Types of Heroes
vast traveler
An epic hero is known for making travels to exotic locations by choice or chance, usually to battle against evil.
cultural legend
Before an Epic Hero can be universally known, he must first be a legend in his culture.
strong ability or attribute
Classical heroes mostly have the same abilities as everyone else. However, they are just a bit better at certain things than their counterparts.
Hubris
Excessive pride, or disrespect for the natural order
a greatness foreshadowing
For some time before the hero in them emerged, people foreshadowed this character's greatness.
death
If the hero ____, it's because he was sacrificing himself for the greater good, or because he was betrayed.
Everyman's hero
In literature, an 'everyman' has come to mean an ordinary individual that the audience or reader easily identifies with, but who has no outstanding abilities or attributes. _______ is one who is placed in extraordinary circumstances and acts with heroic qualities. While lacking the talent of the classical hero, they exhibit sound moral judgment and selflessness in the face of adversity.
Epic Hero
It was the Greeks who first defined the protagonist known as an _____. These heroes of a tragedy must evoke in the audience a sense of heroism through legendary, awe-inspiring lore. An _____ must be a man whose fortune is brought about by his own admired characteristics. Many of the famous Greek Epic Poems, such as The Odyssey and The Iliad, contain these larger-than-life heroes and their deeds. King Arthur, Beowulf, Siegfried, Gilgamesh, and Rama are all examples of epic heroes.
Tragic hero
It was the great philosopher Aristotle who first defined the ill-fated protagonist as a ________. Aristotle suggested that a hero of a tragedy must evoke a sense of pity or fear from the audience. Also, the _____ has to be someone whose misfortune is brought about not by vice or depravity, but by some error or fate. To this day, literature is inundated with the use of this type of protagonist
battle of pride
Often the major battle comes just as the hero is sorting out his issues and overcoming his pride.
Hamartia
The flaw that causes the hero's downfall
humility
The hero performs great deeds for their own sake rather than glory. Heroes that boast, or exhibit hubris may be punished and humbled.
Anagnorisis
The moment when the hero makes a critical discovery
battles supernatural forces
The opponents and obstacles the hero faces are usually supernatural beings, e.g. Grendel, Poseidon, or a cyclops.
catharsis
The purging of pity or fear the audience experiences after the hero's fall
superhuman capabilites
The warrior has the potential for greatness based on their attributes, e.g. cunning, bravery, humility, wisdom, virtue.
humble upbringing
These heroes could have been orphaned or are poor, and through their ________, they learned how to face adversity.
unmatched warrior
This hero typically has a reputation for being a great warrior, even prior to the beginning of the story.
emotional quest
This hero typically has some emotional issues that must overcome. These may be related to his quest.
noble birth
Usually a king, prince, demi-god, or nobleman of some capacity.
Superhero
______ can start out as classical or even everyman heroes. Somewhere along the way, they acquire power that makes them "super". However, most _____ are born with beyond-human qualities. Example: Superman
Classical hero
are otherwise normal people, except they have a great talent. They often possess an attribute or quality that distinguishes them from ordinary people, making them a hero. Sometimes this is great skill, but other times it is a quality of character, like courage. It's important to remember that __________ possess something others do not have, but are otherwise equal in their worlds. Example: Harry Potter
anti-hero
begin with traits that are very unbecoming or uncommon of a hero. They display qualities that are more in-line with a villain's characteristics. With traits such as conceitedness, immorality, rebellion, and dishonesty, they are not viewed with admiration. Like many of the other heroes, anti-heroes start out as average people who are controversially flawed and inherently good at the same time. An _______, by definition, is a central character who lacks conventional heroic attributes. These characters can range from a good person with an unattractive vice to a criminal mastermind who has a heart of gold.
nemesis
A fate that cannot be avoided, usually as retribution for hubris
Peripeteia
A reversal of fortune