Hero

Introduction

The literary device of the hero is central to many forms of storytelling and is a cornerstone of narrative structure. A hero in literature is a character who leads the story forward through their exploits, which often include feats of courage, self-sacrifice, or overcoming significant obstacles. Typically, this character embodies virtues and qualities that are highly regarded in society, such as bravery, loyalty, and a sense of justice.

Heroes can be complex, with traits that are not always traditionally heroic. They might possess flaws or make mistakes, adding depth to their character and providing a more relatable journey for the reader. The hero’s journey, a concept popularized by mythologist Joseph Campbell, outlines a common pathway for heroes in stories, marked by stages such as the call to adventure, facing trials, achieving a pivotal victory, and returning transformed.

Pronunciation
Hero: “HEE-roh”

When Do Writers Use the Hero Literary Device?

Writers employ the hero literary device to create a central figure that audiences can rally behind and identify with. This device serves several purposes:

• Driving the Plot: The hero’s actions often propel the narrative, providing a clear path through the story and helping to build suspense and engagement.
• Exploring Themes: Heroes are excellent vehicles for exploring broader themes such as morality, human resilience, and the battle between good and evil.
• Evoking Emotion: Through the hero’s struggles and triumphs, writers evoke empathy, inspiration, and other strong emotional responses from the audience.
• Offering Resolution: Heroes typically play a key role in the resolution of the story, providing a satisfying conclusion to the narrative through their final actions or decisions.

How Should I Use the Hero Literary Device?

Using the hero literary device effectively involves several key considerations:

1. Define the Hero’s Goals: Clearly define what the hero is trying to achieve. Their goals should align with the story’s themes and have significant stakes to captivate the audience.
2. Develop a Relatable Hero: While the hero might have exceptional qualities, grounding their personality with relatable flaws or challenges can make them more engaging and realistic.
3. Create Meaningful Challenges: The obstacles and adversaries the hero faces should be formidable and meaningful, challenging them in ways that promote growth and provide excitement for the reader.
4. Evolve the Character: Over the course of the story, the hero should undergo significant personal growth or change, which can inspire the audience and provide a deeper message.
5. Resonate with the Ending: Ensure the hero’s journey culminates in an ending that resonates emotionally and logically with the readers, reflecting the journey’s impact on the hero and their world.

By carefully crafting your hero and their journey, you can enhance the impact and appeal of your narrative, making it resonate more profoundly with your audience.

Types of Hero

In literature, heroes can be classified into several types based on their characteristics, origins, and the nature of their journeys. Here are some common types:

1. Classical Hero: Often a figure from ancient legends or myths, the classical hero exhibits traits that are idealized in their culture, such as physical strength, honor, and nobility. Examples include Hercules and Achilles.
2. Tragic Hero: This type of hero is central to tragic dramas and is characterized by a fatal flaw or mistake that leads to their downfall. Tragic heroes are complex characters whose tragedies stem from a combination of personal failings and external forces. Shakespeare’s Hamlet and Macbeth are quintessential tragic heroes.
3. Everyman Hero: This hero represents the ordinary individual who rises to the occasion despite having no outstanding qualities. They often highlight the value of regular virtues and resilience. George Bailey from It’s a Wonderful Life is a great example.
4. Anti-Hero: An anti-hero lacks the traditional attributes of a hero and might possess traits that are typically associated with villains, such as amorality or dishonesty. Despite their flaws, they often achieve heroic ends. Examples include Dexter from the TV show Dexter and Severus Snape from the Harry Potter series.
5. Byronic Hero: Named after the poet Lord Byron, Byronic heroes are deeply flawed, brooding, rebellious, and often emotionally and intellectually tortured. They are intriguing due to their dark qualities. Mr. Rochester from Jane Eyre fits this category.
6. Feminist Hero: These heroes are particularly evident in modern narratives, representing strong, independent women who challenge societal norms and gender roles. Katniss Everdeen from The Hunger Games series is a popular feminist hero.

Hero in Literature

Here are some famous examples of heroes in literature:

1. Odysseus from The Odyssey by Homer – Known for his cunning and resourcefulness during his long journey home after the Trojan War.
2. Elizabeth Bennet from Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen – Celebrated for her wit, moral integrity, and insights into personal relationships.
3. Harry Potter from the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling – A young wizard who fights against the dark wizard Lord Voldemort.
4. Frodo Baggins from The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien – A humble hobbit who rises to the heroic challenge of destroying a powerful and corrupting magical ring.
5. Jean Valjean from Les Misérables by Victor Hugo – A former convict who struggles to lead a life of dignity and kindness in a harsh and unforgiving world.

Hero in Children’s Books

Children’s books often feature heroes who embark on great adventures or overcome fears to solve problems. Here are some famous examples:

1. Peter Pan from Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie – The boy who never grows up and leads Wendy and her brothers on adventures in Neverland.
2. Matilda Wormwood from Matilda by Roald Dahl – A young girl with extraordinary intelligence and telekinetic powers who stands up against oppressive adults.
3. Max from Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak – A young boy who travels to an island of wild creatures and becomes their king.
4. Anne Shirley from Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery – An imaginative and spirited girl who transforms the lives of those around her in Avonlea.
5. Willy Wonka from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl – The eccentric chocolatier who tests the morality of various children through his fantastical factory.

