Hakeswill during the Peninsular campaigns.

FateKilled by Hakeswill. Her death is one of the defining tragedies of the series.

Jane Gibbons

Civilian
English
Appears in:Sharpe's Regiment, Sharpe's Siege, Sharpe's Revenge

Sharpe's second wife. A young, well-born Englishwoman whom Sharpe marries during a return to England. The marriage deteriorates badly: Jane takes Sharpe's money and his London house, and by the time of Sharpe's Revenge she has left him for another man. She represents the class divide that Sharpe can never fully cross.

FateLeaves Sharpe. They are effectively separated by the end of the war.

Lucille Castineau

Civilian (French noblewoman)
French
Appears in:Sharpe's Revenge, Sharpe's Waterloo, Sharpe's Devil

A Norman widow whose husband was killed serving in Napoleon's army. Sharpe meets her in Normandy during Sharpe's Revenge and stays with her after the war. She is calm, intelligent and grounded, a counterweight to Sharpe's restlessness. Unlike Jane, Lucille accepts Sharpe as he is.

FateSharpe's enduring companion. They settle together at her farmhouse in Normandy.

Characters by Book

Books 1 to 8 · India, Trafalgar, Copenhagen, Spain

1. Sharpe’s Tiger

India · Seringapatam, 1799
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  • Richard Sharpe (Private, 33rd Foot) recurring
  • Sergeant Obadiah Hakeswill (33rd Foot, Sharpe’s tormentor) recurring
  • Colonel McCandless (East India Company intelligence officer)
  • The Tippoo Sultan (ruler of Mysore) historical
  • Colonel Arthur Wellesley (33rd Foot, future Duke of Wellington) historical recurring
  • Mary Bickerstaff (soldier’s widow, Sharpe’s lover in this novel)

2. Sharpe’s Triumph

India · Assaye, 1803
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  • Richard Sharpe (Sergeant, 33rd Foot) recurring
  • Colonel McCandless (intelligence officer, returns from Tiger)
  • William Dodd (renegade British officer serving the Mahrattas, main villain)
  • Major-General Arthur Wellesley historical recurring
  • Sergeant Hakeswill recurring

3. Sharpe’s Fortress

India · Gawilghur, 1803
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  • Richard Sharpe (newly commissioned Ensign) recurring
  • Sergeant Hakeswill recurring
  • Colonel Stevenson (commands one of Wellesley’s columns)
  • Syud Sevajee (Mahratta ally, guides the British assault on Gawilghur)

4. Sharpe’s Trafalgar

At sea, 1805
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  • Richard Sharpe (Lieutenant, homeward bound from India) recurring
  • Lord William Hale (aristocratic villain aboard the East Indiaman)
  • Lady Grace Hale (Lord William’s wife, Sharpe’s lover; dies)
  • Captain Joel Chase (Royal Navy frigate captain, Sharpe’s ally)
  • Admiral Villeneuve (commander of the Franco-Spanish fleet) historical

5. Sharpe’s Prey

Denmark · Copenhagen, 1807
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  • Richard Sharpe (Lieutenant, 95th Rifles) recurring
  • Captain John Lavisser (main villain, traitor working for the Danes)
  • Ole Skovgaard (Danish merchant sympathetic to the British)
  • Astrid Skovgaard (Ole’s daughter)

6. Sharpe’s Rifles

Spain · Retreat to Corunna, 1809
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  • Richard Sharpe (Lieutenant, 95th Rifles) recurring
  • Sergeant Patrick Harper (first appearance; Sharpe’s future RSM and closest friend) recurring
  • Captain Blas Vivar (Spanish officer escorting a sacred relic behind French lines)
  • Sir John Moore (commander of the British retreat) historical

7. Sharpe’s Havoc

Portugal · Oporto, 1809
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  • Richard Sharpe recurring
  • Sergeant Patrick Harper recurring
  • Colonel Christopher (British officer turned traitor, main villain)
  • Kate Savage (young Englishwoman stranded in Portugal)

8. Sharpe’s Eagle

Spain · Talavera, 1809
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  • Richard Sharpe (Captain, attached to the South Essex) recurring
  • Sergeant Patrick Harper recurring
  • Sir Henry Simmerson (incompetent colonel of the South Essex, main antagonist)
  • Lieutenant Christian Gibbons (Simmerson’s nephew)
  • Major Michael Hogan (first appearance; Wellington’s intelligence officer) recurring
  • Sir Arthur Wellesley (later Duke of Wellington) historical recurring

