An unnamed soldier fighting in the American Civil War. He balances his active military duties in the ongoing battle with a profound personal devotion to his fellow soldier. Despite the chaos of the skirmish around him, he remains emotionally anchored to the young man who drops at his side, planning to return to him when the fighting subsides.

A young soldier fighting alongside the speaker during the American Civil War. Addressed affectionately as "boy" and "son" by his companion, he shares a remarkably close bond with the speaker that defies standard categories of friendship. His sudden injury on the battlefield immediately commands the speaker's attention and devotion.