I don't think Silvio is a hero or a petty. Silvio is a strong character and is not a petty in the story but he does not perform as a heroic character.Silvio is jealous of the count and is makes him a weaker person not allowing him to be a hero. He refuses to kill his opponent symbolizing himself as a weak character for not having the ability and guts to shoot his enemy. Also, Silvio let a lot of time pass by since he made the count his enemy, and was still not capable of murdering the count having him in front of him. also, Silvio had refuse to duel at the small town he lived in with the narrator of the story, in order to stay alive in order to take revenge, but did not take the risk. heroes take risk!