Black Watch: characters

Main Characters in Black Watch

Gordy Stephen is the central character of Black Watch who is known for his loyalty and bravery.
Throughout the play, Gordy conveys a sense of disillusionment towards the war and his leaders.
Gordy’s voice becomes a representation of the average foot soldier’s experience—his character reveals the reality of war, devoid of media or political filters.
The audience witnesses his transformation from an innocent, enthusiastic young man to a soldier hardened by trauma, representing the universal story of soldiers who have seen too much.

Cammy is a deeply patriotic character who takes pride in the traditions of the Black Watch.
His historical monologues serve as a link between the play’s present and the long history of the Black Watch regiment.
Cammy’s character represents the tension between individual identities and the regiment’s collective identity.
His inherent respect for duty and tradition juxtaposes the cynical characters in the play who question the motives and morality of the Iraq war.

As the youngest, new recruit, Chuck provides a contrasting perspective to the more experienced tour veterans.
He reflects the play’s theme of lost innocence—his idealistic approach and enthusiasm are progressively dampened by the harsh realities of war.
Chuck’s narrative reflects the journey of many young soldiers who are drawn to the army for a sense of adventure and camaraderie, only to be faced with violence and trauma.
His death in an explosion is an emotionally charged moment, serving as a stark reminder of the deadly cost of war.

Serge is the disciplined and authoritative figure in the group, a symbol of the military hierarchy.
Despite his tough exterior, he frequently speaks of his wife and shows concern for his men, revealing his human side.
His character highlights the challenges faced by those in leadership roles, caught between loyalty to their men and duty to the army.
His stoic and strong facade hides the emotional toll war takes on those in command—a theme that is subtly explored through his character.

The Writer is an outsider—a civilian looking into the military world, acting as an intermediary between the soldiers’ world and the audience.
He provides an outside perspective on the events, mirroring the audience’s attempt to understand the complexities of war.
The confrontation between the Writer and the men serves to show the difficulty of comprehending war experiences without having lived them.
His character also highlights the role of the media and writers in shaping narratives around war, offering a critique on the veracity of these narratives.

The Officer character embodies the disconnect between the top brass and the foot soldiers.
His speeches reveal the stark contradiction between the studied rhetoric of the upper ranks and the frank, candid speech of those on the ground.
He is seen as untrustworthy by the men, symbolising the soldiers’ suspicion and mistrust of the military hierarchy and government.
Despite limited stage time, the Officer’s presence and speeches provide an opportunity for political commentary and critique within the play.