Summary of Heroes by Robert Cormier

Introduction

• Main Character: Francis Cassavant
  • Recently completed service in World War II.
  • Returning to hometown, Monument.
• Setting the Scene:
  • Sustained severe facial injuries from falling on a live grenade.
  • Awarded the Silver Star for his bravery.
  • Recovers in a soldier's hospital in England.

Major Themes and Plot Points

Francis's Mission

• Objective: Kill Larry LaSalle, his childhood hero.
  • Larry is a fellow Silver Star winner and responsible for sending Francis to war.
• Concealing Identity: Uses a fake name and conceals his wounds with a blanket and hat.

Interactions with Other Soldiers

• Saint Jude Club: Frequented by soldiers discussing future plans, not war stories.
• Arthur Riviere: Recognizes Francis but keeps his identity secret.
  • Expresses the unspoken horrors of war.

Flashbacks to Childhood

• Francis's Innocent Childhood:
  • Attempts to win Nicole Renard's love.
  • Not well-known, struggles to gain Nicole's attention.
• Impact of Larry LaSalle:
  • Larry's arrival and the new rec center bring changes.
  • Larry helps Francis become a ping pong champion, capturing Nicole's attention.

World War II Changes Everything

• Larry's Military Service: First from Monument to join the military.
• Francis and Nicole: Fall in love as Larry leaves.

The Dark Turn

• Larry's Return: Comes back with a Silver Star.
• Betrayal:
  • Larry rapes Nicole.
  • Francis witnesses but remains hidden, leading to Nicole's feeling of betrayal.

Aftermath

• Francis's Despair: Considers suicide, ultimately chooses military service.

Confrontation with Larry

• Showdown: Francis confronts Larry with a gun.
  • Reveals he knows about the rape.
  • Larry admits to his own despair and hints at suicide.
• Larry's Fate: Francis leaves; hears a gunshot from Larry's room.

Resolution with Nicole

• Meeting in Albany:
  • Awkward reunion; Nicole apologizes.
  • Francis considers future possibilities.

Conclusion

• Francis's Future:
  • Considers completing school, utilizing the GI Bill.
  • Leaves with uncertainty about his final decision.