Shattered: Eric Walters

In Eric Walters’ novel Shattered , one key feature related to the protagonist, Ian, is his . Early in the story, Ian romanticizes military glory and sees a war memorial as a symbol of honor. However, after meeting Jack, a homeless veteran suffering from PTSD, Ian learns that true heroism is complex and often invisible. This feature— the contrast between idealized and real-life experiences of war —drives Ian’s character development and highlights themes of empathy, memory, and the lasting impact of trauma.