Who is more brave, Daniel or Joel?

The meaning of bravery is an important theme of the novel. At the beginning, Daniel often seems to be more reckless than brave. He is brave when he does the right thing out of goodness but less brave when he does it because Rosh orders him or out of hatred and revenge. For example, he is brave when he disobeys Rosh and helps the man he has just beaten and taken money from, and he is even brave when he risks the ridicule of the village by getting water and food (women's work) to care for his sister. When he spits at a Roman soldier or refuses to pick up a bundle when required by Roman law, he is more reckless than brave, especially because he endangers Thacia. Joel does not act out of selfish reasons, however. His bravery arises from love of country and desire to help others rather than a personal hatred for personal injuries. Often Joel shows himself ready to sacrifice personal interest, not out of bravado (which often motivates Daniel), but because he thinks it is the best thing to do.