Comparing Characters

In the Red Badge of Courage, Henry was influenced by many of the characters in the story, such as Jim Conklin, Wilson and the tattered man. Jim Conklin was a close friend of Henry that they have met each other since school. Jim Conklin mainly serves as a role model for Henry as an example of a courageous soldier. When Henry asked him about fleeing away from battle, Jim’s word comforts Henry that it’s normal for soldier to retreat and run. It gave Henry confidence and strength. Wilson, also known as the loud soldier, is also a classmate of Henry, although he is not as closed to Henry. In the beginning of the war, Wilson talks loudly and externally look like a brave and strong man. However, Wilson is actually quite afraid of death and gives his last letter for his family to Henry, afraid that he will soon get shot. It is amazing of how Wilson has transformed within only one battle that when Henry comes back to the regiment with a head wound, Wilson eagerly help Henry and tends his wounds. In the end, they become good comrades and friends. As for the tattered man, he serves as a reminder of Henry’s guilt of being a coward. The tattered man constantly asks Henry of his wounds and follows him around. For all these character, I’ll choose Wilson to write about. Wilson has the most dramatic change in his character beside Henry that he transforms into a real soldier in the end of the story.