The Red Badge of Courage: An Episode of the American Civil War: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Red Badge of Courage: An Episode of the American Civil War" explores the psychological journey of Henry Fleming, a young soldier grappling with fear and bravery during his first battle in the Civil War. Set against the backdrop of a potentially unnamed conflict, possibly the Battle of Chancellorsville, the narrative delves into Henry's internal struggle between the romanticized ideals of heroism and the harsh realities of war. He initially succumbs to cowardice, fleeing the battlefield, but later returns to demonstrate courage by carrying the regimental flag after a color-bearer falls.
The story also features key supporting characters such as Jim Conklin, a seasoned soldier who provides comfort to Henry and faces his own tragic fate, and Wilson, a brash soldier whose confidence wanes under the pressure of battle. The "tattered man" serves as a reminder of the cost of war and the vulnerability of soldiers. Lieutenant Hasbrouck and Colonel MacChesnay represent the military hierarchy, each acknowledging the complexities of leadership amidst chaos. Overall, the novel offers a rich exploration of the themes of fear, courage, and the transformation of identity in the face of war, making it a poignant reflection on the human experience during one of America's most tumultuous periods.
The Red Badge of Courage: An Episode of the American Civil War: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Stephen Crane
First published: 1895
Genre: Novel
Locale: A Civil War battlefield
Plot: Psychological realism
Time: The Civil War
Henry Fleming, a young recruit under fire for the first time in an unnamed battle of the Civil War, possibly Chancellorsville. A farm boy whose struggle with his emotions might be that of the eternal recruit in any battle of any war, Henry has dreamed of fighting heroically in “Greeklike” battles. Irritated and unnerved by his regiment's inactivity, he tortures himself with the fear that he may run away when the actual firing begins. He does so. Sheepishly rejoining his regiment, he learns that his cowardice is not known to his fellow soldiers. In the next attack, he keeps firing after the others have stopped. When a color-bearer falls, he picks up the flag and carries it forward. Later, he hears that the colonel has complimented his fierceness. Henry's psychological battle with himself is now ended; it has gone from fear to cowardice to bravery and, finally, to egotism.
Jim Conklin, “the tall soldier,” a veteran who comforts Henry and squabbles with the braggart Wilson. He predicts that the regiment is about to move into battle. When it does so, he is mortally wounded. Henry and “the tattered man” find him stumbling to the rear, still on his feet, fearful of falling under the wheels of an artillery wagon. He wanders into a field, as if it were a place of rendezvous with death. Henry and the tattered man follow him, trying to bring him back. He brushes them off and, with a great convulsion, drops dead.
Wilson, “the loud one.” At first, he seems confident, absolutely sure of his courage. As the battle begins, he suddenly thinks he may be killed, and he turns a packet of letters over to Henry Fleming. After the first attack, he asks for the return of the letters. Some of his loudness and swagger is now gone. He and Henry struggle to get the flag from the fallen color-bearer. Henry seizes it, but Wilson aids him in going forward and setting an example to the wavering troops.
“The Tattered Man,” a soldier encountered by Henry Fleming just after he has run away. The man embarrasses the recruit by asking where he is wounded. Later, he and Henry follow Jim Conklin into the field. The soldier is so impressed by the manner of Jim's death that he calls the dead man a “jim-dandy.” Then he cautions Henry to “watch out fer ol' number one.”
Lieutenant Hasbrouck, a young officer of Henry Fleming's company. He is shot in the hand in the early part of the battle but is able to drive a fleeing soldier back into the ranks and tries vainly to stop the disorganized retreat. He later compliments Henry and Wilson by calling them “wild cats.”
Colonel MacChesnay, the officer who also compliments Henry Fleming and Wilson. He is berated by the general, shortly after Henry's advance with the flag, for not forcing the partial success of the charge to a complete one.