All characters in assaults fight just like normal troopers, though their characteristics are usually better. If a unit including an independent character charge into close combat, the character must charge in too. Likewise, if the character charges, the unit they is with charges too - inspired by their heroic example!
An independent character on their own can charge into close combat if they are within Assault range of the enemy in the Assault phase.
Independent characters always fight separately to any unit they have joined or are part of. They charge just as another member of the unit, but when they fight, their dice are rolled separately. An independent character may allocate their attacks between units they are engaged with. Only enemy models engaged in combat with the independent character, or only able to support a model engaged in combat with the independent character, may strike their blows against the independent character.