Major Danby Character Analysis in Catch-22

A military official who mostly appears to give briefings to Yossarian and the other men, Danby at first tells Yossarian, at the end of the novel, that it would be immoral for Yossarian to run away. But Danby later comes around to Yossarian’s reasoning, and even gives him money for his journey to Sweden.

Major Danby Character Timeline in Catch-22

The timeline below shows where the character Major Danby appears in Catch-22. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

...other officers followed his lead, drowning out the meeting in a chorus of “ooooohs.” Major Danby, a small, diffident man who had been attempting to synchronize watches at the meeting, cannot... (full context)

...as general, he cannot order men shot. Dreedle seems surprised by this information. Korn takes Danby’s place in the meeting, having all the soldiers synchronize their watches. Korn delights in performing... (full context)

Major Danby gives an order to Yossarian and the others that they are to bomb a small... (full context)

Major Danby arrives at the hospital and tells Yossarian that the deal with Korn and Cathcart is... (full context)

Danby says that, if Yossarian doesn’t accept, Cathcart and Korn will initiate a court-martial against him... (full context)

Danby replies that these official reports could easily be counteracted by other official reports that lie,... (full context)

...accept the deal and refuses to fly more missions—he can run away, deserting. He asks Danby how Danby can work with Cathcart and Korn, since Danby isn’t as cruel or self-interested... (full context)

Yossarian asks Danby what he would do in Yossarian’s place. Danby admits that being sent home by Cathcart... (full context)

...go to Sweden. This is where Yossarian resolves to go. He orders the chaplain and Danby to get his clothes and ready him for departure. (full context)

...who entered the room during Yossarian’s conversation with Black, is greatly excited for Yossarian’s escape. Danby says that running away is a negative, cowardly move, but Yossarian argues it is a... (full context)

Yossarian asks Danby if he’s going to stop him. Danby hesitates for a second, then announces No, he... (full context)