Character Analysis: Albert Kropp

Albert Kropp is a 19-year-old lance-corporeal in the Second Company.  He is one of Paul's closest friends during the war and he has a great interest in analyzing the causes of the war.  He is a very clear thinker and is very intelligent.  He is the one who first notices how the nurses and orderlies are quick to attend to commanding officers, but take their time when it comes to enlisted men.  Kropp believes that wars are caused by the leaders of the countries and that those leaders should be the ones to resolve the conflict. He is shot in the leg and decides that he would commit suicide if his leg has to be amputated.  His leg does get amputated and while in the hospital, an infection sets in.