In Joseph Heller's satirical novel "Catch-22," Captain John Yossarian serves as the protagonist and arguably the personification of the absurdity of war. Yossarian is a B-25 bombardier stationed on the fictional Mediterranean island of Pianosa during World War II. Throughout the novel, his character is marked by a distinct set of traits and undergoes a considerable developmental arc as he grapples with the madness of the wartime conditions. **Key Characteristics of Yossarian:** 1. **Self-Preservation:** One of Yossarian's most defining characteristics is his deep desire for self-preservation. He is acutely aware of his mortality, often musing on the fact that people are trying to kill him (namely, the enemy). This awareness fuels his actions throughout the story, sometimes leading him to be viewed as paranoid or selfish by others. However, from Yossarian's perspective, his preoccupation with survival is entirely rational given the irrationality of the circumstances. 2. **Sanity in Insanity:** Despite being surrounded by what he views as the insanity of war and military bureaucracy, Yossarian maintains a unique sense of clarity and sanity. His ability to recognize the absurdities of the situations he finds himself in often sets him apart from his peers, who seem to accept the craziness around them as normal. 3. **Resistance and Rebellion:** Yossarian is nonconformist and frequently resistant to the military establishment. His repeated attempts to avoid flying more combat missions are indicative of his rebellious nature against the war's catch-22s—a series of paradoxical rules and bureaucratic entanglements that prevent soldiers from escaping dangerous situations. 4. **Isolation:** As the novel progresses, Yossarian becomes increasingly isolated, both physically and emotionally. His friends and squadron members are lost to the chaos of war, and Yossarian's disillusionment grows, further alienating him from those who continue to comply with their orders unquestioningly. 5. **Cynicism and Humor:** Throughout "Catch-22," Yossarian employs a sharp wit and a sense of dark humor. This cynicism serves as a coping mechanism to deal with the atrocities he experiences and observes. **Yossarian's Development and Evolving Perspective on War:** Initially, Yossarian is somewhat complicit in the war effort, fulfilling his duties despite his objections. However, as the narrative unfolds, his experiences shape his outlook, driving him toward a more critical stance against the war and the powers that perpetuate it. Heller uses Yossarian's character to explore themes of absurdity, the dehumanizing nature of institutions, and the individual's struggle against an omnipresent and illogical authority. The death of Yossarian's comrade, Snowden, marks a pivotal moment in his evolution. Witnessing Snowden's gruesome demise brings a profound revelation about the fragility of life, further intensifying Yossain's resolve to seek a way out of the war. By the end of the novel, Yossarian's character takes a significant turn. He rejects the "deal" offered to him by Colonel Cathcart and Colonel Korn that would have allowed him to go home in exchange for endorsing their regime and policies. Yossarian's refusal highlights his moral growth and solidifies his stance against the dehumanizing aspects of war. His ultimate decision to desert and seek asylum in neutral Sweden represents his final act of rebellion and his commitment to his personal ethics and sanity. In conclusion, Yossarian's character in "Catch-22" serves as a complex vehicle for exploring the impact of war on the human psyche. His journey from a self-preserving, somewhat compliant officer to a fully aware and defiant individual underscores the novel's central critique of war and bureaucratic absurdity, and his characteristics and development resonate with broader existential questions about the meaning of life and the nature of morality.