# The Old Soldier — Kim character guide

> The Old Soldier in Kim by Rudyard Kipling.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** the old soldier, the Jat

**First appearance:** 0002-iii

## Who they are

A retired Sikh soldier who befriends Kim and the lama on the Grand Trunk Road.

## In the story

### [Chapter II: The Prophecy of the Red Bull](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/kim_se/chapters/ii)

A soldier of the Ludhiana Sikhs is present in the train compartment, commenting on the lama's preaching and recalling a similar prophet in his regiment.

### [Chapter III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/kim_se/chapters/iii)

The old soldier joins them briefly, carrying his sword, and is deeply impressed by Kim's prophecy about the war.

### [On the Grand Trunk Road](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/kim_se/chapters/iv)

Not directly present, but the old lady mentions her husband's territory and local gods, referencing the old soldier's background.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/kim_se/characters/the_old_soldier
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/kim_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/kim_se/characters