Captain Richard Sharpe

Richard Sharpe is first described as tall, dark, and brooding. The reader learns early on that Sharpe is no ordinary officer. Sharpe first enlisted in the army as a private. He came from an impoverished background. In fact, Sharpe is an orphan who was raised in a foundling home. 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 both Europe and in India. In many of those battles, Sharpe distinguished himself and has become somewhat famous within the British Army. Many times Sharpe meets people who already know something about him from hearing tales of his past heroics. This little bit of fame does not shield Sharpe from the prejudice he encounters from the upper classes. Many resent his promotion from the ranks, and Sharpe himself...