Josh Character Analysis in Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk

Josh is the handler assigned to Bravo Squad at the Texas Stadium. He's a handsome, suave-looking man, which elicits suspicions among the Bravo Squad as to whether or not Josh is gay. They eventually decide that he's just "metrosexual." Bravo generally likes Josh, as Josh is willing to play along with their jokes and promises to try to get them a meeting with Destiny's Child. Throughout the novel, Billy asks Josh for Advil for a hangover, and Josh isn't able to follow through until nearly the end of the novel, showing that Billy’s needs are a low priority. Despite taking a long time to help Billy, Josh seems to genuinely care for Bravo and is sympathetic to the miseries Bravo experience at the football game.

Josh Character Timeline in Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk

The timeline below shows where the character Josh appears in Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

Billy hopes that Josh will bring him some Advil, as Billy is hung over from last night, and the... (full context)

After the crowd disperses, Josh, the Bravos' handler, arrives. He and asks where Major Mac is if the Bravos are... (full context)

...think about Shroom, Billy thinks that he's not sick, but not exactly well right now. Josh interrupts with the announcement that it's time for lunch and leads Bravo up to the... (full context)

...Mac watched any of his friends die, but Billy feels his opportunity slipping away as Josh leads Bravo to an elevator. (full context)

After Bravo is settled, Josh announces he has to leave. He jokingly promises to try to get the Bravos lap... (full context)

The Bravos throw back a round of Jack and Cokes before Josh rounds up the men and briefs them on their upcoming press conference. He assures them... (full context)

...his shoulders. He decides he needs to know how to make it work with Faison. Josh interrupts Billy's reverie by leading several cheerleaders over to them. Josh pulls a bunch of... (full context)

Lodis complains about the cold wind, and Day bullies Josh into walking past Norm and listening in on Norm's conversation. When Josh returns, he has... (full context)

...quarter, Norm asks Bravo to leave the box to make room for the Mexican ambassador. Josh leads them back to their seats in the drizzle, and the men pull out their... (full context)

Josh runs towards Bravo, apologizing profusely. He explains that someone was supposed to bring them to... (full context)

Josh delivers Dime and Billy to Albert in a hallway outside of Norm's suite. Albert pointedly... (full context)

...his sons greet Billy, Dime, and Albert, as Mr. Jones perches on a stool and Josh stands awkwardly. The executives introduce themselves and then turn their attention to the game and... (full context)

...town near Pittsburgh and is a Steelers fan, meaning he hates the Cowboys on principle. Josh runs after Dime and Billy, and he finally has Advil. (full context)

...his seat again, he, Mango, A-bort, and Lodis discuss how rude Norm's attempted deal was. Josh passes out packets to each Bravo filled with Cowboys merchandise and autographed photos of them... (full context)

With two minutes of the game left, Dime declares that it's time to leave. Josh leads them out of the stadium, and Billy texts Faison to meet him outside. Nobody... (full context)

...how many soldiers will die before they realize that it has to stop. Albert and Josh cheerfully usher Billy into the limo and the limo departs. Dime quietly teases Billy about... (full context)