Silvio is a morally courageous figure in that he transcends the social mores/ethics of his time and adopts his own conception of honor. By declining the opportunity to fire at his opponent Silvio subverts the tradition of the duel and calls into question both the act of killing and the act's esteemed place in society. For Silvio, any type of murder, even in ritualized form, is unthinkable. Furthermore, Silvio's admission of cowardice (a tacit admission in the case of the card game-related duel, as well as the earlier incident recounted to our narrator) represents an extreme challenge to the standard view of honor, wherein abstention from violence is indicative of an ignominious character flaw. Ultimately, Silvio maintains a kind of saintly heroism instead of the blood-stained Hussar's code of honor.