# the general — The Red Badge of Courage character guide

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

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** the general

**First appearance:** 0004-v

## Who they are

A commanding officer who directs troops and observes the battle from afar.

## Relationships

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

_professional_

Henry views the general as a distant, authoritative figure whose orders and demeanor inspire both awe and resentment.

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

_professional_

The general and the officer share a hierarchical military relationship, with the general issuing commands and the officer relaying them.

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

_professional_

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

### [Taylor](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_badge_of_courage_se/characters/taylor)

_professional_

Taylor acts as an aide or subordinate to the general, facilitating communication and orders.

### [Whiterside](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_badge_of_courage_se/characters/whiterside)

_professional_

The general interacts with Whiterside as a fellow officer, likely discussing tactical movements and battlefield conditions.

### [Tom Jamison](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_badge_of_courage_se/characters/tom_jamison)

_professional_

The general issues orders or receives reports from Tom Jamison as part of military operations.

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

_professional_

Henry views the general as a distant, authoritative figure whose orders and demeanor inspire both awe and resentment.

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

_professional_

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

### [Tom Jamison](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_badge_of_courage_se/characters/tom_jamison)

_professional_

The general issues orders or receives reports from Tom Jamison as part of military operations.

### [Taylor](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_badge_of_courage_se/characters/taylor)

_professional_

Taylor acts as an aide or subordinate to the general, facilitating communication and orders.

### [Whiterside](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_badge_of_courage_se/characters/whiterside)

_professional_

The general interacts with Whiterside as a fellow officer, likely discussing tactical movements and battlefield conditions.

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

_professional_

Henry views the general as a distant, authoritative figure whose orders and demeanor inspire both awe and resentment.

## In the story

### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_badge_of_courage_se/chapters/iv)

Mentioned in rumors as planning to command the 304th in action.

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

A hatless general confronts the colonel, demanding the regiment hold the line, then gallops away.

### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_badge_of_courage_se/chapters/vi)

A division commander seen by Henry, who appears harassed but later exclaims joyfully that his forces have held the enemy.

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

The division commander who coolly discusses the enemy's formation and orders the 304th to be readied for a charge.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_badge_of_courage_se/characters/the_general
- 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