What stops Sharpe's self-destructive behavior in London? Is it the offer to go on a mission? Does sanctioned violence stop his urges to commit acts of unsanctioned violence such as the murder of Jem Hocking?

Both the protagonist and the antagonist begin their roles in the story by committing murder. Does Sharpe's murder of Jem Hocking have the same effect on the reader as Lavisser's murder of Captain Willsen?

Lavisser is charming and capable of dazzling others with his wit and good looks. Sharpe is dour and matter-of-fact. Does Lavisser's charm make him more dangerous?

Baird calls Sharpe a thug and this is an assessment that Sharpe seems to agree with but Sharpe has been rewarded for heroics in the past. Barker is certainly a thug. What qualities distinguish a thug from a hero?

Pilfering or stealing from civilians is strictly forbidden. How does...