"The Dirty Dozen" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

In "The Dirty Dozen" by E.M. Nathanson, the characters play various roles that contribute to the overall story. The protagonist, Major Reisman, leads a group of twelve convicted criminals who are given a chance at redemption by participating in a dangerous mission during World War II. Sergeant Bowren serves as the antagonist, constantly challenging Major Reisman's authority. Other supporting characters include Colonel Breed, Maggott, Wladislaw, Vernon Pinkley, General Worden, Victor Franko, Posey, Jiminez, Bravos, and Jefferson.

Character Descriptions

Major Reisman

Major Reisman is a resourceful and determined officer who is assigned the task of training and leading the twelve convicted soldiers. He is described as intelligent, strategic, and experienced in combat. Reisman takes his role seriously and shows great leadership skills throughout the book.

Sergeant Bowren

Sergeant Bowren is a strict and authoritarian figure who resents Major Reisman's authority. He constantly challenges Reisman's decisions and attempts to undermine his leadership. Bowren is portrayed as stubborn and uncooperative, creating tension within the group.

Colonel Breed

Colonel Breed is a high-ranking officer who assigns Major Reisman the task of training the twelve convicts. He is portrayed as a no-nonsense and by-the-book character who expects results. Breed provides Reisman with the necessary resources but maintains a distant and skeptical attitude towards the success of the mission.

Maggott

Maggott is one of the convicted soldiers chosen to be part of the mission. He is depicted as mentally unstable and prone to violent outbursts. Maggott's unpredictable behavior creates tension within the group and poses a challenge for Major Reisman in maintaining discipline.

Wladislaw

Wladislaw is a skilled and intelligent soldier who is part of the twelve convicted soldiers. He possesses a strong sense of duty and loyalty, making him a valuable asset to the team. Wladislaw's expertise in explosives plays a crucial role in the success of the mission.

Vernon Pinkley

Vernon Pinkley is a cunning and street-smart criminal who is part of the group. He is depicted as resourceful and skilled in deception. Pinkley's ability to adapt and think on his feet proves to be an asset during the mission.

General Worden

General Worden is a high-ranking military officer who oversees the mission and provides guidance to Major Reisman. He is portrayed as a supportive and understanding character who recognizes the potential of the convicts. Worden's belief in Reisman's leadership helps to validate the importance of the mission.

Victor Franko

Victor Franko is a soldier with a talent for mechanics and engineering. He is selected for the mission due to his expertise in handling explosives. Franko's technical skills are essential in the success of the team's objectives.

Posey

Posey is a quiet and reserved soldier who keeps to himself. He is shown to be highly skilled in reconnaissance and gathering intelligence. Posey's ability to blend in and obtain crucial information proves invaluable during the mission.

Jiminez

Jiminez is a highly agile and athletic soldier who possesses exceptional combat skills. He is chosen for the mission due to his physical prowess and ability to navigate challenging terrain. Jiminez's athleticism plays a vital role in the team's success during combat situations.

Bravos

Bravos is a soldier with expertise in communication and technology. He is responsible for maintaining radio contact and ensuring the team's communication remains secure. Bravos' technical skills and attention to detail are crucial in coordinating the team's operations.

Jefferson

Jefferson is a soldier skilled in hand-to-hand combat and infiltration techniques. He is chosen for the mission due to his stealth and ability to blend in with the enemy. Jefferson's expertise in covert operations proves vital in achieving the team's objectives.

Character Traits

Major Reisman exhibits traits such as intelligence, determination, and strong leadership. He is resourceful and adapts quickly to changing circumstances. Reisman's ability to think strategically and make difficult decisions under pressure sets him apart as a capable leader.

Sergeant Bowren, on the other hand, embodies traits of stubbornness and a desire for control. He consistently challenges Reisman's authority and undermines his decisions, causing conflict within the group. Bowren's rigid mindset and lack of flexibility hinder the overall progress of the mission.

The convicted soldiers, including Maggott, Wladislaw, Vernon Pinkley, Victor Franko, Posey, Jiminez, Bravos, and Jefferson, each possess unique traits that contribute to the success of the mission. Maggott's unpredictability, Wladislaw's loyalty, Pinkley's resourcefulness, Franko's technical expertise, Posey's intelligence gathering skills, Jiminez's athleticism, Bravos' technical skills, and Jefferson's covert abilities all play crucial roles in overcoming obstacles and achieving objectives.

Character Background

The background of Major Reisman is not extensively explored in the book. However, it is implied through his experience and expertise in combat that he has served in previous military campaigns. Reisman's knowledge of military strategy and his ability to command respect from his subordinates suggest a significant military background.

The backgrounds of the convicted soldiers are revealed through brief glimpses into their pasts. Maggott, for example, is depicted as a disturbed individual with a history of violent behavior. Wladislaw's military training and dedication to duty are highlighted, indicating a background in the armed forces. Vernon Pinkley's street-smart demeanor suggests a life of crime and cunning.

The book does not delve deeply into the backgrounds of the supporting characters such as Colonel Breed, General Worden, or the other convicted soldiers. Their roles primarily focus on their interactions with Major Reisman and their contributions to the mission.

Character Arcs

Major Reisman's character arc revolves around his ability to gain the trust and respect of the convicted soldiers. Initially met with skepticism and resistance, Reisman gradually earns their loyalty through his leadership and decision-making. His arc culminates in the successful completion of the mission, showcasing his growth as a leader and his ability to inspire others.

Sergeant Bowren's character arc remains consistent throughout the book, portraying him as a stubborn and antagonistic figure. He consistently challenges Reisman's authority and creates tension within the group, ultimately serving as a foil to Reisman's leadership.

The character arcs of the convicted soldiers are less prominent but still significant. They begin as a disparate group of criminals with their own agendas and reservations about the mission. Through their interactions and shared experiences, they form a bond and develop a sense of camaraderie, united by a common goal. Their character arcs showcase personal growth, as they overcome their differences and work together towards a common objective.

Relationships

Major Reisman's relationship with Sergeant Bowren is one of constant conflict and power struggle. Bowren challenges Reisman's authority at every opportunity, creating tension and undermining the group's cohesion. The relationship between the two characters serves to highlight the challenges faced by Reisman in maintaining discipline and unity within the team.

The relationships between the convicted soldiers evolve throughout the book. Initially, they are wary of one another and mistrustful due to their criminal backgrounds. However, as they train together and face various challenges, they develop mutual respect and camaraderie. Their relationships are tested during the mission, but ultimately they rely on each other for survival and successfully complete the objectives.

The relationship between Major Reisman and General Worden is one of support and guidance. Worden believes in Reisman's abilities and provides him with the necessary resources for the mission. Their relationship showcases the importance of trust and mutual respect between leaders in achieving success.

Overall, "The Dirty Dozen" explores the dynamics of various relationships within a high-stakes military mission, highlighting the growth and development of the characters as they overcome personal obstacles and work together towards a common goal.