HEROES

By Robert Cormier
Heroes are made by the paths they choose,
not the powers they are graced with.

Chapter Summaries
Heroes is set just after the end of the Second World War, and is told in the
first person by Francis Cassavant. The narrative moves between three time
periods: what happened in Frenchtown as Francis was growing up, the events of
the war, and the present.
Chapter 1
Francis describes in stark and brutal detail his injuries sustained during the
war, and how after the war he came to lodge with Mrs Belander in Frenchtown
where he lived as a boy. He visits the church and says prayers for various
important people in his life; thus we are introduced to some major and minor
characters: Enrico, his mother and father, whom we learn are dead, and Nicole
Renard and Larry LaSalle. Tension is created- he states his intention of killing
Larry, but at this stage we do not know why. A flashback to the war introduces
the theme of heroism- Francis has a Silver Star Medal, although he refuses to
believe himself heroic and reveals his love for Nicole.
Chapter 2
Leading on from the last chapter, Francis reminisces about meeting Nicole for
the first time, and his adolescent desperation to talk to her. This leads to a
description of his childhood in Frenchtown.
Chapter 3
Francis disguises himself to walk through the town he grew up in- he fears
recognition. He visits the building where Nicole lived as a child. In a flashback,
he recalls discussing Nicole with a soldier from his hometown during his time at
war. We learn that he joined the army at 15, lying about his age. Back in the
present, Francis is told that Nicoles family left the area some time before.
Back in his lodgings, Francis talks with Mrs Belander who feels sorry for his
injuries. Francis goes to bed and dreams of his war time experiences- describing
them in graphic detail. His description of the time of losing his face is
particularly stark and brutal.
Chapter 4
Francis introduces the Wreck Centre- a key place in his childhood and in this
story. Francis meets Arthur Rivier who buys him a drink, and he describes the
conversation with the local men, who reminisce about their school days. None of
them recognises him, and he talks very little, wanting to glean information about

Larry LaSalle. At the end of the conversation he heads for the Wreck Centre,
despite having told himself that he will not go there.
Chapter 5
Francis describes the Wreck Centre- it is now boarded up and run down. In
reminiscence he recalls the tragic story that caused the Centre to be closed
down, before Larry LaSalle started activities for the local children there. The
flattering description of Larry comes as a surprise and wrong-foots the reader,
as we know Francis intention of killing him. Further surprises come- Larry, it
transpires was an inspirational figure to the children and helped to bring out the
best in each individual. Note however the foreshadowing- there are rumours
that Larry has gotten into trouble in New York City. This raises questions in
the mind of the reader as to his past. Back in the present, Francis recalls that
Joey LeBlanc felt a sense of doom about the place, and that he died in the war.
He now feels that Joey was right about the place- again creating suspense and
raising questions in the mind of the reader.
Task 1
Draw a silhouette of Larry LaSalle on a plain piece of paper. On the inside, write
down what he is really like and round the outside write down how he presents
himself to the world.
Tip
Use quotes for this exercise so that you are learning them as you write.
Extension
Make cue cards with a quote about Larry on one side and as many explanations /
ideas about that quote on the other. Use these cards to learn your Larry quotes.
Chapter 6
Francis has now been in his hometown for a month and he watches for Larry. He
asks about him in the bar he frequents, and we learn of Larrys heroism during
the war and the medal he was awarded for bravery. The concept of heroes is
further explored as Arthur declares Francis a hero for his actions in the war.
The themes of disguise and appearance and reality are explored- Francis
wishes his identity to remain secret while Larrys actions have made headlines.
The chapter closes by introducing Francis skill at table tennis.
Chapter 7
In a flashback, Francis recalls Larrys encouragement of his ability as a table
tennis player at The Wreck Centre. Larry allows Francis to win a competition in

