Henry's Relationship

Jim Conklin, or the tall soldier, was Henry’s childhood friend that came to war with him. He is in the same regiment as Henry. Although he dies early on in the story, Jim taught Henry several things. Jim comforts Henry when he replied honestly to Henry’s question: when asked whether he would run away if most of the soldiers were retreating, he honestly replied that he would do the same. However, he id his best and was very brave when fighting his first and last battle. By the end of the battle, he was wounded badly and died. In these ways, Jim Conklin represents the ideal soldier, brave and honest.

Wilson, also known as the loud solder, is full of confidence. He is loud and argumentative and speaks out about whatever he believes in. Although he seemed really brave, he does show a sign of weakness and a fear of death right before the battle. He gave Henry a letter he wrote for his family is he was to die in the battle. He also shows that he cares about Henry and their friendship. He was worried and quickly yelled for assistance when Henry came back with a wound on his head.

The tattered solder is a good-natured man that annoys Henry with his questions. The only reason why his questions annoy Henry is because Henry feels guilty. He tries to be nice and start conversation, but Henry takes it the wrong way because he ran away from the battle.