"Going After Cacciato" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

Paul Berlin

Paul Berlin is the protagonist of the novel "Going After Cacciato." He is a soldier in the Vietnam War and serves as the primary narrator of the story. Paul's role is to provide insight into the events and challenges faced by the soldiers during the war. He is also the character who embarks on the journey to find and capture the AWOL soldier, Cacciato.

Cacciato

Cacciato, whose full name is Cacciato Spec Four S. Triplett, is the main antagonist of the novel. He is a soldier who decides to desert the war and walk from the jungles of Vietnam to Paris, in search of peace. Cacciato's role is to symbolize the desire for escapism and the futility of the war effort.

Lieutenant Reilly

Lieutenant Reilly is a supporting character in the story. He is the platoon leader who leads the troops alongside Paul Berlin. Lieutenant Reilly's role is to represent authority and command within the platoon. He is responsible for enforcing discipline and making tactical decisions throughout the narrative.

Doc Peret

Doc Peret is another supporting character in the novel. He is a medic and provides medical assistance to the soldiers during the war. Doc Peret's role is to offer the necessary medical support and serve as a source of comfort for the soldiers in times of distress.

Stink Harris, Eddie Lazzutti, and Oscar Johnson

Stink Harris, Eddie Lazzutti, and Oscar Johnson are additional supporting characters in the book. They are fellow soldiers who form part of Paul's platoon. These characters fulfill the roles of companionship, camaraderie, and representation of the different perspectives and experiences of soldiers in war.

Character Descriptions

Paul Berlin

Paul Berlin is depicted as a young soldier who experiences the war through a lens of skepticism and disillusionment. He is often described as introspective and thoughtful, constantly questioning the purpose and experience of the war. Throughout the narrative, Paul is depicted as physically and emotionally worn out by the conflict.

Cacciato

Cacciato is portrayed as an enigmatic individual who takes the extraordinary decision to leave the war and walk to Paris. He is described as brave, determined, and a dreamer. Cacciato is often associated with an aura of mystery, evoking both awe and confusion among his fellow soldiers.

Lieutenant Reilly

Lieutenant Reilly is depicted as a stern but fair leader. He is described as disciplined, dedicated, and assertive. Reilly's presence offers a sense of structure and authority within the platoon, striving to maintain order amidst the chaos of war.

Doc Peret

Doc Peret is portrayed as a compassionate and empathetic character. He is described as being skilled in his role as a medic, offering comfort and care to his fellow soldiers. Doc Peret's presence provides a sense of solace and support in the face of physical injuries and emotional distress.

Stink Harris, Eddie Lazzutti, and Oscar Johnson

Stink Harris, Eddie Lazzutti, and Oscar Johnson are depicted as diverse individuals with their own unique personalities and perspectives. Stink Harris is described as loud and impulsive, Eddie Lazzutti as witty, and Oscar Johnson as reserved and observant. These characters add depth and complexity to the narrative, offering different viewpoints and reactions to the events of the war.

Character Traits

Paul Berlin

• Skeptical
• Reflective
• Disillusioned
• Tired
• Observant

Cacciato

• Brave
• Determined
• Dreamer
• Mysterious
• Idealistic

Lieutenant Reilly

• Disciplined
• Dedicated
• Assertive
• Leader
• Authoritative

Doc Peret

• Compassionate
• Empathetic
• Skilled
• Supportive
• Calm

Stink Harris, Eddie Lazzutti, and Oscar Johnson

• Stink Harris: Loud, impulsive, energetic
• Eddie Lazzutti: Witty, sarcastic, humorous
• Oscar Johnson: Reserved, observant, contemplative

Character Background

Paul Berlin

Paul Berlin hails from the United States and is drafted into the military during the Vietnam War. His background is not extensively explored in the novel, but he is portrayed as an ordinary young man who finds himself trapped in the chaos of war.

Cacciato

Cacciato's background is revealed through anecdotes and conversations with other characters. He is a skilled soldier who becomes disillusioned with the war. His decision to desert and go to Paris is driven by a desire for peace and a rejection of the violence and destruction of war.

Lieutenant Reilly

Lieutenant Reilly's background is not explicitly mentioned in the novel. He is presented as a career soldier who takes his duties seriously. His experience and leadership within the platoon suggest a solid military background.

Doc Peret

Doc Peret's background is also not explicitly explored in the novel. He is portrayed as a compassionate and skilled medic, suggesting a medical or healthcare background.

Stink Harris, Eddie Lazzutti, and Oscar Johnson

The backgrounds of Stink Harris, Eddie Lazzutti, and Oscar Johnson are not extensively detailed in the novel. They are primarily defined by their experiences and interactions within the war.

Character Arcs

Paul Berlin

Paul Berlin's character arc is centered around his transition from a skeptical and disillusioned soldier to a more introspective and resigned individual. Throughout his journey to capture Cacciato, Paul's views on war and its futility evolve, allowing him to come to terms with the realities of the conflict.

Cacciato

Cacciato's character arc revolves around his pursuit of freedom and peace. He starts as a soldier, but his decision to desert and embark on a journey to Paris represents a search for an escape from the horrors of war. Cacciato's arc ends with his realization that peace may be nothing more than an illusion.

Lieutenant Reilly

Lieutenant Reilly's character arc is less prominent than the others. He consistently displays leadership and order throughout the narrative. His primary arc revolves around maintaining discipline and control within the platoon.

Doc Peret

Doc Peret's character arc is primarily focused on his role as a source of medical assistance and emotional support for the soldiers. While his arc may not undergo significant changes, his steadfast presence contributes to the emotional stability of the other characters.

Stink Harris, Eddie Lazzutti, and Oscar Johnson

These characters' arcs primarily involve their reactions, experiences, and interactions within the war. They provide different perspectives and serve as the backdrop against which the primary characters' arcs unfold.

Relationships

Paul Berlin and Cacciato

The relationship between Paul Berlin and Cacciato is defined by Paul's pursuit of Cacciato, who becomes an enigmatic figure representing hope, rebellion, and a desire for freedom. Paul's mission to capture Cacciato creates a complex relationship between the two characters, where Paul simultaneously admires and questions Cacciato's motivations.

Paul Berlin and Lieutenant Reilly

Paul Berlin's relationship with Lieutenant Reilly is one of authority and respect. Lieutenant Reilly represents the chain of command and acts as a guiding force in the chaos of war. Paul looks up to Lieutenant Reilly and relies on his leadership and direction.

Paul Berlin and Doc Peret

Paul Berlin and Doc Peret's relationship is one of mutual understanding and support. Doc Peret provides medical care and emotional comfort to Paul and the other soldiers. Paul finds solace and reassurance in Doc Peret's presence during challenging times.

Stink Harris, Eddie Lazzutti, and Oscar Johnson

The relationships among Stink Harris, Eddie Lazzutti, and Oscar Johnson primarily revolve around their camaraderie as fellow soldiers. They provide support, companionship, and comedic relief for each other, showcasing the importance of friendship and unity in the face of adversity.

In conclusion, "Going After Cacciato" offers a diverse range of characters with unique roles, traits, backgrounds, and relationships. These characters contribute to the overarching themes of the novel, highlighting the disillusionment, camaraderie, and internal struggles of soldiers during the Vietnam War.