Henry is a young, inexperienced Union private in the American Civil War, often referred to simply as "the youth." Raised on a farm, he enlists with romanticized visions of martial heroism but soon finds himself plagued by severe anxiety regarding his own courage. He isolates himself through internal debates, constantly comparing his hidden fears to the outward bravado of his peers. Nothing in his prior experience helps him comprehend the arbitrary nature of army life.

Known as the "tall soldier," Jim is a pragmatic and steady private in Henry's regiment. He admits that he would run if everyone else ran but would stand and fight if the rest of the regiment held their ground. His outward solidarity and clear sense of purpose stand in sharp contrast to Henry's internal alienation. He interacts easily with the other enlisted men.

Initially characterized as the "loud soldier," Wilson is a hotheaded young private who claims he is eager for combat. He covers his own vulnerabilities with loud assertions of bravery and combat readiness. He displays unexpected fragility when he hands over a yellow envelope of mementos, briefly believing he will not survive the impending fight.

The sharp-tongued officer in direct command of Henry's company. He struggles to maintain order during the early troop movements and shows the same disorientation as his subordinates when battle mechanics break down. He demands discipline from his men while trying to interpret confusing orders from his own superiors.

A nameless, unseen figure who moves through the chaotic Virginia woods with surprising ease. He possesses extensive knowledge of the war's formations and patrol routes. He speaks with the sympathetic, unpretentious tone of a common soldier while effortlessly guiding lost men through the dark, asking no invasive questions.

A farm woman who prioritizes her son's utility at home over abstract notions of military glory. She attempts to dissuade Henry from enlisting but ultimately accepts his departure. She packs comforts for him and offers practical warnings about bad company in the camps, viewing the war through a completely unromantic lens.

A wounded, ragged soldier who joins the retreat from the front lines. He maintains a conversational, almost innocent awe about the fighting he just survived. His persistent, genuine inquiries about the locations of other soldiers' injuries cause deep discomfort for those hiding secrets about their own participation in the battle.

A non-commissioned officer in Henry's regiment who manages the soldiers returning from the chaotic battlefield. He assesses injuries with practical, rough-hewn medical assumptions. He ensures the weary men find a place to rest by the camp fire and keeps order among the stragglers.