Sam Jinks

Cleary

Cleary is Sam Jinks' closest companion and confidant, sharing numerous adventures and mutual support.

The General

Sam Jinks serves under The General, who commands him with authority and occasional exasperation.

Smith

Smith is a fellow soldier and ally who frequently interacts with Sam in military contexts.

Marian Hunter

Marian Hunter is Sam Jinks' love interest, with romantic tension and affection between them.

The Colonel

The Colonel is a superior officer who gives orders to Sam Jinks in a military hierarchy.

The Doctor

The Doctor is a friend and occasional medical advisor to Sam Jinks, often involved in his escapades.

The Emperor

Sam Jinks interacts with The Emperor in a formal, diplomatic capacity, often with comedic deference.

Mr. Saunders

Mr. Saunders is likely a civilian authority figure or employer who deals with Sam Jinks in a businesslike manner.

Captain Jinks

Captain Jinks is Sam Jinks' father or close paternal figure, sharing a familial bond with occasional conflict.

Carlos

Carlos is a friend and ally to Sam Jinks, often joining him in adventures or schemes.

Captain Clark

Captain Clark is a military superior who interacts with Sam Jinks in a formal command structure.

Old Amen

Old Amen is a wise or eccentric friend who offers guidance or comic relief to Sam Jinks.

I: A Bombshell

A young farm boy who receives lead soldiers and becomes obsessed with military life and heroism.

II: East Point

Leaves Homeville for East Point, carrying his childhood lead soldier; endures hazing with a sense of honor.

III: Love and Combat

Sam is infatuated with Miss Hunter, endures a severe boxing match against Starkie, and ends up hospitalized with a high fever, still clinging to romanticized notions of suffering for his country.

War and Business

Now a fourth-class man, he is smitten by Marian's smile, resigns from East Point, and accepts a captaincy in the volunteers, dreaming of heroism.

V: Slowburgh

Sam travels to Slowburgh, feels lonely out of uniform, and reflects on the superiority of soldiers over civilians. He gives his first speech and agrees to provide photos and biography for publicity.

Off for the Cubapines

Receives his commission and travels to the Cubapines; reports to Colonel Booth; observes the new land with excitement and naivety.

VII: The Battle of San Diego

Assigned to General Laughter's staff; takes command during the battle and leads a charge.

Among the Moritos

Reflects on the nature of war and his own contribution to the battle; captured by Moritos, engages in serious discussion with Chief Carlos.

On Duty at Havilla

Returns to Havilla as a celebrated hero; promoted to major and colonel; suppresses the Declaration of Independence and censors news to protect the Administration's narrative.

A Great Military Exploit

Approves the forgery plan, leads the expedition, and captures Gomaldo; feels uneasy about the act.

A Dinner Party at Gin-Sin

Now Colonel Jinks, he arrives in Porsslania and attends the dinner party, reflecting on the war and the attitudes of his fellow officers.

XII: The Great White Temple

Now a colonel, Sam journeys upriver, observes war atrocities, oversees temple destruction, and is severely injured by a falling beam.

The Warlord

Meets the Emperor, receives praise and decoration, struggles with his conscience over orders to shoot Marian.

XIV: Home Again

Returns home as a celebrated hero, but feels like an amateur and is overwhelmed by public adulation and kissing.

XV: Politics

Marries Marian, faces public vilification, loses presidential bid, decides to return home as a sick and disillusioned man.

XVI: The End

Now a lunatic in an asylum, obsessed with his lead soldiers and convinced he is a perfect soldier; dying of filariasis.