9. Sharpe’s Gold

Spain · Torres Vedras, 1810
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  • Richard Sharpe (Captain) recurring
  • Sergeant Patrick Harper recurring
  • El Católico (Spanish guerrilla leader; the novel’s main villain)
  • Teresa Moreno (first appearance; Spanish guerrilla fighter, later Sharpe’s wife) recurring
  • Major Michael Hogan recurring

10. Sharpe’s Escape

Portugal · Bussaco, 1810
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  • Richard Sharpe recurring
  • Sergeant Patrick Harper recurring
  • Ferragus (Portuguese criminal, the novel’s main villain)
  • Lieutenant Price (officer in the South Essex)

11. Sharpe’s Fury

Spain · Barrosa, 1811
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  • Richard Sharpe recurring
  • Sergeant Patrick Harper recurring
  • Father Sarsfield (Irish priest in Cádiz)
  • General Thomas Graham (commands the British at Barrosa) historical

12. Sharpe’s Battle

Spain · Fuentes de Oñoro, 1811
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  • Richard Sharpe recurring
  • Sergeant Patrick Harper recurring
  • Lord Kiely / Lord Runciman (comic-villain officers of the Real Compañía Irlandesa)
  • Brigadier Loup (French counter-guerrilla commander, the novel’s main villain)
  • The Duke of Wellington historical recurring

13. Sharpe’s Company

Spain · Badajoz, 1812
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  • Richard Sharpe recurring
  • Sergeant Patrick Harper recurring
  • Sergeant Obadiah Hakeswill (returns; murders Teresa Moreno during the sack of Badajoz) recurring
  • Teresa Moreno (killed by Hakeswill) recurring
  • The Duke of Wellington historical recurring

14. Sharpe’s Command

Spain, 1812
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  • Richard Sharpe recurring
  • Sergeant Patrick Harper recurring
  • The Duke of Wellington historical recurring

15. Sharpe’s Sword

Spain · Salamanca, 1812
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  • Richard Sharpe recurring
  • Sergeant Patrick Harper recurring
  • Colonel Philippe Leroux (French intelligence officer and swordsman; main villain)
  • Major Michael Hogan recurring
  • Lord Spears (British officer, charming but untrustworthy)

16. Sharpe’s Enemy

Spain · Adrados, Christmas 1812
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  • Richard Sharpe recurring
  • Sergeant Patrick Harper recurring
  • Sergeant Obadiah Hakeswill (returns for the last time; executed by firing squad) recurring
  • Pot-au-Feu (French deserter and bandit leader)
  • Colonel Dubreton (French officer; honourable antagonist who cooperates with Sharpe against the deserters)

17. Sharpe’s Honour

Spain · Vitoria, 1813
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  • Richard Sharpe recurring
  • Sergeant Patrick Harper recurring
  • Major Pierre Ducos (French intelligence officer; main villain, returns in later novels) recurring
  • El Matarife (Spanish guerrilla leader, brutal and treacherous)
  • Helene Leroux / La Marquesa (French spy, wife of Colonel Leroux from Sharpe’s Sword)
  • The Duke of Wellington historical recurring

18. Sharpe’s Regiment

England & Pyrenees, 1813
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  • Richard Sharpe recurring
    Lieutenant-Colonel · English

    Returns to England from Spain to find the South Essex’s second battalion has been effectively dissolved, its recruits siphoned off in a crimping racket. Sharpe and Harper go undercover as common recruits to infiltrate the battalion’s training camp and expose the conspiracy. Sharpe also meets and begins his courtship of Jane Gibbons.

  • Sergeant Patrick Harper recurring
    RSM · Irish (Donegal)

    Accompanies Sharpe to England and enlists alongside him in the second battalion under false names. His size and fighting ability make him conspicuous despite the disguise.

  • Colonel Girdwood
    Colonel, 2nd Battalion South Essex · English

    The commanding officer of the second battalion and the novel’s principal villain. Girdwood runs the training camp where recruits are drilled and then sold to other regiments for profit. He is a petty tyrant who governs the camp through fear and rigid discipline. Girdwood is protected by his political connections to Lord Fenner.

