From Harry Potter to Batman, well-written heroes provide readers and viewers with an inside perspective of the story. You see the character’s thoughts, feel their emotions, and understand their challenges.
Broadly speaking, a hero is the main character of a story. They often possess admirable qualities and are forced to overcome challenges throughout the narrative.
Common Types of Heroes
Not all heroes are created equal. Many are brave, honorable, and wise, but they can also be cowardly, villainous, and stupid.
In most stories, the heroes fit a specific archetype. That’s not a bad thing—archetypes are just character tools that a writer can play with as they wish.
To writers, a hero’s type will depend on the story they want to convey. And to readers, being able to identify what type of hero they’re rooting for helps them connect with the character better.
Here are the most common hero archetypes you can find in novels, movies, TV shows, and more.
1. The Classical Hero
Classical heroes are the most common type in literature, possessing a certain quality that makes them stand out from the crowd.
It might be a talent or skill they excel in (like swordsmanship, magic, or strategy), or an internal trait they possess (such as bravery, cleverness, or divine heritage).
These heroes often learn quickly, never give up, and are able to move forward no matter the struggle. A big part of what makes them heroic is their infallible code of ethics: they always follow what’s right, even if it raises tension.
Usually, these heroes appear normal until their unique qualities begin to show. From there, they quickly progress and master the skills they need to resolve whatever conflict they face. They always win, too.
A common issue with this hero is relatability. No one is unbelievably perfect, so how can readers relate to such a character?
An example of this is Luke Skywalker. While his family is a significant part of his character, his most important strength is his ability to use the Force.
2. The Epic Hero
Epic heroes are legendary characters who inspire a sense of heroism from the audience.
They embody a culture’s values and beliefs and employ extraordinary skills and abilities to achieve great things. Because they represent the ideal qualities of a culture, they’re often larger-than-life characters.
The concept of epic heroes was first introduced in epic poetry. They’re not just a hero, they’re THE hero—renowned and admired for their abilities and feats. But before they’re known far and wide, they must first become legends in their own culture.
These heroes are often of noble birth, have superhuman abilities, and are incredibly humble. They battle supernatural foes, travel frequently for adventure, and inspire the people they meet.
Most heroes in Greek and Roman mythology fall into this category. Perhaps the oldest example in literature is Gilgamesh—he’s a king whose exploits include driving away creatures from a goddess’s tree and fighting a heavenly bull.
3. The Anti-Hero
Sometimes a classic hero isn’t around, or the situation calls for someone who’s comfortable getting their hands dirty. A character with questionable traits and motivations steps in to answer the call to adventure.
While typical heroes follow a moral code, the anti-hero doesn’t bother following any such thing. What makes them different from villains, though, is that they ultimately do the right thing, even if it’s for a selfish reason.
This is perhaps the most popular hero in contemporary fiction: they’re the ones who feel closest to real people, making it easier for readers and viewers to form an emotional bond.
A popular example is Deadpool. The Merc with a Mouth is a mercenary who doesn’t hesitate to kill, even making comical remarks while he’s at it.
4. The Everyman Hero
Everyman Heroes are ordinary people who don’t have heroic abilities or qualities.
They’re underdogs who are thrown into extraordinary situations. Fortunately, their strong moral compass and selflessness help them get through the challenges no matter how ill-equipped they are.
This hero is the closest to being an audience insert. It’s hard to connect with a hero who uses supernatural powers, but it’s easy to relate to someone who’s ordinary.
A great example of this is Robinson Crusoe. He has no significant set of skills or traits, but is able to survive on a deserted island for almost three decades.
5. The Tragic Hero
Tragic heroes possess a fatal flaw that leads to their downfall.
In his Poetics, Aristotle suggests that for a tragedy to be good, the hero must evoke a sense of pity or fear from the audience. This was a necessary emotional investment for the audience to feel catharsis at the end of a story.
The hero’s reversal from triumph to defeat isn’t because of immorality or corruption. Rather, it happens due to an error in judgment or the whims of fate. Though they do their best, tragedy still meets them in the end.
Perhaps the most famous example of this is Oedipus, whose tragic flaw is his excessive pride. It leads him to inadvertently kill his own father and marry his mother.
6. The Superhero
Superheroes have abilities that make them superhuman. They use these abilities to make the world a better place or dedicate themselves to protecting the innocent. To do so, they often disguise themselves with an alternate persona.
These heroes come in a wide variety of backgrounds, origins, and powers. Some of them use science and technology to achieve their heroic feats, while others rely on magic or natural abilities.
The most popular example of this is Superman. His alien physiology gives him abilities such as flight, super strength, and invulnerability among others.
7. The Willing Hero
Willing heroes are those who are ready for action and need little convincing to answer the call to adventure.
These are the characters who run into danger with a gleam in their eyes. They’re not afraid to take risks if it’s for the greater good.
They’re often motivated by the challenges they face, and are bored when there are no obstacles to conquer. This makes them seem self-centered or arrogant, but in truth, they just prefer eventful lives.
A good example of this is Tarzan. He literally rejects civiziled society to go back to the more exciting jungle he grew up in.
8. The Unwilling Hero
Unwilling heroes are those who accidentally and reluctantly answer the call of adventure.
Unlike the willing hero, they are riddled with doubts and fear the challenges they will face. They’re not sure of which path to take, and often rely on their companions for guidance.
They wish to go back to their normal lives but understand that they alone can undertake the tasks given to them. Sometimes they run away, but their moral compass always leads them back to do what’s right.
Eventually, they outgrow their doubts and become great heroes admired by those around them.
One of the best examples of this is Frodo Baggins. He is given a powerful ring once owned by the Dark Lord Sauron. This endangers him and those around him so he’s forced to leave home to try and destroy the ring.
What Do Heroes Symbolize?
It’s human nature for us to root for a character in a story we’re currently reading—someone we can form an emotional bond with. They represent the things we want to be, whether that’s brave, respected, selfless, or able to do what’s right.
And yet, not every hero is a paragon of virtue. Sometime’s they’re flawed people who struggle with their doubts and fears just like regular folks. As readers and viewers, we like to see how they grow into their roles because perhaps we’ll learn a thing or two about how we can grow in ours.
What type of hero do you like best? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
If you enjoyed this post, then you might also like:
- The Tragic Hero: Who Are They and How Can They Shape Your Story?
- Exploring the Monomyth: 6 Lessons from Joseph Campbell’s Theory of “The Hero’s Journey”
- What Is a False Protagonist? Definition and Examples
Cole is a blog writer and aspiring novelist. He has a degree in Communications and is an advocate of media and information literacy and responsible media practices. Aside from his interest in technology, crafts, and food, he’s also your typical science fiction and fantasy junkie, spending most of his free time reading through an ever-growing to-be-read list. It’s either that or procrastinating over actually writing his book. Wish him luck!
