Types of Heroes

Types of Heroes

by Vivien Talon

We all know the classic hero stories; the ones that inspired us as children, and even shaped us into the people we are. They are the movies that tell tales of heroism and bravery, motivating us to become the best we can possibly be. But what we often don't realize is the different types of heroes that impact different audiences in different ways. From my experience, there are four common groups heroes fall into.

1.  The Hesitant
   
   The Hesitant Hero is normally the ordinary character with a troubled past (sometimes with a good layer of angst). They are pulled into doing heroic acts, and are always reluctant to do so, questioning their ability to complete their quest. An example of this is Han Solo, from the Star Wars franchise. He is unwilling to ally himself with the Republic against the Empire, mostly for selfish reasons. However, in the end Han Solo emerges as one of the most well known icons in the franchise.
   
2. The Classic
    
   The Classic is the most used stereotype out of all kinds of heroes. From the beginning, it is established that the who the protagonist is. Often they follow a simple plot, where the character follows their calling, finding their identity as a hero while they help people. This kind of idea is seen in works like the story of Superman. Superman is known to be the hero, fighting off villains and saving millions. He is the type that goes around kissing babies and signing autographs after the major conflict before flying off into the sunset, leaving the rest of the characters in awe after the fact.
   
3. The Unlikely
    
   The Unlikely Hero is the diamond under the rough. They are similar to the Hesitant Hero in the fact that not many would expect them to be the protagonist. They usually display characteristics the audience doesn't associate with heroic qualities, and are often pushed to the side and forgotten about or even made up as the antagonist. This creates a sense of irony when they do emerge as the true protagonists. A great example of this is Ralph, who was first portrayed as the villain in the movie, Wreck it Ralph. He is first introduced as someone filled with only malicious intent, and is compared against the more popular Fix it Felix. Yet, throughout the movie, he displays great character development and grows into the Unlikely Hero.
   
4. The Tragic
   
   The Tragic Hero is often the victim of the story. They are bombarded with large obstacles, such as losses of loved ones, or a devastating event. Oedipus is a great example for this category. He is struck with the horrifying realization that his beloved wife is in fact his own mother, and moments after this event, his mother kills herself. In an effort to punish himself and right his wrongdoings, he gives up his former life -- abandoning his children in the process -- and gouges out his own eyes. In doing this, Oedipus ends up adding to his problems. Not the resolution one would have hoped for, but still a Tragic Hero.
   

Of course, not all heroes can be stereotyped like this, and there are many other kinds of heroes. Although these are the most recurrent sorts of heroes I find most often in the media, movies, and literature.