"M*A*S*H" is an American television series that aired from 1972 to 1983, adapted from the 1970 feature film of the same name, which in turn was based on Richard Hooker's 1968 novel "MASH: A Novel About Three Army Doctors." The show is set during the Korean War and follows the lives of the staff of the 4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital (M*A*S*H) as they cope with the stresses of surgery and life away from home, often using humor as a coping mechanism. Below are the main characters and a brief outline of their roles and backgrounds: 1. **Captain Benjamin Franklin "Hawkeye" Pierce** (played by Alan Alda) - The chief surgeon and one of the most prominent characters, Hawkeye is known for his excellent surgical skills, his joie de vivre, and his anti-authoritarian stance. He uses humor as a defense mechanism to deal with the horrors of war. 2. **Captain "Trapper" John McIntyre** (played by Wayne Rogers) - A fellow surgeon and Hawkeye’s best friend during the early seasons, Trapper shares much of Pierce's outlook on life and often partakes in pranks and hijinks. 3. **Major Margaret "Hot Lips" Houlihan** (played by Loretta Swit) - The head nurse of the 4077th, Margaret Houlihan is professional and by-the-book, often clashing with Hawkeye and Trapper for their lackadaisical attitudes but eventually showing a more vulnerable and caring side. 4. **Lieutenant Colonel Henry Blake** (played by McLean Stevenson) - The original commanding officer of the 4077th. Although a bit naively affable and often ineffectual as a commander, he is well-liked by the unit for his good nature. 5. **Colonel Sherman T. Potter** (played by Harry Morgan) - He replaces Henry Blake as the commanding officer from season 4 onwards. A more competent and experienced leader, Potter is a career Army man who balances duty with a fondness for the people under his command. 6. **Major Frank Burns** (played by Larry Linville) - A surgeon and the original foil for Hawkeye and Trapper, Burns is incompetent and pompous, often engaging in a volatile affair with Major Houlihan. 7. **Corporal "Radar" O’Reilly** (played by Gary Burghoff) - The company clerk with an uncanny ability to sense incoming helicopters and other events before anyone else, hence his nickname "Radar." He is also notable for his innocence and love for his teddy bear. 8. **Father Francis Mulcahy** (played by William Christopher) - The unit's chaplain, Father Mulcahy, provides spiritual and moral support to the staff and patients. He's known for his kindness and attempts to maintain his moral compass during the conflict. 9. **Corporal Max Klinger** (played by Jamie Farr) - Initially depicted attempting to obtain a Section 8 discharge by cross-dressing and engaging in other outlandish behavior, Klinger eventually becomes the company clerk after Radar is discharged. 10. **Captain B.J. Hunnicutt** (played by Mike Farrell) - Joining the series from season 4 onwards as Trapper’s replacement, B.J. is a devoted family man with a strong moral center, often serving as a foil and then best friend to Hawkeye. The characters in "M*A*S*H" are multifaceted, and their personalities and stories evolve throughout the series. The show maintains a balance between comedic moments and the serious undertones of the effect of war, offering viewers a portrayal of how people find friendship and humor amid adversity. The character development and interactions not only drive the narrative but also serve to highlight the absurdity of war, the importance of human connections, and the resilience of people in challenging situations.