A Soldier's Play: Analysis of Major Characters
"A Soldier's Play" is a dramatic narrative that explores complex themes of race, identity, and morality within a military setting during World War II. Central to the story is Captain Richard Davenport, a black military officer and lawyer tasked with investigating the murder of Tech/Sergeant Vernon C. Waters. The play delves into the dynamics of power and prejudice, particularly through the character of Captain Charles Taylor, who resents Davenport's role and questions his authority due to his race.
Waters himself is portrayed as a conflicted figure, embodying the struggles of African American soldiers while also imposing harsh standards on his men, which ultimately leads to tragic consequences. Other characters, such as Corporal Bernard Cobb and Private Anthony Smalls, further illustrate the varying responses to Waters' leadership and the societal pressures faced by black soldiers.
The narrative culminates in a dark resolution, revealing the impact of internalized racism and the desperate circumstances surrounding the soldiers. Through its character arcs, "A Soldier's Play" invites audiences to reflect on the complexities of race relations and the personal and communal battles fought within the confines of military life. This multifaceted portrayal prompts deeper discussions about identity, loyalty, and the consequences of systemic prejudice.
A Soldier's Play: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Charles Fuller
First published: 1981
Genre: Play
Locale: Fort Neal, Louisiana
Plot: Detective and mystery
Time: 1944
Captain Richard Davenport, a black lawyer and military officer attached to the 343d Military Police Corps Unit. Davenport investigates the murder of Tech/Sergeant Vernon C. Waters. Ignoring the prejudiced statements and threats of Captain Charles Taylor, Davenport dispassionately fulfills his job and discovers that Private First Class Melvin Peterson murdered Waters while Private Tony Smalls watched. After the discovery, Davenport returns to his unit while the other men prepare to go to the front.
Captain Charles Taylor, a white man in his mid-to late thirties who resents Davenport's assignment and rank. Taylor wants Davenport taken off the murder investigation because he does not believe that a black man can accuse white men or solve the case. After interrogating white soldiers Byrd and Wilcox, Taylor orders that they be arrested; however, Daven-port proves that they are not guilty. When Davenport discovers the truth, Taylor admits that he was wrong about African Americans being able to be in charge.
Tech/Sergeant Vernon C. Waters, a well-built African American with light brown skin who manages the baseball team and is disliked by his men. Waters believes that black men must overcome their ignorant status and harasses his men who match the stereotype of being foolish. Waters belittles C. J. Memphis until Memphis attacks Waters. Feeling guilt after Memphis' death, Waters drinks too much; he is beaten by Byrd and Wilcox after insulting them, but the two men leave him alive. Peterson and Smalls find Waters lying in the road, and after beating him, Peterson murders him.
Corporal Bernard Cobb, a black man in his mid-to late twenties who defends Memphis when he hits Waters. Cobb relives the scene between Waters and Memphis. He visits Memphis in the brig, and after Memphis' death, he helps throw the last baseball game. Cobb reports that Peterson and Smalls were on guard duty and the last ones in the barracks the night of Waters' death.
Private Louis Henson, a thin black man in his late twenties or early thirties who does not like to talk to officers and is the pitcher on the baseball team. Henson tells Davenport about the shooting at Williams' Golden Palace and that he saw someone run into the barracks and put something under Memphis' bed.
Private James Wilkie, a black man in his early forties, a career soldier. Wilkie reveals his anger over losing his stripes. Waters removed his stripes after Wilkie drank on guard duty. Wilkie was ordered to place the murder weapon under Memphis' bunk. Davenport places Wilkie under arrest.
C. J. Memphis, a young, handsome, and superstitious black man from Mississippi who plays an excellent game of baseball. A likable man and the best hitter on the team, Memphis also plays the guitar and works harder and faster than anyone else, but Waters does not approve of him because he thinks that Memphis represents the honky-tonk side of the black man. When Memphis hits Waters and is put in the brig, he decides that he will not be caged like an animal. He commits suicide.
Private Anthony Smalls, a black career soldier in his late thirties who is afraid of Peterson. Accused and arrested for going absent without leave (AWOL), Smalls claims that he did not go AWOL but got drunk and fell asleep in the bus depot. After Davenport's interrogation begins, Smalls admits that he did go AWOL and that he watched Peterson shoot and kill Waters.
Private First Class Melvin Peterson, an angelic looking black man and model soldier in his late twenties who calls Waters “ole Stone-ass.” From Hollywood, California, by way of Alabama, Peterson plays shortstop on the baseball team. He joined the Army because he thought he might have the chance to fight. Peterson does not hesitate to talk back to Waters, and after a confrontation, the two men fight. Even though Waters beats Peterson, he later does not badger Peterson as much. Peterson discovers Waters lying on the ground in a drunken stupor. After kicking him, Peterson shoots him twice, once in the chest and once in the head.
Byrd, a spit-and-polish soldier in his twenties who works in Ordnance. Byrd fights with Waters outside of the NCO Club the night of the murder. Byrd orders Waters to shut up and starts shoving him. Byrd beats and kicks Waters and threatens to blow his head off.
Wilcox, a medical officer who keeps Byrd from killing Waters. More sympathetic to Waters' condition, Wilcox tries to help. Wilcox attempts to keep Byrd from beating Waters, but Byrd breaks free of his grasp. Wilcox finally restrains Byrd and pulls him away.