"The Red Badge of Courage" is a novel by Stephen Crane that tells the story of a young soldier named Henry Fleming during the American Civil War. The narrative explores his internal struggles with fear, courage, and the realities of battle as he faces the challenges of war for the first time. As Henry grapples with his emotions, he ultimately seeks a "red badge"—a wound that symbolizes bravery. The novel highlights themes of heroism, self-discovery, and the harsh truths of conflict, making it a significant work in American literature that examines the psychological aspects of warfare.