    Fate: defeated and disgraced by Sharpe. Exact details of his final fate uncertain; readers should verify.

  • Lord Fenner
    Secretary at War · English

    The politician behind the crimping racket. Fenner occupies a senior position in the War Office and uses his authority to cover up the diversion of recruits from the South Essex. He is the power behind Girdwood and the more dangerous of the two villains because of his political connections.

    Fate: his conspiracy is exposed. Exact consequences uncertain; readers should verify.

  • Sergeant Lynch
    Sergeant, 2nd Battalion South Essex · English

    Girdwood’s brutal enforcer at the training camp. Lynch maintains discipline through violence and intimidation. He is one of the men Sharpe and Harper must deal with while undercover as recruits.

    Fate: killed during the novel. Exact circumstances uncertain; readers should verify.

  • Jane Gibbons recurring
    Civilian · English

    First appearance. A young, well-born Englishwoman and niece of Sir Henry Simmerson (the incompetent colonel from Sharpe’s Eagle). Sharpe is attracted to her beauty and her apparent admiration for him. They marry, but the relationship deteriorates badly in later novels as Jane proves ill-suited to life with Sharpe.

    Fate: becomes Sharpe’s second wife. Leaves him by Sharpe’s Revenge.

  • Maggie Joyce
    Civilian · English

    A woman from Sharpe’s past in London, connected to his youth before he enlisted. She provides a reminder of the world Sharpe came from and the poverty he escaped by joining the army.

    Specific plot details uncertain; readers should verify from the novel.

  • The Prince of Wales historical
    Prince Regent · English

    The future George IV. Makes a minor appearance in the London scenes. Cornwell uses him to illustrate the contrast between the political world and the reality of the war in Spain.

  • Sir Henry Simmerson recurring
    Former Colonel, South Essex · English

    Returns from Sharpe’s Eagle. The disgraced former colonel of the South Essex who lost the King’s Colour at Valdelacasa. Now involved in the crimping conspiracy through his political connections. Jane Gibbons is his niece.

19. Sharpe’s Siege

France · Atlantic coast, 1814
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  • Richard Sharpe recurring
  • Sergeant Patrick Harper recurring
  • Captain Bampfylde (Royal Navy officer; incompetent and treacherous)
  • Cornelius Killick (American privateer captain)

20. Sharpe’s Revenge

France & Naples, 1814
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  • Richard Sharpe recurring
  • Sergeant Patrick Harper recurring
  • Jane Sharpe (leaves Sharpe, takes his money) recurring
  • Major Pierre Ducos (returns; frames Sharpe for theft) recurring
  • Lucille Castineau (first appearance; French widow, becomes Sharpe’s companion) recurring
  • Captain William Frederickson (Rifle officer, Sharpe’s ally)

21. Sharpe’s Waterloo

Belgium · Waterloo, 1815
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  • Richard Sharpe recurring
    Lieutenant-Colonel, liaison officer · English

    Attached to the Prince of Orange’s staff as a liaison officer, a role that puts him in direct contact with the Allied command’s worst decisions. Sharpe watches the Prince order catastrophic attacks and is powerless to countermand them. He fights at both Quatre Bras and Waterloo, ending the battle in the thick of the fighting around La Haye Sainte and the final defeat of the Imperial Guard.

  • Patrick Harper recurring
    RSM (retired) · Irish (Donegal)

    Has left the army but comes to Belgium to find Sharpe. Fights alongside him at Waterloo as a civilian volunteer. Harper’s presence at the battle is a deliberate choice: he comes because Sharpe needs him, not because he has to.

    Fate: survives Waterloo. Returns to Ireland.

  • The Prince of Orange historical
    Commander, Allied I Corps · Dutch

    William, Prince of Orange, heir to the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Cornwell portrays him as young, inexperienced and dangerously incompetent: he orders infantry into line when they should be in square, directly causing heavy casualties. His reckless commands are one of the novel’s central sources of tension. Historically, the Prince was wounded at Waterloo and his battlefield performance has been debated by historians, though Cornwell’s portrayal is notably harsh.

    Fate: wounded at Waterloo (historical).

