Paul Berlin is a fictional character from the novel "The Things They Carried" by Tim O'Brien. He serves as a soldier during the Vietnam War and grapples with the emotional and psychological burdens of combat. His experiences reflect the struggles faced by many soldiers, including fear, guilt, and the weight of memory. In the narrative, Paul Berlin often contemplates the nature of storytelling and the impact of war on personal identity. His character embodies the complexities of bravery and vulnerability, illustrating how the realities of war can shape an individual's life and perspective long after the conflict has ended.