The Red Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane is considered one of the most influential works in American literature. The novel, a depiction of the cruelty of the American Civil War, features 18-year-old private Henry Fleming, who deserts his battalion. He later learns that his battalion has won the battle, and returns to them. The next morning, Fleming goes into battle for the third time and becomes one of the best fighters as well as the flag bearer, finally proving his courage as a man.