Lieutenant Richard Sharpe

Richard Sharpe is first described as tall, dark, and brooding. The reader learns early on that he is no ordinary officer. Sharpe first enlisted in the army as a private sixteen years prior. He came from an impoverished background. In fact, Sharpe is an orphan who does not even know his own birthday. While in the army, Sharpe encounters the only security and sense of self-worth he has ever known. This drives him to succeed.

Sharpe is the veteran of several battles in India. In some of them he distinguished himself and rose to the rank of sergeant. Also during his time in India, Sharpe was imprisoned with William Lawford, a young officer Sharpe had mentored. The two spent their time teaching Sharpe to read and write. This newfound literacy makes Sharpe eligible for an officer's commission.

Sharpe's identity as a "rifleman" is of utmost importance...