In Cry, The Beloved Country, heroism is not found in one person but in two
             people, Absalom and the girl. Absalom has the desire to change his life after a horrible
             Experience, and the girl changes her life without the process Absalom is forced to go
             through. The different characteristics of heroism here, though not typical, are the
             realization of goodness and the actual, physical change for the better of their lives, are
             there in each other. Absalom lacks the ability to physically change his life for the better
             but the girl doesn't, and she goes to live with Stephen. The girl is there for Absalom for
             the one thing that he lacks and that is the ability to leave Johannesburg and change his life,
             Absalom realizes his evil deed of murder, and instead of hiding it like his friends,
             he confesses, fully. He knows that since he is guilty of murder, he will be executed, but he
             confesses anyway. Truthfulness is a definite characteristic of a hero. Father Vincent tells
             Stephen Kumalo, Absalom's father, that "Whatever happens, your son will be severely
             punished, but if his defence is accepted, it will not be extreme punishment. And while there
             is life, there is hope for amendment of life" (138). Absalom, like a true hero, hopes to
             amend his life and the confession is a big part to amending. He wishes to amend his life
             but he cannot go back to Ndotsheni because he is not granted mercy after confessing.
             "The accused Absalom Kumalo has not sought to deny his guilt" (230). He is sentenced
             to death but chooses to marry the girl, so the boy that they are pregnant with, is
             not ashamed and has his father's last name. Absalom has "nearly four pounds" (239) and
             "it is for the child" (240). Absalom chooses to help out his new wife and a child that is
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