a totally selfless act, and tells him that he and Nicole are special to him.
Nicole is delighted to see Francis win and they appear to be becoming closer.
Chapter 8
Francis finds Arthur drunk; he comments that no one will talk about the war.
The theme of heroism continues as Arthur states that there were no heroes in
the war- just scared, homesick boys. The cold weather mirrors the sombre
mood of this short chapter.
Chapter 9
Again in the past, Francis describes that Larry was one of the first men to
enlist in the war. This again creates conflict in the readers mind as Larry is
once again described in glowing terms. Thus the theme of appearance and reality
is touched upon once again. With Larry gone the Wreck Centre is closed and
preparations for the war are stepped up. Francis becomes closer to Nicole as
the townspeople discuss the wars progress. Nicole tells Francis of Larrys
heroic actions; in contrast to Francis later hiding of his face, Larrys stares out
at them from a cinema screen on a newsreel.
Task 2 Begin two timelines- One for the present in the novel, where you record
the events chronologically.
The second notes the events in the past. This will be more difficult as you need
to record them chronologically and they arent told in that order.
Tip Make sure you spread the events out so that you can add more as the novel
progresses.
Extension Add images to help you remember the events that have happened.

Chapter 10
Francis describes how he came to hide his face, after realising the horror it
caused those who saw it. He doesnt care about healing- his only concern is to
track down Larry LaSalle. Touching on the theme of Appearance and Reality,
Francis stars into the mirror and sees only a stranger. This symbolises the
changes in him owing to the war, and furthers the theme of Wars
Consequences. This theme is further explored as we learn of Enricos decision
to commit suicide as a result of his appalling injuries. Francis creates suspense
by commenting that Larrys homecoming changed our lives for ever.

Chapter 11
As Francis reminisces, Larry is described in a heroic manner as he comes home
for his first leave. He wishes to spend time with his Wreck Centre gang, and
he plays table tennis with them. But then Larry expresses his wish to have one
last dance with Nicole. He dismisses Francis and rapes Nicole, who feels Francis
has betrayed her by leaving the room.
Chapter 12
Still in the past, during a heat wave, Francis waits for Nicole outside her house
for three days, wracked with guilt that he did nothing to protect her. When he
finally sees her, Nicole is disgusted with him and tells him to leave. He goes to
church, thinking to commit suicide by leaping from the steeple, but instead
enlists in the army. Note how the concept of heroes is referred to increasingly
often. The themes of Love and Hate and Guilt are touched upon.
Chapter 13
Back in the present, Francis finally tracks down Larry by eavesdropping into a
conversation between Mrs Belander and a neighbour.

Chapter 14
Francis finds Larry and confronts him. Larry is initially pleased to see him, and
they discuss the idea of heroes. Francis dismissed the idea of himself as a hero
as fake, and quickly confronts Larry with his actions against Nicole. Larry
attempts to explain his actions, but Francis (and the reader) find his
explanation repugnant. The idea of heroes takes on a different slant as we are
reminded that Larry was not just a war hero, but also the childrens hero. Larry
wipes out any chance to redeem his heroic status by remaining unrepentant he
thinks that his many good points outweigh his sickening actions: Does that one
sin of mine wipe away all the good things? Francis does not kill Larry, who tries
to assure him that he is indeed a hero. It seems pointless, when Larry
frequently contemplates suicide.
Chapter 15
Back in the present, Francis attempts to discover Nicoles whereabouts by
asking at the convent he attended as a child. He lies about the severity of his
injuries to a nun who gives him her address.

Chapter 16
Francis finds Nicole and again lies about his injuries. She apologises to him for
the way she treated him on the day she was raped, and Francis tells her that
Larry is dead. Nicole has not told anyone about the rape, and she appears
damaged by her experience. Nicole calls him a hero, although Francis again
denies it. She urges him to write about his experiences. The two part and he
knows that they will not meet again.
Chapter17
Francis is at a railway station, watching soldiers and reminiscing about his old
platoon. He considers that many of them who received no honours were the real
heroes. The novel ends on a positive note as Francis considers the possibilities
of recovery and of a future life.

Context
Heroes was published in 1998. Robert Cormier said that he was inspired to write
the book by the 50th anniversary celebrations of the D-Day landings of World
War II, and the desire to recognise the heroic acts of ordinary people

The Silver Star is the third-highest military decoration that can be awarded to
a member of any branch of the United States armed forces for valor in
the face of the enemy.
The Silver Star may be awarded to any person who, while serving in any
capacity with the armed forces, distinguishes himself or herself by
extraordinary heroism involving one of the following actions:

In action against an enemy of the United States

While engaged in military operations involving conflict with an
opposing foreign force
While serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed
conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is
not a belligerent party.

