# the colonel — The Red Badge of Courage character guide

> the colonel in The Red Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** the colonel

**First appearance:** 0005-vi

## Who they are

A regimental commander who leads the men in battle.

## Relationships

### [Henry Fleming](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_badge_of_courage_se/characters/henry_fleming)

_professional_

Henry regards the colonel as a competent but stern leader, whose praise or criticism directly affects Henry's morale.

### [the general](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_badge_of_courage_se/characters/the_general)

_professional_

The colonel reports to the general and carries out his strategic orders, maintaining a formal chain of command.

### [the officer](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_badge_of_courage_se/characters/the_officer)

_professional_

The colonel and the officer interact within the military hierarchy, exchanging orders and reports.

### [Wilson](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_badge_of_courage_se/characters/wilson)

_professional_

The colonel addresses Wilson as a soldier under his command, with Wilson occasionally receiving direct orders.

### [the general](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_badge_of_courage_se/characters/the_general)

_professional_

The colonel reports to the general and carries out his strategic orders, maintaining a formal chain of command.

### [Henry Fleming](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_badge_of_courage_se/characters/henry_fleming)

_professional_

Henry regards the colonel as a competent but stern leader, whose praise or criticism directly affects Henry's morale.

## In the story

### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_badge_of_courage_se/chapters/ii)

The colonel is seen on a gigantic horse, calmly stroking his mustache as the regiment waits.

### [Chapter V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_badge_of_courage_se/chapters/v)

The colonel stammers in response to the general and later scolds his men resentfully.

### [XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_badge_of_courage_se/chapters/xviii)

The colonel of the regiment, seen gesticulating with the officer who received orders.

### [XXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_badge_of_courage_se/chapters/xxi)

Defends the regiment to the general, then privately praises Henry and Wilson for their bravery.

### [XXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_badge_of_courage_se/chapters/xxiii)

Runs along the back of the line shouting orders to charge.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_badge_of_courage_se/characters/the_colonel
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_badge_of_courage_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_badge_of_courage_se/characters