Here's how it's meant to be, lass. The common soldier comes from the bottom dregs of society, or else he's a young sap who didn't know no better at the time of taking the king's shilling. Prehaps to escape heartbreak or else to impress his sweetheart. But -- nine bloody times out of ten -- your common soldier is a man who couldn't afford to live on any other account. Your successful businessmen and your carpenters and your farmers won't join up. Why make less while upping their chances of being killed?

[ he taps the tabletop. ] Meanwhile, officers are on the other side of the great divide. Gentlemen and lords. Capable of purchasing their commissions and -- it is assumed -- capable of leading the men of lesser lives.

[ of course, that doesn't mean they were all bad officers. sharpe has personally known many great, courageous, inspiring men. in fact, he himself is more anomalous for being up from the ranks and still able to function in a command position. ]