How does Winston Smith display a sense of courage throughout 1984?

I would say that Winston displays a sense of courage at
most points in the book, right up until the time that O'Brien is about to let the rats
go and eat through his face.  Really, his whole life for most of the book is one long
act of courage.

If you think about it, so many things that
Winston does in the book are putting his life in danger.  Just to give two
examples:

• he starts to keep a diary and he
  starts it with "Down With Big Brother."  Right there, he has committed himself to
  opposing the whole system -- this is an act that will likely lead to his death and yet
  he does it.


• He starts an affair with Julia.  This is
  also something that could get him killed.  Even so, he starts it and he continues
  it.

Just about everything Winston does is in
the book is illegal and can get him killed.  The fact that he continues to do them
demonstrates courage.