Task
Research more into the context of the novel.
Tip!
Use BBC Bitesize
Extension
Research WWII using the internet. Try to focus on the experiences of
individual surviving soldiers. How did War change them?

Past Exam Papers Extract: 20 minutes

1. With close reference to the text how does Cormier create m0od and
atmosphere?
2. Look closely at the way Francis speaks and behaves here. What does
it reveal about his state of mind?
His mouth drops open and he flinches as if reeling from an unexpected blow.
I stayed that night. My own voice is now a whisper. I heard what you were
doing to her. And I saw her afterwards. Those eyes of hers and what was in
them...
Shaking his head, he says: You wanted to die because of that?
I still want to die.
What you did to her. And I did nothing. Just stood there and let it happen...
Oh, Francis. Youre too hard on yourself. You didnt do anything you should feel
guilty about, that should make you want to die. You couldnt have stopped
me, anyway, Francis. You were a child...
So was she. My lips trembling.
A long sigh escapes him.
Is that why you came here? To tell me this?

I take the gun out of my pocket.

Heres why I came.
I aim the gun at him, my finger on the trigger.
But my hand is shaking and I am suddenly overwhelmed by the knowledge of
what I am about to do. Why has it come to this?
You could have had anybody. I say, my voice too loud, booming gin my ears. All
those beautiful ladies at the dance that night. Why Nicole?
The sweet young things, Francis. Even their heat is sweet...
Sweet young things. Had he done it before? How many young girls had been
invaded by him?
I shake my head in dismay.
Everybody sins, Francis. The terrible thing is that we love our sins. We love the
thing that makes us evil. I love the sweet young things.

Read the extract below. What does it reveal about the character of Nicole
Renard? [10 marks]
On the way home, we talked not only about the movies he had seen but about a
thousand others things. I was amazed at the lack of pauses in our conversation,
how I always managed to have something to say. She had a way of teasing, which
coaxed me into forgetting my shyness.
What do you want to do besides be a champion at table tennis?
I dont know. My mind racing: what did I want to do?
You must want to do something, Francis. Say the first thing that comes into
your mind.
I want to read every book in the Monument Public Library.
Good, she said. How about writing books? Didnt you win Sister Mathildes
medal for composition?
A blush of both pleasure and embarrassment made my cheeks grow warm.
Oh I could never write a book.
I think you could.
It was necessary to change the subject: How about you, Nicole? What do you
want to do?
Oh, lots of things, she said, raising her head and looking round at the passing
Frenchtown three-deckers, the steeple of St Judes in the distance. Such a big
world out there. Id like to help more in the war. Maybe become a nurse, if the
war lasts long enough

I knew that she spent time with the nuns at the convent, knitting socks and
scarves for the armed forces. I teased her about the smell of cooked cabbage
she carried with her when she dropped into Lauriers after leaving the convent.
The convents perfume, I said, thinking myself clever.
Not a bad smell, Francis, she said, Better than Evening in Paris. Which was
the cheap perfume that was our bestseller at the store.

Look at the way Francis speaks and behave here. What does it reveal about
their relationship? [5]
Look at the way Larry speaks and behaves here. What does it reveal about
his character? [5]
Francis. Francis Cassavant, I announce. Its important for him to know
immediately who I am. I dont want to waste any time.
Ah, Francis, he says, his eyes flashing pleasure because he doesnt sense my
mission, doesnt realise I know what happened that night at the Wreck Centre.
Come in, come in, he says, the old enthusiasm back in his voice.
He rises slowly from the chair, steadying the rocker as he lifts himself up. As
he holds out his hands in greeting, I go forward to meet him. We shake hands.
At the last minute, when it seems we might embrace, as old friends and
comrades, teacher and pupil, I pull away. His white hands clutch the air before
he clasps them together and settles back into the chair.
Sit, sit, he says, indicating the chair next to the window, opposite his won.
Take off your jacket, he says. Your Red Sox cap, too, and your scarf...
I dont move. I dont take off anything. I dont plan to stay long, only long enough
to carry out my mission.
Dont be afraid to show your face, Francis. That face, whats left of it, is a
symbol of how brave you were, the Silver Star you earned...
You earned a Silver Star, too, I say, having to reply, and marvelling again how
Larry LaSalle was always one step ahead of us, just as he now knows about my
face and the Silver Star.
He shrugs, sagging in the chair, sighing, as if tired suddenly.
Its good of you to visit.... he says, smiling the old movie star smile. Makes me
remember the old days at the Wreck Centre. Those were the good days, werent
they? That table tennis championship. What a great day for you, Francis...
A deep sadness settles on me, as if winter has invaded my bones.