  • The Duke of Wellington historical recurring
    Field Marshal, Allied commander · Anglo-Irish

    Commands the Allied army at Waterloo. Cornwell portrays him as calm, cold, and utterly in command throughout the crisis. He recognises Sharpe’s value and uses him where the fighting is hardest. Their long association across the series reaches its climax here.

  • Lord John Rossendale
    Officer · English

    Jane Sharpe’s lover. A young, fashionable aristocrat who has taken up with Jane and is spending Sharpe’s money. Rossendale serves in the Allied army at Waterloo. Sharpe wants to kill him but the battle intervenes.

    Fate: specific outcome uncertain; readers should verify from the novel.

  • Napoleon Bonaparte historical
    Emperor of the French

    Seen at a distance commanding the French army. Cornwell does not give him a speaking role in this novel but his presence shapes every moment of the battle.

  • Lucille Castineau recurring
    Civilian · French

    Sharpe’s companion, waiting for him in Normandy. She appears in the novel’s framing scenes. Her presence is a reminder of what Sharpe has to survive for.

  • Harry Price
    Lieutenant · English

    A junior officer who serves under Sharpe. Price is a likeable, capable soldier who fights at Waterloo.

    Exact rank and role details uncertain; first appears earlier in the series (Sharpe’s Escape or later). Readers should verify.

  • General Rebecque historical
    Chief of Staff, Netherlands Corps · Dutch-Belgian

    Jean Victor de Constant Rebecque, the Prince of Orange’s chief of staff. In the novel he is portrayed as a competent professional officer who tries to mitigate the Prince’s worst decisions. He acts as a foil to the Prince: experienced where the Prince is reckless, cautious where the Prince is impulsive. Rebecque cooperates with Sharpe because both men can see the danger the Prince poses.

  • Peter d’Alembord
    Captain · English

    An officer in Sharpe’s battalion. D’Alembord is a well-born officer who has served with Sharpe in earlier novels and fights at Waterloo.

    First appearance is earlier in the series. Exact details of his Waterloo role uncertain; readers should verify.

22. Sharpe’s Assassin

Paris, 1815
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  • Richard Sharpe recurring
  • Sergeant Patrick Harper recurring
  • Lucille Castineau recurring
  • Major Pierre Ducos (final appearance) recurring
  • Henri Lassan (Lucille’s brother)

23. Sharpe’s Storm

Southern France, 1813
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  • Richard Sharpe recurring
  • Sergeant Patrick Harper recurring
  • The Duke of Wellington historical recurring

24. Sharpe’s Devil

Chile, 1820 to 1821
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  • Richard Sharpe recurring
  • Patrick Harper recurring
  • Lord Cochrane (commanding Chilean independence navy) historical
  • Don Blas Vivar (returns from Sharpe’s Rifles; now a prisoner in Chile) recurring
  • Napoleon Bonaparte (on St Helena; glimpsed in the final chapter) historical

A-Z Character Index

Major named characters across all 24 novels, with the book they first appear in.

Astrid SkovgaardSharpe's Prey
Bampfylde, CaptainSharpe's Siege
Blas Vivar, Captain (Don)Sharpe's Rifles
Chase, Captain JoelSharpe's Trafalgar
Christopher, ColonelSharpe's Havoc
Cochrane, LordSharpe's Devil
d'Alembord, Captain PeterSharpe's Waterloo
Dodd, WilliamSharpe's Triumph
Dubreton, ColonelSharpe's Enemy
Ducos, Major PierreSharpe's Honour
El CatólicoSharpe's Gold
El MatarifeSharpe's Honour
FerragusSharpe's Escape
Frederickson, Captain WilliamSharpe's Revenge
Gibbons, JaneSharpe's Regiment
Gibbons, Lieutenant ChristianSharpe's Eagle
Girdwood, ColonelSharpe's Regiment
Graham, General ThomasSharpe's Fury
Hakeswill, Sergeant ObadiahSharpe's Tiger
Hale, Lady GraceSharpe's Trafalgar
Hale, Lord WilliamSharpe's Trafalgar
Harper, Sergeant PatrickSharpe's Rifles
Hogan, Major MichaelSharpe's Eagle
Joyce, MaggieSharpe's Regiment
Killick, CorneliusSharpe's Siege
Lassan, HenriSharpe's Assassin
Lavisser, Captain JohnSharpe's Prey
Leroux, Colonel PhilippeSharpe's Sword
Leroux, Helene (La Marquesa)Sharpe's Honour
Loup, BrigadierSharpe's Battle
Lucille CastineauSharpe's Revenge
Lynch, SergeantSharpe's Regiment
Mary BickerstaffSharpe's Tiger
McCandless, ColonelSharpe's Tiger
Moore, Sir JohnSharpe's Rifles
Moreno, TeresaSharpe's Gold
Napoleon BonaparteSharpe's Waterloo
Pot-au-FeuSharpe's Enemy
Price, Lieutenant HarrySharpe's Escape
Prince of OrangeSharpe's Waterloo
Prince of WalesSharpe's Regiment
Rebecque, GeneralSharpe's Waterloo
Rossendale, Lord JohnSharpe's Waterloo
Runciman, LordSharpe's Battle
Sarsfield, FatherSharpe's Fury
Savage, KateSharpe's Havoc
Sevajee, SyudSharpe's Fortress
Sharpe, RichardSharpe's Tiger
Simmerson, Sir HenrySharpe's Eagle
Skovgaard, OleSharpe's Prey
Spears, LordSharpe's Sword
Stevenson, ColonelSharpe's Fortress
Tippoo SultanSharpe's Tiger
Villeneuve, AdmiralSharpe's Trafalgar
Wellington, Duke ofSharpe's Tiger

