Sharpes Books

A Bloody Good Read

Patrick Harper

Role in the Sharpe Novels

Patrick Harper was written as the second most central character in the Sharpe Books, but possible the 3rd most important after Sir Arthur Wellsey. He was written as a central character in the original three books Sharpe's Eagle, Sharpe's Gold and Sharpe's Company, had an introduction written into Sharpe's Rifles, and was a key character in every book from that point on in the timeline.

However this meant he did not feature in any of the Indian books which were written as prequel later on by Bernard Cornwell, However he does make a minor cameo with the other riflemen in Sharpe's Prey but cannot be deemed a central character to the plot.

Military Career

A true Irishman Patrick Harper was born in Tangaveane, County Donegal in 1784. Like many Irishmen it was poverty and hunger that lead him to join the British army that was occupying Ireland at the time.

As a rifleman Harper got his first taste of battle when, in 1806, he was part of the disastrous attempt to capture Buenos Aires and the following year saw action at the Siege of Copenhagen (1807). He arrived in Portugal in 1808 with the rest of his regiment, and fought at Rolica and Vimeiro. At this point Harper was still a hothead, and during the retreat to Corunna he led a mutiny amongst his fellow men.

It was only when he met Richard Sharpe and was promoted by him to Sergeant in Sharpe's Rifles that Harper began to settle down. Sharpe was able to harness the Irishman's wild enthusiasm, and they formed an effective partnership. In 1809 he was attached with Sharpe to the South Essex Regiment, with whom he spent the rest of his military career.

He served throughout the Peninsula War displaying great courage, notable events within his military career were capturing the Eagle at Talevera, Being whipped for theft after being framed by sergeant Hakeswill, Joining Sharpe in the breach at Badajoz, blowing up convent at the gateway of God, and finding himself and Sharpe a fortune in the baggage train at Victoria.

Throughout his time with the South Essex Patrick harper was usually seen in his green rifleman's jacket, and wielding a 6 barrelled Nock gun which became his trademark. Harper served at almost every battle of the war, from Vimeiro to Battle of Toulouse, before he 'retired' from the army in 1814, effectively by deserting.

Civilian Career

Despite leaving the army in 1814 and using his fortune to buy himself a pub in Ireland. Patrick Harper found himself upon the Battlefield at Waterloo. After promising to his spanish wife Isabella that he wouldn't go anywhere near the fighting and was just there to sell horses. Maybe it was because he wanted to be close to his old friend Richard Sharpe, maybe it is because he wanted to finish the war he started, or maybe it was because he couldn't resist a good fight.

Returning to Ireland after that he put on considerable weight before Richard Sharpe calls on him again, to join in on a trip to chile, stopping of to see Napoleon upon the way.

Nothing is noted in any of Bernard Cornwell's books on what happens to Harper after this point.

Character and Notes

Harper is written as an easygoing Irish, gentle giant. A soldier and man of immense physical presence being 6 foot 4 inches tall and of substantial build. Though not a sophisticated man Harper is buy no means simple and is in fact a complex set of contradictions.

Harper is staunchly Catholic, but not particularly christian. He is married to Isabella in the books, and is close friends with most of the riflemen who serve with Richard Sharpe through the peninsular war.

Sharpe Books Featuring Patrick Harper

Sharpe's Prey
Sharpe's Rifles
Sharpe's Havoc
Sharpe's Eagle
Sharpe's Gold
Sharpe's Escape
Sharpe's Fury
Sharpe's Battle
Sharpe's Company
Sharpe's Sword
Sharpe's Enemy
Sharpe's Honour
Sharpe's Regiment
Sharpe's Siege
Sharpe's Revenge
Sharpe's Waterloo
Sharpe's Devil

Patrick Harper in the Sharpe TV Series

In the TV series Patrick harper is written true to the book and is wonderfully played by Daragh O'Malley.