The main characters are usually those who have experienced war directly. There are also characters who are left behind, like family members of the soldiers. These characters help to show the wider impact of war on society. The soldiers themselves are complex characters with different personalities, some are brave, some are cowardly, and they all react differently to the horrors of war.
Soldiers are very typical. They are the central figures in many of his war - related stories, like in 'Going After Cacciato'. They represent different personalities, some are brave, some are fearful, and they all have to deal with the chaos of war.
There could be a tough veteran character. He would be someone who has seen a lot in the war, has battle scars both physical and mental. He might act as a mentor to the younger soldiers, guiding them through the chaos of war.
Typical characters include fishermen. Given the Irish coastal setting in many of his works, fishermen are common, facing the perils of the sea. There are also poor farmers. They struggle with the land, trying to eke out a living from it.
Perhaps he selects stories based on personal experiences. Stories that he has lived through or witnessed himself are likely to be more real and heartfelt.
In Edna O'Brien short stories, the characters are diverse. There are young lovers, full of passion and naivete. They might be involved in forbidden love affairs, defying the norms of their community. Elderly characters are also present, often carrying the wisdom and the pain of a long life. And there are often wayward sons or daughters, who rebel against their families' values and traditions, causing upheaval within the family unit.
Tim O'Brien himself as a character in his own stories is memorable. By using his own name, he blurs the lines between the author and the narrator. His own experiences, doubts, and emotions as a soldier add a layer of authenticity to the stories, and readers get to see his journey of coming to terms with the war.
In 'The Things They Carried', Lieutenant Jimmy Cross is a notable character. He is burdened by his love for Martha and his responsibilities as a leader. His daydreaming about Martha often gets in the way of his military duties.