Courage shown by copper, perhaps, according to report (6)
I believe the answer is:
mettle
'courage' is the definition.
(I know that mettle is a type of courage)
'copper perhaps according to report' is the wordplay.
'copper perhaps' becomes 'metal' (copper is a kind of metal).
'according to report' indicates a 'sounds like' (homophone) clue.
'metal' is a homophone of 'METTLE'.
'shown by' acts as a link.
(Other definitions for mettle that I've seen before include "Inherent character - courage" , "boldness" , "Spirit and courage sound like iron, say" , "Strength of character, courage" , "Pluck" .)