Past Exam papers : Essay 40 minutes

Higher
After reading Heroes what impression does the reader gain of the ways war
affects peoples lives?
Write about the characters in the novel who you consider to be heroes and the
ways in which their heroism is presented.
Cormier said, Emotion is the key to my characters. Select three episodes
where characters show strong emotions. What do you these episodes tell you
about the characters?
It is rare to find someone who is all good or all bad. Write about the character
of Larry LaSalle showing how both good and bad aspects of his characters are
shown in the novel.
How does the relationship between Nicole and Francis develop and change as
the novel progresses?
How does Cormier use the characters of Joey LeBlanc and Arthur Rivier as
commentators on the action and themes of the novel?
How does Cormier use suspense in the novel to hold the readers attention?
Explain how the flashbacks in the novel help readers to trace the character
development of Francis?
Explain how contrast is used in the novel.
How does Cormier present the themes of guilt and forgiveness in Heroes?
Select three descriptions of places in the novel and explain how the writers use
of language sets the scene for the events which take place there.
How does Cormier explore the theme of forgiveness in Heroes? You should
make detailed reference to character and language in your answer.

What do you find interesting about the way in which Cormier presents tension in
the novel? You may wish to consider:
The way the narrative is structured

The use of flashback

Features of language and style

How important are the settings in Heroes?

How far do you find the ending of Heroes effective?
What do the minor characters contribute to Heroes? In your answer, you
should consider what they contribute both to the plot and to the themes.
Now Im starting to find out who I am, who I really am... To what extent do the
main characters in Heroes learn about themselves in the course of the novel?
What does the wartime setting contribute to the themes and ideas in Heroes?

Foundation
In what ways is Larry an important character in Heroes? You may wish to
comment on:
His relationship with Francis

His relationship with Nicole

His heroic actions

How Cormier makes you feel about Larry

Write about the way Cormier uses (a) the scarf, (b) the gun, (c) table tennis.
You may wish to consider for each one:
How it is used in the story

What it shows

Why it is important

How does Cormier present ideas about Heroes? You may to wish consider:
Characters who you think are heroes

Characters who are thought to be heroes but may not be

How the writer makes you see these characters

Francis Adjectives
1.
Disfigured
2.
3.
Understanding
4.
Sensitive
5.
Romantic
6.
7.
Shy
8.
Intelligent
9.
Patient
10.
Forward thinking (plans ahead)
11.
Quick thinking
12.
Religious
13.
14.
Insecure
15.
Jealous
16.
17.
Astute
18.
19.
Determined
20.
Obedient
21.
22.
Distraught / vengeful
23.
Suicidal
24.
25.
26.
27.

Task: Complete the adjectives for Francis by filling in the gaps.

Tip: Use a thesaurus and add these words to your cue cards.
Extension: Do these lists for Larry and Nicole.

Key Quotes
Francis Cassavant

and I have no face

nostrils like two small caves

no face at all, actually, the nostrils like the snout of an animal,

what matters is hiding my face from others,

They respect my silence and anonymity

The scarf is white silk like the aviators wore in their airplanes back
during the First World War.

knowing that I just prayed for the man I am going to kill.

I knew what he meant by disposal because I had already planned my own

method after my mission was completed.

The gun is like a tumour on my thigh

I began to mumble a prayer, in French, the old Notre Pere, the way the
nuns had taught us,

A Silver Star hero.

