Though everybody has their own reason as to what makes a hero, the most common response is courage, which Fred Collins demonstrates in Stephen Crane’s short story “Mystery of Heroism”. Most of Collins’ comrades were doubtful of him,“...[and] never thought Fred Collins had the blood in him for that kind of business” (Crane 3). Collins clearly displays courage during this time. While all of his peers keep egging him on, Collins proves to them that he can go across the battlefield to get a bucket of water, which clearly impresses them, “Well, sir, if that ain’t th’ derndest thing!” (Crane 3). Additionally, Fred Collins proves his peers wrong by “...walk[ing] squarely up to the face of death” (Crane 4). Though he puts his own well being at risk,