The Tin-soldier trembled; but he remained steadfast, showed no emotion, looked straight in front of him, shouldering his gun.

This touching story by Hans Christian Anderson relates how a brave tin soldier keeps a stiff upper lip throughout his adventures. He is treated unfairly but never complains, and always remains true to the toy ballerina with whom he has fallen in love. He stands as firmly on one leg as the others soldiers stand on two, and as Andersen says, he is the one who became famous.