space.discussion.characters

Tim O'Brien- He is the main character in this book. He was raised in southern Minnesota and he was born in the forties. Barney- Barney was on of Tim's only friends throughout the whole book who he actually enjoys talking to. He is also in the same unit as Tim. Captain Johansen- He was the captain of Alpha Company up until about halfway through the book when he left. Bates- Bates was mentioned in the first chapter and a couple times throughout the book and he is a friend of Tim's and Barney's. Tim's Father- He was only mentioned in the book, and he never actually talked to the reader or anybody else. He was in the war before Vietnam, which is important because he is probably the reason that Tim joined the army in the first place. Mad Mark- Mad Mark is actually a crazy war hardened soldier who at one point in the book cuts the ear off of a dead Vietnamese soldier. He was the platoon leader and a green beret. Chip- Keeps watch with Tim and Barney. Erik- Erik is one of Tims better friends who he talked to about philosophy, poetry, and travel. Kline- A chubby man in basic with Tim who has to repeat basic training. Blyton- Blyton is a drill sergeant who was in charge of basic training. Chaplain- Talks to Tim because he is supposed to "weed out the pussies". Kid- The Kid talks really tough throughout the whole book but he always freaks out when there is any action. Kid is in Alpha Company with Tim. Buddy Barker- Buddy, or "Wolf" as they refer to him in the book, is always lieing to the fng's. Reno-Tim's partner in the ambushes Captain Smith- He is the temporary leader of Alpha Company.