BookBrief Logo
With Lee in Virginia
Goodreads ratings
3.8 / 5
Add to Your Library

Sign in to save this book to your reading lists

"With Lee in Virginia" Characters Analysis

A young Confederate soldier displays courage and loyalty while serving under General Robert E. Lee during the American Civil War.

Estimated read time: 14 min read

List of Characters

Character NameRole
Harry KentonProtagonist
Robert E. LeeSupporting Character
George HangerSupporting Character
Dick MasonSupporting Character
Colonel WinchesterSupporting Character
General JacksonSupporting Character
General JohnsonSupporting Character
General GrantSupporting Character
General McClellanSupporting Character
General HookerSupporting Character
General BurnsideSupporting Character

Role Identification

Harry Kenton (Protagonist)

Harry Kenton is the main character and the protagonist of the book "With Lee in Virginia." He is a young man from Kentucky who joins the Confederate Army during the American Civil War. Harry is driven by a strong sense of duty and honor towards the Southern cause.

Robert E. Lee (Supporting Character)

Robert E. Lee is a prominent historical figure and a supporting character in the book. He is the general of the Confederate Army and plays a significant role in shaping the events of the story. Lee is known for his strategic brilliance and his unwavering loyalty to the Southern cause.

George Hanger (Supporting Character)

George Hanger is a close friend and comrade of Harry Kenton. He is a brave and loyal soldier who fights alongside Harry in numerous battles. George provides support and friendship to Harry throughout the story.

Dick Mason (Supporting Character)

Dick Mason is another friend and comrade of Harry Kenton. He is a skilled marksman and a valuable asset to the Confederate Army. Dick's loyalty and bravery are evident as he fights alongside Harry in various battles.

Colonel Winchester (Supporting Character)

Colonel Winchester is a high-ranking officer in the Confederate Army. He serves as a mentor to Harry Kenton, guiding him through the challenges of war and imparting valuable wisdom and knowledge.

General Jackson (Supporting Character)

General Jackson, also known as Stonewall Jackson, is a renowned Confederate general. He is known for his strategic prowess and unwavering determination. General Jackson plays a significant role in the battles fought by Harry Kenton and his comrades.

General Johnson (Supporting Character)

General Johnson is another Confederate general who plays a supporting role in the story. He leads his troops with courage and valor, fighting alongside Harry Kenton and his comrades.

General Grant (Supporting Character)

General Grant is a prominent historical figure and a supporting character in the book. He is the general of the Union Army and serves as the primary antagonist to the Confederate forces. General Grant's strategic skills and determination pose a significant challenge to Harry Kenton and his comrades.

General McClellan (Supporting Character)

General McClellan is another Union general who plays a supporting role in the story. He leads the Union forces with caution and meticulous planning, making him a formidable opponent for the Confederate Army.

General Hooker (Supporting Character)

General Hooker is a Union general known for his aggressive tactics. He poses a significant threat to the Confederate Army and plays a role in several battles in the story.

General Burnside (Supporting Character)

General Burnside is another Union general who appears in the book. He leads the Union forces in several battles, adding to the challenges faced by Harry Kenton and his comrades.

Character Descriptions

Harry Kenton

Harry Kenton is a young man in his early twenties with a strong build and a determined look in his eyes. He has dark brown hair and a neatly trimmed beard. Harry is often seen wearing the Confederate Army uniform, a symbol of his dedication to the cause.

Robert E. Lee

Robert E. Lee is a distinguished-looking man in his fifties. He has graying hair and a neatly groomed mustache. Lee carries himself with an air of authority and commands respect from those around him.

George Hanger

George Hanger is a tall and wiry man with a rugged appearance. He has a scar on his cheek, a testament to the dangers he has faced on the battlefield. George's eyes are sharp and observant, always scanning his surroundings for potential threats.

Dick Mason

Dick Mason is a young man with a lean and athletic build. He has a confident smile and a mischievous glint in his eyes. Dick's hands are calloused from years of handling firearms, a testament to his skill as a marksman.

Colonel Winchester

Colonel Winchester is a middle-aged man with a commanding presence. He stands tall and straight, exuding an aura of authority. His eyes are sharp and piercing, reflecting his strategic mindset.

General Jackson

General Jackson is a stern-looking man with a long beard and a determined expression. He carries himself with an air of confidence and speaks with a commanding voice. General Jackson's eyes hold a mix of intensity and wisdom.

