The Corporal

The Corporal is depicted as a Christlike figure within the narrative, a soldier who brings about a ceasefire across the Western front through his message of peace. Leading twelve squad members, his tale parallels the life of Christ, touching upon themes of betrayal, denial, and sacrifice. The Corporal chooses not to escape when given the chance, ultimately facing execution between two criminals. His body is initially buried at his sister’s farm, only to be exhumed and laid to rest in the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier after shellfire obliterates his grave. This sequence of events echoes the concepts of resurrection and immortality.

The Marshal

The Marshal is the omniscient commander-in-chief of the Allied armies in France. His past indiscretions include fathering a son with a woman he seduced in the Middle East, a son who is revealed to be the Corporal. Although he offers the Corporal an escape from his fate, he is nonetheless compelled to order his execution when the offer is refused.

General Gragnon

General Gragnon, serving as the French division commander, faces a mutiny when his regiment refuses to advance against the German line. In a display of integrity, he demands his own arrest alongside his soldiers. While incarcerated, he meets a brutal end at the hands of Buchwald, an American soldier.

The Quartermaster General

The Quartermaster General shared his educational background with the Marshal. After witnessing the Corporal's execution, he becomes disillusioned with the cause he once supported, marking a significant shift in his beliefs.

The Runner

Formerly an officer, the Runner aligns himself with the Corporal’s vision of peace. During a moment of camaraderie with German soldiers, he suffers severe injury from a surprise artillery strike. At the Marshal’s funeral, he defiantly casts a medal from the Corporal’s grave at the funeral procession, expressing his contempt and rebellion.

Marthe

Marthe is the Corporal’s younger half-sister, part of the familial circle impacted by the Corporal's life and death.

Marya

Marya is described as the Corporal’s feeble-minded half-sister, further illustrating the varied nature of his familial relationships.

Polchek

Polchek is the soldier within the Corporal’s squad who ultimately betrays him, paralleling the themes of betrayal found in the Corporal’s Christlike narrative.

Pierre Bouc

Pierre Bouc, another member of the Corporal’s squad, denies the Corporal, adding to the layers of denial and loyalty interwoven in the story.

The Corporal’s Wife

Previously working as a prostitute, the Corporal’s Wife is a testament to his multifaceted and complex personal relationships.

Buchwald

Buchwald is the American soldier responsible for executing General Gragnon, a role that emphasizes the harsh realities and brutalities of war.

The Reverend Tobe Sutterfield

The Reverend Tobe Sutterfield is an African American preacher, adding another dimension to the diverse cast of characters within the narrative.

David Levine

David Levine is a British flight officer whose tragic suicide adds a somber note to the overarching narrative, reflecting the despair and hopelessness experienced by many characters.