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Richard Sharpe and the characters of Bernard Cornwell’s novels

What happens to Sharpe's daughter Antonia?

Antonia is Sharpe's daughter with Teresa Moreno. After Teresa is killed by Hakeswill at Badajoz, Antonia is left in Spain in the care of others. She appears briefly in the novels as a young child but her ultimate fate is not clearly resolved in the main series. Cornwell leaves her story largely unfinished.

Does Sharpe have any other children?

Yes. With Lucille Castineau after the wars, Sharpe has a son named Patrick, named after Harper. He also had a son with Jane Gibbons but that child does not survive. His acknowledged surviving children are Antonia (with Teresa, fate unclear) and Patrick (with Lucille).

What happens to Lucille Castineau?

Lucille becomes Sharpe's enduring companion after the Napoleonic Wars. They settle together in Normandy, France, on her farm. She represents the domesticity and peace Sharpe never expected to find. In Sharpe's Devil she is still with him in Normandy and is widely regarded as the great love of his later life.

Does Sharpe ever meet Napoleon?

Yes, briefly, in Sharpe's Devil, the final novel. Sharpe travels to Chile with Lord Cochrane and on the voyage encounters Napoleon on St Helena. It is a brief atmospheric encounter rather than a dramatic confrontation. Napoleon is diminished by exile and Sharpe sees the man behind the legend. It is one of Cornwell's most affecting scenes.

Is Sharpe still alive at the end of the series?

Yes. At the end of Sharpe's Devil, Sharpe is alive and returns to Normandy and Lucille. He is in his mid-forties. Cornwell has continued adding novels. Sharpe's Assassin (2021) and Sharpe's Storm (2024) are set earlier in the timeline. As of the most recent novels, Sharpe survives the Napoleonic Wars and lives on in France with Lucille.

Who kills Hakeswill?

In the novel Sharpe's Enemy, Hakeswill is tried and sentenced to death by firing squad. Sharpe commands the execution and delivers the coup de grâce, cold, formal and deliberate. In the 1994 ITV television adaptation the scene is handled differently.

What regiment is Sharpe in?

Sharpe begins his career in the 33rd Regiment of Foot before becoming an officer in the 95th Rifles, the green-jacketed light infantry regiment that becomes his true home throughout the Peninsular War. He is briefly attached to the fictional South Essex Regiment as well.

Who is Patrick Harper?

Patrick Harper is Sharpe's closest friend and companion throughout the series, an Irish sergeant from Donegal in the 95th Rifles. Immensely strong, deeply loyal, and armed with a seven-barrelled volley gun, Harper is the second most dangerous man in any room Sharpe enters. He survives the wars and returns to Ireland with his wife Ramona.

In what order should I read the Sharpe books?

Most readers start with Sharpe's Eagle (1981), the first published novel, which introduces Sharpe already an officer in Spain. For chronological order start with Sharpe's Tiger (1799) set in India. See our complete reading guide on the Fiction page.

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