Hacksaw Ridge - Characters & Cast

Desmond's primary motivation is his deeply held religious belief in the commandment "Thou shalt not kill," which stems from a traumatic childhood event where he nearly killed his brother. This is coupled with a profound sense of duty to serve his country and save lives during the war, leading him to enlist as a combat medic. His mantra on the ridge becomes, "Please Lord, help me get one more."

Desmond Doss remains a steadfast character, meaning he does not change his core beliefs but instead changes the world around him. His journey is not about learning to compromise but about proving the strength of his convictions. He starts as an outcast, ridiculed and abused for his beliefs. Through his unwavering bravery and self-sacrifice on Hacksaw Ridge, he transforms from a pariah into a revered hero, earning the deep respect and admiration of the very men who once tormented him.

Howell's motivation is to train his soldiers to survive the horrors of war. He believes that a soldier who won't carry a weapon is useless and a danger to the platoon. His actions, while harsh, stem from a desire to protect his men by ensuring they are all capable fighters.

Sergeant Howell initially embodies the institutional opposition to Desmond. He is tough, cynical, and sees Desmond's pacifism as a liability that endangers the other men. He relentlessly tries to break Desmond and get him to quit. However, after witnessing Desmond's incredible heroism on the battlefield, Howell's skepticism turns into profound respect and awe. His arc represents the broader change in attitude of the entire unit towards Desmond.

His motivation is rooted in the trauma of his own wartime experiences. He is haunted by the loss of his friends and the psychological scars of combat, driving him to try and prevent his sons from suffering the same fate. His love for his family is evident, though tragically warped by his pain.

Tom Doss is a World War I veteran suffering from severe PTSD, which manifests as alcoholism and domestic abuse. He is initially deeply opposed to Desmond's enlistment, not out of cowardice, but because he knows the true horror of war and wants to protect his sons from it. His arc culminates in a redemptive moment when he uses his own painful military past to save Desmond during his court-martial, showing up in his old uniform with a letter from a former commander that secures Desmond's right to serve as a medic.

Dorothy is motivated by her deep love for Desmond and her admiration for his character and unwavering principles. She provides him with the Bible that becomes his spiritual guide and represents the home and future he hopes to return to.

Dorothy serves as Desmond's connection to the life and peace he is fighting to preserve. She is his steadfast supporter and moral anchor. Her arc is less about personal transformation and more about her unwavering faith in Desmond, even when she fears for his life. She falls in love with him because of his unique principles and stands by him during his trials in the military.