Private Peaceful

From the outset, Charlie is depicted as a loving and protective older brother to Thomas, fighting off bullies at school. His strong sense of responsibility and care for his family sets the tone for his character development. Being three years older than Thomas, Charlie is a mentor figure in the novel. Charlie is portrayed as a strong, knowledgeable, and resilient young man who is determined to provide for his loved ones. When financial hardship hits the household after Mrs. Peaceful loses her job as a lady’s maid, Charlie makes sure that the family has enough food to eat by going poaching with Thomas and Molly, attempting to alleviate the burden that his mother carries.

Charlie interacts with the men in his regiment in a similarly brotherly nature once he joins the military: “It’s Charlie who keeps us together, breaks up our squabbles […] and jollies each of us along when we get downhearted. He’s become like a big brother to everyone” (127) He assumes a pivotal role within his unit, acting as a unifying force and a source of morale for his fellow soldiers. In the harrowing and tumultuous environment of war, camaraderie and a sense of brotherhood are vital for soldiers’ mental and emotional well-being. Charlie’s role in keeping the group together, resolving conflicts, and providing emotional support is the glue that holds his comrades together and a testament to his innate leadership and genuine concern for the welfare of those around him. Just as Charlie helps the men when they “get downhearted,” Morpurgo uses Charlie’s attitude to add a lighter tone to the darker elements of the novel.

Charlie’s fierceness when Challenging Tyrannical Authority is another key facet of his character. He is passionate about standing up against injustices and unfair treatment, especially when it comes to mistreatment by authority figures. His defiance against the Colonel’s unjust treatment of his family and his resilience when facing antagonist, Sergeant Haley, foreshadow the end of the novel. During his time at war, maintaining his resilient nature comes at a great personal cost. Charlie often pays the price for standing up to Haley’s harsh demands while in training: “Charlie just would not give Hanley the satisfaction of playing his game, no matter how often Hanley asked, nor how loud he shouted” (115). He refuses to yield to Hanley’s attempts to break him or force him into submission. The ultimate test, however, comes in his decision to stand by Thomas, even when faced with a death sentence. A combination of unwavering commitment to his family and fierce resilience when facing Hanley’s authority defines Charlie’s greatest act of heroism and selflessness and ultimately ends his life.

The eldest of the Peaceful brothers, Big Joe endured meningitis as an infant that affected his cognition, particularly speech and literacy. His unique way of thinking and his innate cheerfulness captivate his family. Physically, Big Joe has a commanding presence, his stature imposing. Yet, his gentle and kind composure inspires his brothers’ protectiveness: “In a way our lives at home always revolved around Big Joe” (20). Big Joe’s brothers often gauge people’s reactions to him. They are acutely aware of the prejudices and biases that society holds against individuals with intellectual disabilities such as Big Joe. Thus, how they respond to Big Joe is an indicator of their true character.

For Thomas and Charlie, remembering Big Joe’s gentle spirit provides respite and inspires bravery. Big Joe’s innocence and simplicity represent purity in a world tainted by war and loss. His favorite nursery rhyme, “Oranges and Lemons,” is a motif that creates a mood of nostalgia and comfort. In the trenches, amidst the deafening noise of shelling and the constant threat of death, the song becomes a lifeline to normalcy. If the world around them crumbles, Thomas and Charlie turn to the song as a way to reconnect with their family, highlighting The Power of Familial Bonds.

As the matriarch of the Peaceful household, Mrs. Peaceful is a devoted and caring mother of three. She embodies the theme of The Power of Familial Bonds, and her unwavering concern for her children is evident in her actions and words. Throughout the novel, Mrs. Peaceful’s relationship with Thomas and Charlie is a source of strength for them. In Thomas’s recollections of his mother, he relishes their walks together down to the river and the tranquility of high hedges, deep lanes, and the vibrant flora of the English countryside. Thomas fondly recalls her voice, like a soothing melody in his mind. Mrs. Peaceful’s letters to Charlie on the front lines are filled with love and encouragement. She strives to be a beacon of hope and comfort for her sons, offering emotional support and a sense of home amid the horrors of war. She steps beyond a traditional feminine role in Chapter 2, however, when she goes out to work for the Colonel’s wife, meaning that she is the first character to undergo significant development in the novel.