General Johnson

General Johnson is a burly man with a strong build and a weathered face. He has a no-nonsense demeanor and a voice that carries authority. General Johnson's eyes are sharp and observant, always assessing the situation.

General Grant

General Grant is a middle-aged man with a rugged appearance. He has a well-groomed beard and a determined look in his eyes. General Grant exudes an aura of confidence and resilience.

General McClellan

General McClellan is a middle-aged man with a thoughtful expression. He has a neatly trimmed beard and a calm demeanor. General McClellan's eyes reflect his careful and cautious nature.

General Hooker

General Hooker is a tall and imposing man with a strong build. He has a full beard and a stern expression. General Hooker's eyes convey a sense of determination and aggression.

General Burnside

General Burnside is a distinguished-looking man with a neatly trimmed beard and a calm demeanor. He carries himself with an air of confidence and authority. General Burnside's eyes hold a mix of intelligence and determination.

Character Traits

Harry Kenton

  • Loyal
  • Brave
  • Determined
  • Honor-bound
  • Skilled fighter
  • Quick thinking

Robert E. Lee

  • Strategic
  • Wise
  • Loyal
  • Courageous
  • Respected
  • Inspirational

George Hanger

  • Loyal
  • Brave
  • Supportive
  • Resourceful
  • Quick-witted
  • Lively

Dick Mason

  • Skilled marksman
  • Loyal
  • Courageous
  • Daring
  • Adventurous
  • Reliable

Colonel Winchester

  • Wise
  • Experienced
  • Mentor
  • Strategic
  • Calm
  • Disciplined

General Jackson

  • Strategic genius
  • Determined
  • Commanding
  • Resilient
  • Inspiring
  • Disciplined

General Johnson

  • Strong
  • Brave
  • Resilient
  • Tactical
  • Decisive
  • Disciplined

General Grant

  • Determined
  • Resilient
  • Tactical
  • Aggressive
  • Resourceful
  • Unyielding

General McClellan

  • Careful
  • Cautious
  • Intelligent
  • Thoughtful
  • Organized
  • Methodical

General Hooker

  • Aggressive
  • Daring
  • Confident
  • Resilient
  • Strategic
  • Fearless

General Burnside

  • Confident
  • Authoritative
  • Intelligent
  • Calm
  • Decisive
  • Inspiring

Character Background

Harry Kenton

Harry Kenton is a young man from Kentucky who comes from a family with a long military tradition. He grew up hearing stories of honor and valor on the battlefield, which instilled in him a strong sense of duty towards his country. Harry's father fought in the Mexican-American War, further fueling his desire to serve in the military. When the Civil War broke out, Harry joined the Confederate Army, determined to fight for the Southern cause.

Robert E. Lee

Robert E. Lee was born into a prominent Virginia family and received a military education at the United States Military Academy. He served in the United States Army during the Mexican-American War and gained recognition for his leadership and tactical skills. Despite his reservations about secession, Lee chose to fight for the Confederacy out of loyalty to his home state of Virginia.

George Hanger

George Hanger grew up in a small town in Georgia. He came from a humble background and worked as a farmhand before joining the Confederate Army. George's strong sense of duty and loyalty to his friends led him to enlist alongside Harry Kenton.

Dick Mason

Dick Mason was born and raised in Mississippi. He grew up hunting and became an excellent marksman at a young age. When the Civil War broke out, Dick saw it as an opportunity to use his skills for a greater cause and enlisted in the Confederate Army.

Colonel Winchester

Colonel Winchester hails from a wealthy plantation-owning family in South Carolina. He received a prestigious education and joined the military at a young age. Colonel Winchester's experience and knowledge of warfare make him a respected leader in the Confederate Army.

General Jackson

General Jackson was born in what is now West Virginia and came from a modest background. He rose through the ranks of the United States Army and gained fame for his leadership during the Civil War. General Jackson's unwavering determination and tactical brilliance made him a revered figure in the Confederate Army.

General Johnson

General Johnson was born and raised in Tennessee. He came from a family of farmers and worked on the family farm before joining the Confederate Army. General Johnson's natural leadership skills and bravery on the battlefield earned him a high rank in the army.

General Grant

General Grant was born in Ohio and had a modest upbringing. He attended the United States Military Academy and served in the Mexican-American War. General Grant's military career was marked by his determination and strategic thinking, which eventually led to his appointment as the commanding general of the Union Army.

