In this essay, Petrusso discusses the character of Mother Courage as both a hero and an antihero.

The title character of Bertolt Brecht's Mother Courage and Her Children has been the subject of much critical debate. Critics have agreed that Mother Courage's choices have been hard because of the demands of war-time life. Yet opinions vary widely on the nature of her true character. Some have labeled her a greedy coward; some call her a callous, practical businesswoman; still others deem her courageous. In this essay, Mother Courage is examined as both a hero and an antihero. For every heroic action she takes, she balances it with an antiheroic gesture. By definition, a hero is courageous and noble, distinguished by bravery and admired by others. An antihero is the exact opposite, someone who wallows in negative actions. By looking at Mother Courage in this bifocal fashion, a...