Characterization in Chioles's Before the Firing Squad.

Fritz, a German solider in occupied Greece, is a major character in John Chioles's short story, Before the Firing Squad. We first begin to learn about him through the recollections of a young boy in the town whom he has befriended. We learn that all of the soldiers are very young. They do not know what they are doing. People in the town almost like the soldiers, including the young boy in this story. The …

…shot and then goes after the cruel soldiers to try and protect the town. Even thought it is a hopeless cause, he still goes after this. Frick is a caring, gentle young boy. His naivety about war and his hope for the future shine through his actions. He cares about people, even thought he is not supposed to do that. The food, the protection, and the sacrifice are all defining moments that establish Frick's character.