Joseph Grand was portrayed to us as the meek, indecisive and poor citizen of Oran. He didn't have much, other than a failed marriage, a municipal job and a one-sentence novel. Despite his shortcomings, he is among the first to volunteer on the “health teams” without a moment's hesitation. Grand doesn't see what he's doing as hero work; considers it a necessary duty. In fact, when Dr. Rieux thanked Grand, Grand states; “Why, it's not difficult! The plague has arrived and we must take a stand, it's obvious. Ah, I only wish everything were that simple!” (Camus, 134). Grand's work on the "health teams" may have been a small sacrifice, but it represented something much bigger than himself. Since he was an older man and didn't have much to give, he gave everything he could because it was the right thing to do. The narrator states; “Grand was the true embodiment of the silent courage of the sanitary groups” (Camus, 134). At this point the virtue of Grand's courage is put into action. It's like no one really gave him a chance to prove how brave he was in the past. Grand is marked by so many failures and deficits, that it is difficult to look past it and think of this man as courageous. However, Dr. Rieux gives Grand that second chance to prove his worth and remind Grand, too, how much he has to offer. Ultimately, Grand contracts the plague and is spared death. His recovery marks the turning point for the citizens of Oran. Grand's recovery gives a sense of hope to the citizens of Oran. The narrator tells us this early on; “and if it is absolutely necessary for this narrative to include a “hero,” it should be one with “goodness of heart” and “a seemingly absurd ideal” (Camus, 137). paper ...at first he wants to write a literary masterpiece, on which he works diligently. He is a very careful man and works carefully and carefully. This would be a strength if done in moderation and if he knew how to stop, but he is so caught up in his work that he often misses what is most important in life. He hasn't had a close relationship with anyone since his wife was around. Grand wants to write that best-seller, he wants that ideal marriage and he wants to keep it for himself. This is why it is a little surprising that he goes to Cottard's aid, to the point of wanting to hide his attempted suicide from the authorities; and also joins Tarrou's troop of volunteers, who come after work to help in the fight against the plague. Grand's name seems ironic at the beginning of the book, but as we read his gestures become as big as his name.