Mrs. Peaceful’s relationship with Big Joe is defined by her patient and caring stance. Mrs. Peaceful ensures that he is given the same respect as her other sons, Thomas and Charlie, and recognizes his unique needs in light of his intellectual disability. She goes to great lengths to provide him with a sense of security and belonging within the family.

As Molly also becomes an integral part of the Peaceful household, Mrs. Peaceful extends her motherly care to her. When Molly becomes pregnant and is thrown out by her parents, Mrs. Peaceful takes charge in ensuring that she stays with them in their household. This inclusiveness underscores her nurturing nature.

Thomas’s late father, James Peaceful, is described as a strong and hardworking woodsman. He was often seen wearing the attire of a laborer, such as his hobnail boots, a reflection of his humble social status. Throughout the novel, James remains a static character, primarily due to his early passing. However, his influence on the story and the development of other characters, particularly Thomas, is profound.

His accidental death in the woods marks a tragic and pivotal moment for the Peacefuls. Despite his desperate attempt to shield his son from a falling tree, James loses his own life in the process. The traumatic event leaves Thomas unconscious, and when he regains consciousness, he is met with the grim reality of his father’s lifeless body, forever etched in his memory. The event sets the stage for the overarching presence of selflessness and sacrifice in the story and foreshadows Charlie’s sacrifice for Thomas.

At his funeral, the Colonel praises James’s dedication to work, his punctuality, and his cheerful demeanor. However, there is a notable disconnect between the Colonel’s praise and James’s own feelings toward him. His less favorable opinion of the Colonel meant he often used derogatory terms to describe him, such as “silly old fart” and “mad old duffer.” Morpurgo uses his thoughts about the colonel to establish the class dynamics between the characters in the Peacefuls’ rural community.

Initially introduced as Thomas and Charlie’s childhood friend, Molly grows up alongside the Peaceful brothers and eventually joins the family as Charlie’s wife. She is described as a caring and kind friend, with shining chestnut brown hair and eyes “the colour of heather honey” (51), a simile that relates her to the tranquility of the landscape. As the only child of older parents, Molly doesn’t find the love and support she craves at home. This lack of emotional connection and stability in her family drives Molly to seek solace and affection in the Peacefuls.

At the Peaceful household, Molly discovers the loving and caring family for which she has been yearning. Mrs. Peaceful’s role as a mother figure becomes particularly significant to Molly: “Mother treated her like the daughter she’d never had” (25). She not only provides Molly with a home but also welcomes her with open arms, offering the maternal love and guidance for which she has been longing. The Peaceful family, despite its struggles, offers a sense of unity and belonging that contrasts sharply with Molly’s own home.

As the story progresses, Molly undergoes a substantial transformation. Her shift from a carefree friend to a romantic interest for both Thomas and Charlie adds complexity to the trio’s dynamic and highlights their coming of age. Molly’s role changes from playful childhood adventures to the responsibilities of adulthood as she reveals she is pregnant with Charlie’s son. This pivotal event leads to her being invited to live in the cottage, marrying Charlie, and becoming a Peaceful herself.

The Colonel, a central antagonist in the novel, is portrayed as a malevolent and heartless individual who holds sway over the grand estate in the village. Due to his position and authority, his behavior is challenged by few and goes unpunished, building the overarching theme of Challenging Tyrannical Authority. His awareness of this power dynamic allows him to manipulate situations to his advantage and disrupt the Peaceful family’s idyllic life.

After James’s tragic death, the Colonel shows callousness in his quick consideration of evicting the family from their home, displaying a lack of empathy during her time of grief. His seemingly benevolent offer of employment to Mrs. Peaceful is intertwined with his suggestion of institutionalizing Big Joe, further emphasizing his disregard and insensitive nature.

