Are there Different Types of Hero?
SOURCE: Hamby, Z (2018), Heroes & Hall of Heroes, Creative English Teacher, https://creativeenglishteacher.com/pages/teaching-joseph-campbells-the-heros-journey
Videos
A Host of Heroes [4:53 mins]
From the epic hero (like Beowulf) to the tragic hero (like Oedipus), each has something distinctive to share. April Gudenrath describes the many faces of the fictional hero -- and shows how they can inspire everyday people. View full lesson: http://ed.ted.com/lessons/a-host-of-h...
MARVEL | What is it, to be a hero? [2:45 mins]
I wanted to send a message that being a hero isn't about having super-powers but it's about our choices. " It's the choices that make us who we are, and we can always choose to do what's right."
An Anti-hero of one's own - Tim Adams [Duration: 4:10]
How can an antihero teach us about the heroic--and sometimes, the unheroic--characteristics that shape a story’s protagonist? From jealousy to self-doubt, Tim Adams challenges us to consider how antiheroes reflect the very mortal weaknesses that can be found within all of us.
Full TED-ed lesson: https://ed.ted.com/lessons/an-anti-hero-of-one-s-own-tim-adams
Literary Hero Archetypes
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Everyman Hero These are ordinary people without any apparent heroic qualities or characteristics but they often have a strong moral compass and act with extreme selflessness.They are underdogs placed in extraordinary circumstances that force them to act heroically. Readers can easily relate to these types of heroes due to their ordinary nature. |
Classical Hero These are characters who possesses a great talent or ability that separates them from the rest. This could be a skill, such as the ability to fight, or it could be an internal quality such as bravery or cleverness. Usually, this hero type appears normal on the surface until their powers begin to reveal themselves. |
Epic Hero Popular in Greek mythology, epic heroes possess otherworldly heroic qualities. They usually come from noble birth and are viewed as legendary due to their seemingly superhuman capabilities and heroic deeds. The first epic hero was Gilgameshfrom 1800 BC. Other epic heroes include Odysseus, Beowulf. |
Tragic Hero A tragic hero possesses a fatal flaw or makes an error in judgment that ultimately leads to their downfall. They evoke a feeling of fear or pity in the audience as they witness their protagonist’s ultimate demise. The most well-known example of a tragic hero is Oedipus, His tragic flaw is his excessive pride. |
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Bilbo Baggins |
Harry Potter |
Achilles (Homer’s The Iliad) |
Macbeth |
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Anti-Hero Anti-heroes do not possess traditionally heroic qualities. They are neither a villain nor a hero. While they don't do 'evil' things, he/she may possess villainous qualities such as dishonesty, greed, or general immorality. The anti-hero’s struggle to overcome or reconcile these morally dubious qualities makes them relatable to an audience, They can be a person who does 'heroic' things while doing something for his/her own gain. |
Byronic Hero The Byronic hero - an archetype codified by English romantic poet Lord Byron - is known for being prickly, sullen and inscrutable on the outside. These heroes are often profoundly flawed and wounded, but nonetheless possess strong morals and passions. |
Sympathetic Villain The sympathetic villain usually starts out as a good character, but when something bad happens, they becomes villainous. The character is still viewed as the ‘bad guy’, but often the audience feels sympathy for the character. |
Villain The villain is the 'bad' guy with very few, if any, redeeming qualities. There is nothing to really draw sympathy from the audience. There is nothing to excuse their actions in any manner. |
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Sherlock Holmes |
Mr. Darcy (Pride & Prejudice) |
Loki of Askard (Marvel) |
Kate Argent (Teen Wolf) |
