Usually August was such a trouper about his medical issues, whether it was skateboarding a few days after a surgery or sipping food through a straw when his mouth was practically bolted shut.

What does trouper mean here?

Question

Usually August was such a trouper about his medical issues, whether it was skateboarding a few days after a surgery or sipping food through a straw when his mouth was practically bolted shut.

What does trouper mean here?

Answer

You've got two contextual clues to work with. What's the same about "skateboarding a few days after surgery" and "sipping food through a straw when his mouth was practically bolted shut"? The way in which he did those things tells you the meaning of "trouper."

Answer

A trouper is an actor or other entertainer, typically one with long experience

Answer

"Trouper" (often "trooper" in American English) in this context is a colloquial way of saying "A person who is reliable and doesn't complain (especially about difficulties)."