Richard Sharpe
Richard Sharpe is the main protagonist of the Sharpe Novels.
The Early Years
Born to a whore in London Richard Sharpe spent most of his childhood in a work house after she died. Being sold to work as a sweep at the age of 12, he escaped and lived on the streets of London until he killed a man at the age of 15.
He then went north to Sheffield where he killed another man in a fight, and joined the army avoid prosecution and gains the army's protection.
Military Career
Private Richard Sharpe
Sharpe spent the majority of his first 6 years in the 33rd Foot as a private, apart from two weeks at the end of 1795when he was promoted to corporal before being demoted for ill discipline over the christmas period.
In this time he serves in Flanders, Calcutta, Madras and almost makes it to Manila. It is at the end of this period that Sergeant Hakeswill has almost forced him to desert.
Sergeant Richard Sharpe
After Richards gallantry and cooperation in Seringapatam he gets promoted to sergeant, that helps protect him for the persecution of Sergeant Hakeswill. He spends much of this time working as the armory sergeant at Seringapatam on detached duty from the 33rd. Then he is sent on a special mission to capture William Dodd.
Ensign Richard Sharpe
Following events at Assaye where he saves Arthur Wellesley's Life, he is promoted to Ensign in the 74th Foot. Serving with the 74th he is involved in the siege of Gawilghur. However suffering from being an englishman in Scottish battalion, and being an officer raised from the ranks he never quite fits in and is sent back to England to join the 95th Rifles.
Lieutenant Richard Sharpe
Upon Joining the 95th rifles Sharpe's is a 2nd Lieutenant which is the rifles equivalent to an ensign , and he is assigned to be the quartermaster of the battalion a role that he hates with a passion. Despite this role he gets involved in a special mission to Denmark at behest of General Baird.
His career as Lieutenant is varied being with both the 1st and 2nd battalions of the 95th Rifle regiment. Acting independently for a time in portugal and then being assigned to the South Essex for much of the peninsular war. However throughout this period he is still considered an officer in the 95th rifles.
Captain Richard Sharpe
Richard is promoted to the rank of captain twice, the first by Arthur Wellesley after saving one of the South Essex colours from the French, However promotion this is not certified by Horseguards, and Sharpe is demoted back to Lieutenant until he leads the forlorn hope through the break at Badajoz.
Major Richard Sharpe
Promoted to the army rank of Major, by order of the Prince Regent himself, Sharpe uses this rank to effectively run the South Essex for a number of years. But is also called in to lead riflemen, rocket troops, marines and redcoats in certain situations.
Lieutenant Colonel Richard Sharpe
Promoted to this prestigious rank when he is on The Prince of Oranges Staff, Richard Sharpe does not get on well with the Prince, and leaves his service part way through the Battle of Waterloo after a forthright discussion.
Civilian years
After Waterloo Richard Sharpe spends his civilian life living with Lucille in Brittany, this is only interrupted by one trip to Chile with his friend Patrick Harper, upon which they get to meet Napoleon in what is an otherwise fruitless journey.
Sharpe Books Featuring Richard Sharpe
Unsurprisingly all of them.
Sharpe's Tiger
Sharpe's Triumph
Sharpe's Fortress
Sharpe's Trafalgar
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
Richard Sharpe in the Sharpe TV Series
Richard Sharpe is wonderfully played by Sean Bean throughout the Sharpe TV series
Sharpe Books
Wise Words
"On no Hamlett was no Irishman, he was a fool"
- Captain Hogan
