Loosely based on several figures, primarily Francis Marion ("Swamp Fox"). Martin's specific family story, motivations (revenge for his son's death), and many actions are fictionalized, making him a composite character inspired by history.

Loosely based on Banastre Tarleton. While Tarleton was known for harsh tactics, the film attributes specific atrocities to Tavington (like the church burning) that Tarleton did not commit, leading to a highly controversial and largely inaccurate portrayal.

A fictional character whose actions (joining the army, marriage, deaths of brothers, own death) serve to motivate the protagonist, Benjamin Martin.

A fictional character providing a romantic subplot.

A fictional character providing domestic support and a potential romantic arc for Benjamin.

Represents Continental Army officers coordinating with the militia. Possibly inspired by figures like Henry Lee III, but his specific role and interactions with Martin are largely fictionalized.

The film is accurately set during the crucial and brutal Southern Campaign (c. 1780-81).

This is a fictional character arc; the real figures Martin is based on (like Marion) were generally involved earlier or more consistently. Martin's specific motivation (revenge) is also fictional.

The film accurately portrays the hit-and-run, ambush tactics used effectively by Patriot militia leaders like Francis Marion against British supply lines and forces in the swamps and forests of South Carolina.

This specific event initiating Martin's revenge arc is fictional. While atrocities occurred, this particular incident involving Tavington/Tarleton is invented.

This is the film's most condemned inaccuracy. There is no historical evidence of Banastre Tarleton or any British officer committing such an atrocity during the American Revolution. Similar events occurred in WWII (Oradour-sur-Glane), leading to strong criticism.

There was historical cooperation (sometimes uneasy) between state militias and the main Continental Army forces under commanders like Greene in the Southern Campaign.

The film's major battle scenes borrow elements from historical battles like Camden (defeat), Cowpens (tactics), and Guilford Courthouse but are not accurate recreations, compositing events for dramatic effect.

Both sides targeted civilian property, and the British army under Cornwallis did engage in confiscation and destruction of Patriot supporters' homes and supplies.

The Southern Campaign was known for its particular brutality, including harsh treatment of prisoners and civilians by both British/Loyalist and Patriot forces. Martin's brutal ambush scene reflects this.

French military support (naval, land forces, officers) was crucial to the ultimate American victory, accurately represented by Villeneuve's presence.

Thousands of enslaved African Americans did seek freedom by joining either the British (more commonly, due to promises like Dunmore's Proclamation) or Patriot sides during the war.

The personal rivalry culminating in a fatal duel during the final battle is fictional. Tarleton survived the war and returned to England.

While featuring fictional events, the film correctly frames them within the context of the eventual strategic success of the American forces in the South, leading towards the war's end at Yorktown.

Filmed largely on location in South Carolina, the movie effectively captures the diverse terrain crucial to the Southern Campaign, from Tidewater plantations to swamps used for guerrilla warfare.

The film is correctly situated within the later years of the American Revolutionary War.

Buildings depicted reflect the Georgian architectural styles common in colonial South Carolina during the period.

Uniforms appear generally accurate for the respective forces: British regulars' red coats, Tarleton's Green Dragoon loyalist uniforms, Continental Army blue/buff (though standardization varied), and militia civilian clothes.

Firearms (British Brown Bess, American rifles), artillery, bayonets, swords, and militia use of unconventional weapons like tomahawks are all appropriate for the period and conflict.

The film effectively contrasts the irregular hit-and-run tactics of the Patriot militia with the linear formations and disciplined volleys of the British regular army.

Accurately reflects that the Revolution in the South was also a bitter civil war, with strong Loyalist sentiment and conflict between neighbors.

Shows British forces controlling towns and territory, requisitioning property, reflecting aspects of the occupation, though sometimes exaggerated for villainy (Tavington).

Portrays the disruption, danger, and loss experienced by the civilian population caught in the middle of the conflict in the South.