The Red Badge of Courage is about a young man, Henry Fleming, that joins the military with grand ideas of becoming a hero. As the novel opens, Henry's understanding of courage is romantic. He thinks of himself as a Greek warrior from ancient times. His understanding of courage has more to do with praise from his family and peers than any actual acts of bravery. His mother objects to him enlisting, but tells him that if he must go then he must be responsible for his own actions. Henry earns his maturity by finding himself during different battles throughout the war. The characters that help influence him during his enlisted time help shape his thoughts and reasoning on truly becoming a courageous
