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