I want to forget what happened there in France

I long for sleep, my eyes raw and burning, but I know that the dreams
will begin when I close my eyes and drift off.

I explode into wakefulness.

I went to war because I wanted to die.

That face, whats left of it, is a symbol of how brave you were,

Now I am tired of the deception and have to rid myself of the fakery.

It would always be Nicole Renard. agony of love.

Yes, she was my girl.

But I knew what they were doing

her Its amazing that the heart makes no noise when it cracks.

Silence falls between us

To see if maybe you could still be my girl. Which could maybe change my
mind about the gun in my duffel bag.

I knew I had lost her a long time ago.

Others join in the laughter, creating a camaraderie in the bar, a

fellowship that I wish I could be a part of

I stood spellbound by his words.

Jealousy streaked through me as Larry LaSalle tossed her in the air,

letting her fly

We always did what Larry told us to do Francis. Francis Cassavant, I

announce. Its important for him to know immediately who I am.

A deep sadness settles on me, as if winter has invaded my bones.

I heard what you were doing to her. And I saw her afterward.

I am tired of this talk, impatient to do what I came here to do.

Larry LaSalle

And finally I pray for Larry LaSalle

A tall slim man stepped into view, a lock of bland hair tumbling over his
forehead, a smile that revealed dazzling movie-star teeth.

But he was most of all a teacher, leading classes in dancing, arts and
crafts.

We knew little about him, however, he discouraged questions

To Larry LaSalle, he call out, the patron saint of the Wreck Centre,

the best of the best

Larry LaSalles opinion could never be dismissed.

Two games were being played at the same time, the sharp, take-noprisoners game the hushed audience was observing and the subtle tender game
in which Larry LaSalle was letting me win.

He saved the lives of an entire platoon,

Closing my eyes, I think of Nicole and how his first home-coming during
the war changed our lives for ever.

knew that Larry LaSalle had been a Pied Piper for the children in the
bleakness of the Depression.

He smiled, the old movie-star smile, skin tanned and glowing, small
wrinkles around his eyes as he squinted down at us.

His slenderness was knife-like now, lethal, his features sharper.

his eyes full of her.

Just her and me alone. Its important, Francis.

rumours were rampant about Larry LaSalles sudden departure from

Frenchtown so soon after his arrival.

He is pale, eyes sunk into the sockets like in the news reel at the
Plymouth, and he seems fragile now, as if caught in an old photograph that has
faded and yellowed with age.

Sweet young things. Had he done it before?

How many young girls had been invaded by him?

Theres all kinds of love, Francis.

Does that one sin of mine wipe away all the good things?

one gun is enough for what has to be done.

You would have fallen on that grenade anyway. All your instincts would
have made you sacrifice yourself for your comrades.

The sound of a pistol shot cracks the air.

Nicole Renard

The pale purity of her face reminded me of the statue of St Therese.

I silently pledged her all my love and loyalty for ever.

Nicole was small and slender, with shining black hair that fell to her
shoulders.

a hint of mischief as if she were telling me we were going to have good

times together.

I don t know where they went, the Renards. They left without warning in
the middle of the night.

All kinds of rumours about her, Francis. She began to stay at home,
didnt come out of the house except for the five-thirty morning mass.

a rare specimen, bird-like and graceful she danced.

Dont go, Nicole whispered in my ear

Her hair dishevelled, mouth flung open, lips swollen. Cheeks moist with
tears. Her white blouse torn and one hand clutching the front of her blouse to
hold it together.

And I recognised in her eyes now what I could not deny: betrayal. My
betrayal of her in her eyes. You were there all the time

but the softness is gone from her face and her voice is sharp and
brittle.

You werent to blame for what happened.

Have a good life.

Task: Choose at least 5 for each character and put them onto your cue cards.
Tip: Even 1 word can be a valid quote for your essay question.
Extension: Rank your 10 most important quotes from the novel.

Task: You need a shortened version of the story. The best ways to present this
will make it easy for you to revise from. eg pictures and captions, a cartoon
strip or mini movie.
Tip: Look at some of these examples on Youtube to give you some ideas.
Extension: You could also make some quiz questions (and answers here) to revise
key moments of the book