Different characters in the novel face challenges that require them to demonstrate their courage. This begins with Felix, as he confronts the fire in New York head on, ready to assist in the emergency even as a young boy. Felix acts with courage rather than resigning himself to Cartwright’s insistence that he not light the fire, because he wants to save the residential neighborhoods of New York. Felix is injured performing this act, prohibiting him from developing an adult sports career. However, his choices help save New York from developing an even more destructive fire. Felix’s actions show how bravery can save others, even when it puts the brave individual in danger. Felix never explicitly regrets his decision, standing by his choice despite the consequences.

This sense of bravery is passed from Felix to Louis, as Louis lies about his age to enlist in the Civil War in place of his father. His bravery also salvages Felix’s baseball, beginning the relationship the Schneiders have with baseball memorabilia tying them to their family’s history. Louis’s bravery allows him also to rescue a blind Confederate soldier from the battlefield, returning him close to the Confederate camp. While Felix confronted the literal fire raging in New York, Louis confronts the fire between the battle lines of the Civil War.