"Three Soldiers" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

In "Three Soldiers" by John Dos Passos, the story revolves around three main characters: Andrews, Fuselli, and Chrisfield. These characters are soldiers serving in World War I and their experiences form the core of the narrative. The story also includes other significant characters such as Captain George Anderson, Lieutenant Frederic Manning, Sergeant William B. Ridges, and Private William J. Smith.

Character Descriptions

1. Andrews: Andrews is a young, idealistic soldier who joins the army with a sense of duty and patriotism. He is portrayed as intelligent and introspective, often questioning the purpose and meaning of the war. Andrews is determined to do his best but struggles with the harsh reality of military life.
2. Fuselli: Fuselli is an Italian-American soldier who is initially portrayed as a carefree and optimistic individual. He is known for his creativity and artistic talents. Fuselli often uses humor to cope with the challenges of war and frequently acts as a source of comic relief within the story.
3. Chrisfield: Chrisfield is a working-class soldier who comes from a rural background. He is depicted as a simple and straightforward individual, driven by a sense of duty and loyalty. Chrisfield often finds solace in the camaraderie of his fellow soldiers and seeks comfort in routine.

Character Traits

1. Andrews: Intelligent, introspective, idealistic, questioning, determined, struggling.
2. Fuselli: Carefree, optimistic, creative, artistic, humorous.
3. Chrisfield: Simple, straightforward, patriotic, loyal, seeking comfort.

Character Background

1. Andrews: Andrews comes from a middle-class background and has a college education. He enlists in the army hoping to make a difference and fight for his country. His intellectual background and upbringing give him a different perspective on the war, leading to his internal conflicts.
2. Fuselli: Fuselli is an Italian-American immigrant and represents the melting pot of America. He joins the army with a sense of adventure and to prove his loyalty to his new home. His artistic talents and unique background set him apart from other soldiers.
3. Chrisfield: Chrisfield comes from a rural working-class background. He enlists in the army out of a sense of duty to his country and family. His limited education and simple upbringing make him more accepting of the military life and its hardships.

Character Arcs

1. Andrews: Andrews starts the story with high ideals and a sense of purpose. However, as he experiences the horrors and futility of war, his beliefs are challenged, and he becomes disillusioned. Throughout the narrative, Andrews undergoes a transformation from a naive and idealistic soldier to a more cynical and questioning individual.
2. Fuselli: Fuselli's character arc is one of self-discovery and acceptance. Initially carefree and optimistic, he gradually realizes the harsh realities of war. Despite the challenges, Fuselli finds solace in his artistic abilities and learns to cope with the war through humor. His character arc highlights the power of resilience and adaptation.
3. Chrisfield: Chrisfield's character arc is one of unwavering loyalty and steadfastness. He remains committed to his duty and country throughout the story. Chrisfield's character portrays the resilience and strength of the working-class soldier who finds solace in the brotherhood of his fellow soldiers.

Relationships

• Andrews and Fuselli: Andrews and Fuselli develop a close friendship throughout the narrative. They often rely on each other for support and share their doubts and frustrations about the war. Their friendship represents the bond formed between soldiers in the face of adversity.
• Andrews and Chrisfield: Andrews and Chrisfield have a complex relationship. While they come from different backgrounds and have different perspectives on the war, they develop a mutual respect and understanding. Chrisfield's simplicity and loyalty influence Andrews, leading to moments of self-reflection.
• Captain George Anderson and Lieutenant Frederic Manning: Captain Anderson and Lieutenant Manning serve as the superior officers in the story. They represent the military hierarchy and the disconnect between the soldiers and their commanders. Their interactions with the protagonists highlight the challenges faced by the soldiers and the lack of empathy from higher-ranking officials.
• Sergeant William B. Ridges: Sergeant Ridges is the drill instructor who embodies the strict military discipline. His relationship with the soldiers is characterized by authority and harsh treatment. Ridges' role highlights the dehumanizing aspects of military training and its impact on the soldiers' psyche.
• Private William J. Smith: Private Smith is a fellow soldier who forms a bond with Andrews. Smith's experiences and conversations with Andrews provide different perspectives on the war and its effects on individuals. His character represents the collective experiences of the soldiers and the shared trauma they endure.

Overall, "Three Soldiers" by John Dos Passos provides a deep exploration of the characters' backgrounds, traits, relationships, and their individual journeys throughout the war. The book offers a critical analysis of the impact of war on the human psyche and the disillusionment faced by soldiers caught in the chaos of battle.