Richard Sharpe (fictional character) - Definition and Overview

Richard Sharpe is the central character in the Bernard Cornwell Sharpe novels.

The stories chart his progress in the Georgian era British Army(i.e. Napoleonic era) from a Private in Sharpe's Tiger to a field commission of Lieutenant Colonel in Sharpe's Waterloo. The stories have been dramatised for TV with Sean Bean playing the role of Sharpe.

Early Years

Richard Sharpe was born in Wapping and grew up in a foundling home. He escaped from London to Yorkshire, and joined the British Army to avoid the law. His battalion was posted to India to fight against the Mogul Empire.

India

In India he rose to the rank of Sergeant, and then through an act of bravery (saving Arthur Wellesley's life) was given a commission. This was a highly unusual event in those days, usually ending in the soldier resigning because the upper class commissioned officiers would not accept them. Unhappy as he is, he soldiers on, and further brave acts get him transferred to the newly formed Rifles regiment.

Napoleonic Wars

Returning from India in 1805 is caught up in the Battle of Trafalgar. This is his first encounter with France and her allies. His next adventure involves Copenhagen and the British capture of the Danish fleet (to prevent Napoleon Bonaparte from taking it). After this Sharpe heads for Portugal, and the books chart his rise in rank as the British Army defeats the French in countless battles across Portugal, Spain and France. Among his notable achievements during this period is his capture of a French Imperial Eagle at the Battle of Talavera in 1809. The penultimate story is the Battle of Waterloo.

Final Chapter

The final story tells the tale of Richard Sharpe's voyage to South America to find a friend. In this, as in many of the Sharpe stories, he is accompanied by his Sergeant (and friend) Patrick Harper. En route they stop to meet the imprisoned Napoleon Bonaparte on Saint Helena.

See Also

Sharpe (TV Series)