Thomas notices early on the Colonel’s apparent grudge against the family. His vindictiveness and capacity for cruelty becomes strikingly evident through the ruthless killing of Bertha, the beloved family dog. Mrs. Peaceful also connects the Colonel to the malicious rumors spread about Charlie, which influences Molly’s parents to keep her apart from him. With his last vengeful strike, the Colonel’s role in sending Charlie to war further emphasizes his authority and control over their lives, connecting him with wider political authorities who sent people to their death. His willingness to wield power and influence to sow discord and suffering establishes him as the key antagonist during Thomas’s childhood.

Thomas’s great aunt, Grandma Wolf, is the first antagonist introduced in the novel. Her authoritarian and condescending demeanor earns her the nicknames “Grandma Wolf” and “Wolfwoman,” drawn from the wolf character in Little Red Riding Hood. The children’s aversion intensifies after Grandma Wolf moves in and her domineering attitude and imposition of strict rules disrupts the previously harmonious family life in the Peaceful household: “We hadn’t liked her before she moved in—as much on account of her moustache as anything else—and we liked her even less now that she had” (30). This stark change creates an atmosphere of discomfort and resentment in the home. One of the most poignant aspects of Grandma Wolf’s behavior is her condescending treatment of Big Joe, whom she infantilizes and belittles, causing the family’s discomfort to intensify.

Grandma Wolf’s close relationship with the Colonel amplifies the children’s aversion to her. Long before she moves in with the Peacefuls, she and James, the children’s father, had “dreadful rows about him” (20). Grandma Wolf served as the Colonel’s housekeeper in the past, and her abrupt dismissal fueled rumors of a romantic involvement between the two. After being reinstated as the Colonel’s housekeeper following his wife’s death, gossip suggests that their questionable relationship has restarted.

Mr. Munnings embodies a strict and authoritarian figure in his role as an educator. His “thunderous voice” and “raging tempers” create an atmosphere of fear and discomfort. Upon Thomas’s arrival, Mr. Munnings asserts his authority by listing strict commandments, leaving no room for deviation. He imposes his will on the students, emphasizing discipline and conformity. Morpurgo hence uses Mr. Munnings as a prototype for the authoritarianism to which the young students graduate when they go to war.

In stark contrast, Miss McAllister is a foil to Mr. Munnings, as she is described as a more empathetic and nurturing teacher. Her friendly demeanor, marked by her understanding attitude, differs from Mr. Munnings’ harshness. She engages with her students on a personal level, demonstrating a willingness to help and encourage. Thomas’s recitation of a poem that she taught in class showcases her impact on him.

Sergeant Hanley is described as a cruel authoritarian, eagerly in pursuit of control. During training, he subjects the soldiers to physically demanding drills and rigorous routines, earning him the nickname “Horrible” Hanley. These exercises, while intended to prepare the soldiers for the rigors of war, involve physical and mental strain, pushing the recruits to their limits. The soldiers’ responses to Hanley are a mix of dread and compliance. Many reluctantly obey Hanley’s commands, not out of willingness but to avoid further punishment. Hanley’s reputation for harsh discipline and the threat of retribution compel them to conform. This atmosphere of inspiring obedience with fear foreshadows the military court’s decision to execute Charlie. On the battlefield, Hanley inspires great animosity among the soldiers: “Every one of us hated him like poison, a great deal more than we had ever hated Fritz” (149). This perspective suggests the futility of war, since the young soldiers fight on the side of their keenest enemy.

Charlie’s ultimate confrontation with Hanley, in which he suggests a safer course of action during a battle, results in his arrest and eventual execution. Hanley’s role in overseeing Charlie’s punishment signifies his willingness to carry out orders without mercy, regardless of the personal toll it takes on the soldiers under his command. In a twist of fate, Sergeant Hanley meets his own demise in an accident shortly after Charlie’s condemnation. While his death provides a sense of poetic justice, it comes too late for Charlie.