Matthew Dodd And Sergeant Godinot Characters

A novel based on the battle between the British and the French. Rifleman Matthew Dodd and Sergeant Godinot, tells the tale of both sides. As Rifleman Dodd, represented his on character development in the novel, he also attributed to the characteristics of the British Army. While Sergeant Godinot and his men represented the French Army, even though his ‘party’ was also put through lots of unnecessary stress due to lack of leadership skills. Throughout the novel, the perspective of both sides are told to show how each side was viewing their current situations and how leaders in the situations reacted during the occurrence of events. Unfortunately, Sergeant Godinot was displayed as the static character throughout the novel, while Rifleman Dodd

In such a way, that he didn’t show any of the traits a good leader should have at all times. Throughout the novel, he showed no understanding of his own ‘party,' "They made jokes about shortage of ammunition and Fournier’s diligence in replacing it…" (Pg67) During this section, one of Sgt. Godinot’s men just lost a friend in combat. Lacking in supplies and proper training, Fournier’s intention was get to revenge on his own. As a leader, Sgt. Godinot should have seen this happening — yet he did nothing to calm the soldier down. Sgt. Godinot also displayed a lot of shame throughout the novel. "There is no time to spare," (Pg. 9) Here, Sgt. Godinot lost his first soldier and made his first mistake. Godron was shot and killed during a skirmish that was led by Sgt. Godinot and in return, didn’t do anything of the sort to either raise morale for the other soldiers around, all he did was strip the dying soldiers belongings and left his body there. This event later led to his own troops betraying

Even so throughout the novel, he was alone — he managed to make friends and find help that were willing to listen to his orders and directions. Giving not just help but aid to return to his regiment and was probably one of the reason why the French ended up in a retreat. He was separately from his regiment during combat. Though he faced many hardships, Dodd never gave into the fear and despair. A lot had to do with the experience that he had to go through with his regiment, but because he had a strong devotion toward his duties and the strong attachment of his regiment. "Nevertheless…the Rifle Brigade–had in the short ten years of its existence won itself a reputation worthy of the envy of any older unit." (Pg.2) Dodd’s pride and image in his head of his present kept him from ever leaning on the weaker side of war. "…that they were always first into action and last out." (Pg.3) In this passage, it shows that the leaders of Dodd did a fine job in creating a positive mindset of the regiment for Dodd when he first arrived. It is the pride of a unit that can alter one’s behavior in any given situation. "Dodd and Bernandino helped the son to bury him–" (Pg.86) Another aspect of Dodd that was very important in his ability of survival, was his humane ideal on compassion. Though the man, he helped buried was an irregular — not a