The Red Badge of Courage Important Characters

Henry Fleming - protagonist: a young Northern soldier fighting in the American Civil War who worries he will flee, fakes a gunshot wound then begins to step up into his role as an admirable soldier

Henry's Mother - didn't want him to join the army

Jim Conklin - Henry's friend; a tall soldier hurt in battle who eventually dies

Wilson - A loud private and Henry's friend who tends to his wounds then attempts to capture the flag with Henry

The Tattered Soldier - shot twice making Henry feel bad about his own lack of wounds

The Lieutenant - Henry's commander who swears and yells at his men, eventually develops a liking for Henry