Excellent analysis, Vera, and many thanks.

Excellent analysis, Vera, and many thanks. While we see these five primary character archetypes (Protagonist, Nemesis, Attractor, Mentor, Trickster) in many, many movies, they don’t always align. That said, let me take a crack at a couple of characters you were uncertain about:

• Lauri/Orphaned Baby: I think your first instinct is right. These are Attractor characters because they connect with Schofield’s heart. From a narrative standpoint, they function at a point in the story to revivify Schofield’s emotional purpose in trying to save his brother’s life as well as 1600 other soldiers. This after his experiences, trials, and tribulations have squashed much of his hope.
• Captain Ivins: How about Trickster? He physicalizes the degrading dynamic of war, how it can destroy a person’s psyche, in contrast to Schofield who-frankly-discovers within himself a level of courage and empowerment he did not know was there.

One thing to note: There is not much nuance relative to the characters. They are pretty clear-cut in terms of their respective narrative functions. Again, echoing points made previously, there is a simplicity to the plot and characters which feels intentional on the part of the screenwriters due to the complexities of the storytelling and production.

Thanks again, Vera!