Johnny Tremain Character Analysis

In many cases, main characters reveal their personalities throughout a novel. In the novel Johnny Tremain, Johnny, the main character, has multiple complex traits that are suggested by actions, opinions of himself, and others’ opinions of him. Some of Johnny’s most important traits, including temper, pride, bravery, and fears, are the ones most expressed throughout the story. Early in the novel, Johnny’s short temper and pride show his more immature characteristics of his personality. Johnny’s pride restricts him from talking to people or asking for help. For example, Johnny refused to show Dr. Warren his maimed hand because his pride prevented him from doing so. Furthermore, when Johnny selfishly spent most of his money that was given to him by John Hancock, he would not visit his more responsible friend, Rab Silsbee, until they were equals. This also demonstrates that Johnny’s pride causes misfortune. In addition to pride,
Not only did Johnny fear for Rab’s death, he also was glad that he could not go to battle with a crippled hand. This shows that Johnny truly loves Rab and cares for his safety. Furthermore, Johnny is fearful and does not want to go to war because he is not ready. By the novel’s end, Johnny matures and shows his bravery when he makes the decision to go to war. To illustrate his bravery, Johnny allowed Dr. Warren to examine his maimed hand and cut open the scar tissue to be able to hold Rab’s gun and go to battle. His bravery was evoked by Rab’s death which sparked his need to go to battle. Johnny’s fears and bravery are major aspects that form his unique personality and help him mature and grow as a character. Johnny’s personality and all of its characteristics shape him to become a young man at a time of war. In short, personality affects the way others develop as people. Johnny and his personality impact the novel by shaping the way events