The protagonist of Catch-22 is Captain John Yossarian, age twenty-eight, a bombardier in the 256th Squadron of the Twenty-seventh Air Force, stationed on Pianosa during World War II. Critics often refer to Yossarian as an antihero. By that, they mean that he is a leading character who is unlike — perhaps the opposite of — classic heroes of mythology or legend, such as Homer's Odysseus. Classic heroes usually are endowed with exceptional physical strength, ability, or natural beauty. Odysseus, for example, was a great warrior blessed by the gods and strengthened, or physically altered, by them when necessary to his best interests. When appropriate, he was made to appear as the most beautiful of men. Such heroes usually belong to a ruling class, are born to greatness, and transcend their peers in courage and devotion to a cause. War brings out the best in them; they love battle and relish in victory. Some, like Odysseus, are especially wise or cunning; but they do not devote much of their time to contemplation. They are men of action, and their actions are noble. They prefer death to dishonor.
This is not Yossarian. Yossarian may be a good friend, a lively companion, even a lovable scamp. But he is no hero and would not want to be one. In contrast, the captain is not endowed with great strength, ability or natural beauty. He is of common birth and certainly does not believe that the gods are with him. As a warrior, he would just as soon be a civilian. Yossarian considers concepts like "courage" and "heroism" to be foolhardy at best and deadly in the end. Initially, the only cause he is devoted to is his own survival; he needs to grow and develop as a character before he thinks of others. He loves women, or at least sex, much more than fighting. Victory, for Yossarian, would be a free ticket home. The Captain can be cunning and clever, but he is not a man of action so much as a man of avoidance. He worries a lot and freely admits to being a coward. Yossarian prefers life over any attempt at glory.
