It is clear that Yossarian, the protagonist in Joseph Heller's Catch-22, is a man of integrity and compassion despite the selfish, opportunistic image he makes frequent attempts to create for himself. His anxiety regarding sadness in the world, his concern for Nately's whore's kid sister, and his rejection of an easy way out of the war prove that Yossarian is, in fact, a man of honor.
             After finding the brothel in Rome destroyed, Yossarian embarks on a search for Nately's whore's kid sister. During his search, Yossarian witnesses many acts of cruelty, neglect, and brutality on the streets of Rome. Heller writes of an astounded Yossarian, "Yossarian marveled that children could suffer such barbaric sacrifice without evincing the slightest hint of fear or pain," (p. 416). His deep sadness demonstrates his ability think outside of his own struggles and dilemmas.
             Yossarian exhibits an unexpected shine of dignity as he rejects Corporal Korn's deal to send him home. He finds the circumstance immoral and chooses a more difficult means of escape. Yossarian says, "Goddammit, Danby! I've got friends who were killed in this war. I can't make a deal now," (p. 457). After spending most of the novel avoiding combat and trying to find a way home, Yossarian realizes that his dead comrades could have done the same thing but didn't. He realizes the cowardice he would feel if he accepted the deal.
             The final example of Yossarian's display of good character comes when he, upon planning his escape to Sweden, plans to stop in Rome to attempt to find Nately's whore's kid sister once again. Yossarian says to Danby, "There's a young kid in Rome whose life I'd like to save if I can find her, so it isn't all selfish, is it?" (p. 462). Yossarian, in the face of making his grand escape, still remembers the little girl whose life he can save. This is a...