Cadet Byrd (“Birdie”) Character Analysis in Starship Troopers

Cadet Byrd is one of Johnnie’s classmates at Officer Candidate School; he, Johnnie, and Hassan are all given their temporary assignments together. He’s very small and quite young; Johnnie estimates he could be as young as 18 or 19 years old. He’s also brilliant and well-educated, and the cadets all think he’s got what it takes to be a General. He dies on his training mission but does so in a way that earns him a commendation for his actions.

Cadet Byrd (“Birdie”) Character Timeline in Starship Troopers

The timeline below shows where the character Cadet Byrd (“Birdie”) appears in Starship Troopers. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

...along with Cadets Hassan “the Assassin”—the oldest man in the class—and the small and unintimidating Byrd. (full context)

...reassuring tone, because their teams will be looking toward them in a moment of trouble. Birdie, Hassan, and Johnnie are all unnerved, and Johnnie wishes he were still a private back... (full context)

Colonel Nielssen finally swears Johnnie, Hassan, and Birdie to their new temporary ranks. Before handing out their temporary insignia, he dispenses more advice.... (full context)

...them to Hassan. He tells him to wear them gallantly and to bring them back. Birdie says he’s not superstitious, which is fortunate because his pips have been worn by five... (full context)

Because they’re on the same air car, Birdie tells Johnnie that Hassan has to study three subjects. In contrast, Birdie is a “professor... (full context)

Johnnie and Birdie part ways. Two weeks later, Birdie is commissioned, and his pips are returned to the... (full context)