The stress-displacement relation of the fiber is analyzed for fiber-reinforced ceramic composites during axial compressive loading (indentation) and unloading on the exposed end of an embedded fiber. An unbonded fiber/matrix interface subject to Coulomb friction and residual radial clamping stresses is considered in the present study. The results show that the stress-displacement curves during loading and unloading can be used to evaluate the magnitude of the clamping stress, the coefficient of friction, and the frictional stress distribution at the interface. Specifically, in the absence of Poisson's effect (i.e., when Poisson's ratio of the fiber is zero), the interfacial shear stress is constant, the loading curve is parabolic, and, after complete unloading, the residual fiber displacement equals half of the maximum fiber displacement at the peak loading stress. In the presence of Poisson's effect, the interfacial shear stress is not constant, and, after complete unloading, the residual fiber displacement is less than half of the maximum fiber displacement at the peak loading stress.