The Red Badge of Courage was originally a serial in the New York Press in 1894. A soldier's experience at the Battle of Chancellorsville during the Civil War was the inspiration for this story. Henry Fleming was a young boy when he went to war. He battled the enemy as well as his fear, cowardliness and pride. During the battle he ran away. He finds himself in the woods confronting what he has done. He eventually returns to his regiment and fights another battle.