Hero in Poetry

Heroes in poetry are often depicted as larger-than-life figures who embody the ideals of their cultures or as deeply personal figures reflecting the poet’s own thoughts and feelings. Some famous examples include:

1. Beowulf in Beowulf – An epic hero who fights monsters and dragons, symbolizing the battle between good and evil.
2. The Speaker in If- by Rudyard Kipling – Represents the ideal qualities of fortitude, integrity, and resilience in the face of adversity.
3. Ulysses in Ulysses by Alfred, Lord Tennyson – Represents the never-ending quest for knowledge and the courage to strive, to seek, and not to yield.
4. The Knight in The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer – Embodies the chivalric ideals of the Middle Ages.
5. Achilles in The Iliad by Homer – The great warrior whose tale of heroism and tragedy is central to the poem’s exploration of glory and the human condition.

Hero in Songs

Heroes in songs are often depicted as inspirational figures, overcoming adversity or providing solace through their actions or mere presence. Here are ten famous examples of heroism in songs:

1. “Hero” by Mariah Carey – The song speaks of finding the hero within oneself and the courage to face life’s challenges.
2. “Wind Beneath My Wings” by Bette Midler – A tribute to unsung heroes who uplift others without seeking glory.
3. “Heroes” by David Bowie – An anthem celebrating the heroism in everyday acts of love and defiance.
4. “My Hero” by Foo Fighters – A song that honors ordinary people who do extraordinary things.
5. “Superman (It’s Not Easy)” by Five for Fighting – A poignant reflection on the vulnerabilities even heroes face.
6. “Holding Out for a Hero” by Bonnie Tyler – Describes the longing for a hero to come and save the day.
7. “The Fighter” by Gym Class Heroes feat. Ryan Tedder – Encourages perseverance and fighting through adversity.
8. “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor – A powerful song about rising up to the challenge, often used as a motivational sports anthem.
9. “One More Hero” by Ellen Foley – This song paints a picture of the heroes who’ve gone unnoticed, calling for recognition.
10. “Courage to Grow” by Rebelution – Inspires listeners to be the hero of their own story by embracing personal growth and change.

Hero in Movies

Heroes in movies are central to the plot and often face incredible odds to achieve their goals. Here are some famous examples of heroes in movies:

1. Luke Skywalker in Star Wars series – A farm boy who becomes a key figure in the battle against the oppressive Galactic Empire.
2. Ellen Ripley in Alien series – A strong female protagonist fighting against alien threats.
3. King T’Challa (Black Panther) in Black Panther – A superhero and king who fights to protect his nation and its traditions while adapting to the modern world.
4. Tony Stark (Iron Man) in Marvel Cinematic Universe – A billionaire inventor who uses his intelligence and resources to fight evil.
5. Katniss Everdeen in The Hunger Games series – A young woman who becomes the symbol of a revolution against a tyrannical government.
6. Indiana Jones in Indiana Jones series – An adventurous archaeologist who often finds himself in dangerous situations while hunting for historical artifacts.
7. Simba in The Lion King – A lion cub who overcomes personal tragedy to reclaim his rightful place as king.
8. Sarah Connor in Terminator series – Transforms from a vulnerable waitress into a resilient fighter battling against robots from the future.
9. Harry Potter in Harry Potter series – A young wizard fighting against the dark forces that threaten the wizarding world.
10. Forrest Gump in Forrest Gump – A man with a kind heart and low IQ who unwittingly influences numerous historical events through his simple wisdom and fortitude.

Famous Movie Line Highlighting Hero

“With great power comes great responsibility.”
This line from Spider-Man (2002) encapsulates the essence of heroism in the character of Peter Parker, who learns that he must use his powers to help others, setting the stage for his journey as a superhero.

YouTube Link Demonstrating Hero

Watch Spider-Man’s Heroic Scene
This clip from the Spider-Man movie illustrates the moment Peter Parker embraces his role as a hero, embodying the famous line about power and responsibility.

Hero in Advertising

Heroes in advertising are often used to evoke emotional responses, inspire viewers, and align a brand with values of courage, reliability, and strength. Here are some famous examples:

1. Nike’s “Just Do It” Campaigns – Often feature athletes overcoming personal and physical challenges, embodying the spirit of heroism in sports.
2. Dove’s “Real Beauty” Campaign – Celebrates everyday heroes, namely women of all shapes, sizes, and backgrounds, challenging beauty stereotypes.
3. The Most Interesting Man in the World – Dos Equis – Portrays a suave, adventurous man whose extraordinary life adventures make him a hero of sorts.
4. Apple’s “Think Different” Campaign – Highlights historical figures whose bravery in thinking differently made them heroes of progress.
5. Allstate’s “Mayhem” Campaign – While Mayhem himself isn’t a hero, the campaign positions the Allstate agent as the hero who saves the day from various disasters.

Hero Related Literary Devices

Several literary devices are closely related to the concept of a hero in literature:

1. Epithet – Often used in epic poetry to emphasize the heroic qualities of a character (e.g., “swift-footed Achilles”).
2. Hamartia – The tragic flaw that leads to the downfall of a tragic hero, pivotal in defining their heroic journey.
3. Peripeteia – A sudden reversal of fortune that often affects the hero, marking a crucial point in the narrative.
4. Anagnorisis – The moment of critical discovery or insight that the hero experiences, often changing their course of action or understanding of themselves.
5. Catharsis – The emotional release felt by the audience at the end of a tragedy, often through the resolution of the hero’s journey.

These devices help to shape the narrative around the hero, enhancing their role and impact within the story.