General McClellan

General McClellan was born in Pennsylvania and had a privileged upbringing. He attended the United States Military Academy and served in the Mexican-American War. General McClellan's cautious approach to warfare and emphasis on training and preparation earned him the position of commanding general of the Union Army.

General Hooker

General Hooker was born in Massachusetts and came from a military family. He attended the United States Military Academy and served in the Mexican-American War. General Hooker gained notoriety for his aggressive tactics and fearless approach to battle.

General Burnside

General Burnside was born in Indiana and had a diverse career before the Civil War. He served in the United States Army, worked as a railroad executive, and even dabbled in politics. General Burnside's calm and authoritative demeanor made him a respected leader in the Union Army.

Character Arcs

Harry Kenton

Harry Kenton begins his journey as a naive and idealistic young man eager to prove his worth on the battlefield. Throughout the story, he experiences the harsh realities of war, witnessing the horrors and sacrifices made by his comrades. As the war progresses, Harry's character matures, and he becomes a seasoned soldier, respected by his peers. He learns the true meaning of honor and duty and develops a deep loyalty towards his friends and the Southern cause.

Robert E. Lee

Although not the central character, Robert E. Lee undergoes a significant character arc in the story. Lee starts as a cautious and reluctant leader, unsure of the Confederacy's chances of success. However, as the war progresses, he becomes more determined and resolute in his decisions. Lee's character arc showcases his growth as a leader, from a hesitant general to a revered figure in Confederate history.

Relationships

Harry Kenton and George Hanger

Harry Kenton and George Hanger share a deep bond forged through their shared experiences on the battlefield. They support and rely on each other during the most challenging moments of the war. Their friendship provides them with a sense of camaraderie and strength, helping them face the horrors of war with courage.

Harry Kenton and Dick Mason

Harry Kenton and Dick Mason have a strong friendship based on mutual respect and trust. They often work together as a team, utilizing their individual skills to benefit the Confederate cause. Their loyalty to each other is unwavering, and they provide support and encouragement in times of hardship.

Harry Kenton and Colonel Winchester

Colonel Winchester serves as a mentor and father figure to Harry Kenton. He imparts valuable knowledge and guidance, helping Harry navigate the complexities of war. Colonel Winchester's wisdom and experience shape Harry's character, teaching him the importance of strategy and discipline.

Harry Kenton and Robert E. Lee

Harry Kenton's admiration for Robert E. Lee is evident throughout the story. Lee's leadership and unwavering loyalty to the Southern cause inspire Harry to become a better soldier. Their relationship symbolizes the respect and reverence that many Confederate soldiers had for their commanding general.

Harry Kenton and General Jackson

Harry Kenton looks up to General Jackson as a symbol of bravery and determination. He witnesses General Jackson's strategic genius and unwavering dedication to the cause. General Jackson's character influences Harry's development as a soldier, teaching him the importance of discipline and perseverance.

Harry Kenton and General Grant

Harry Kenton's encounters with General Grant are marked by conflict and opposition. As the antagonist of the story, General Grant poses a significant challenge for Harry and his comrades. Their tense relationship serves as a representation of the opposing forces in the Civil War.

Harry Kenton and General McClellan

Harry Kenton's interactions with General McClellan highlight the contrasting approaches to war between the Confederate and Union forces. General McClellan's caution and meticulous planning present a formidable challenge for Harry and his fellow soldiers. Their relationship represents the strategic and tactical differences between the two sides.

Harry Kenton and General Hooker

Harry Kenton's encounters with General Hooker showcase the aggressive and daring tactics employed by the Union Army. General Hooker's aggressive nature poses a significant threat to Harry and his comrades, forcing them to adapt and respond to new challenges on the battlefield.

Harry Kenton and General Burnside

Harry Kenton's interactions with General Burnside highlight the authoritative and confident leadership of the Union Army. General Burnside's calm demeanor and decisive nature present a formidable challenge for Harry and his fellow soldiers. Their relationship symbolizes the determination and resilience of both sides in the conflict.

In conclusion, "With Lee in Virginia" by G.A. Henty features a diverse cast of characters, each with their own unique traits, backgrounds, and relationships. The protagonist, Harry Kenton, undergoes a significant character arc as he matures from an idealistic young man to a seasoned soldier. The supporting characters, such as Robert E. Lee, George Hanger, and General Jackson, play vital roles in shaping the events of the story and influencing Harry's development. The relationships between the characters highlight the bonds of friendship, mentorship, and conflict that arise during times of war. Overall, the book provides a compelling portrayal of the American Civil War through the lens of its characters.