Henry Dobbins Character Analysis

Henry Dobbins: Dobbins’ appearance and his personality contradicted each other greatly. As the machine gunner, one would not expect Dobbins to be as sensitive as he is. This is most evident when Dobbins throws Azar into the well after he mocks the girl’s dancing. Dobbins also wears his girlfriend’s pantyhose around his neck for good luck. His intense demeanor greatly contradicts his emotions and outlook on life in Vietnam. Kiowa serves as Dobbins’ foil in terms of his perceived personality—while Kiowa is gentle, Dobbins appears to be aggressive. As explained previously, the reader soon finds out that Dobbins’ outward appearance does not necessarily align with his true self. In the chapter “Church,” Dobbins and Kiowa demonstrate contrasting