CHARACTER TYPE AND TROPE THESAURUS

HERO (ARCHETYPE)



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HELPFUL TIP:

Using a trope or archetype helps readers quickly understand a character, but stopping there creates a weak and predictable figure. Instead, add depth with a unique backstory, emotional wounds, and related fears and flaws. You can also break expectations with an unusual job, relationship, secret, or positive trait.
DESCRIPTION:
Heroes are driven to fight for the oppressed and defend the defenseless, and they succeed by employing their own specific mix of strengths, talents, and skills. In addition, some form of sacrifice is usually required for them to win.

Note that in the context of storytelling, the terms hero and protagonist are used interchangeably, but when it comes to archetypes, the two are distinctly different. A protagonist (the main character whose goal drives the story) with the characteristics described above will be a hero. But not every protagonist fits the bill; it's actually quite common for secondary characters to play this archetypal character. As an example, in Where the Crawdads Sing, Kya is the protagonist of the story, but its her lawyer, Tom Milton, who represents the hero type. Secondly, please note that "hero" in the context of this entry is used as a gender-neutral term, similar to artist, athlete, or doctor.

For specific examples of tropes based on this archetype, see the Similar or Related Tropes Field.

FICTIONAL EXAMPLES:
Atticus Finch (To Kill a Mockingbird), Katniss Everdeen (The Hunger Games series), Aibileen, Minny, and Skeeter (The Help), Luke Skywalker (Star Wars: A New Hope), Elle Woods (Legally Blonde)

COMMON STRENGTHS:
ADVENTUROUS, BOLD, CONFIDENT, COURAGEOUS, DISCIPLINED, FOCUSED, HONORABLE, IDEALISTIC, INDEPENDENT, INDUSTRIOUS, INSPIRATIONAL, INTELLIGENT, JUST, PERSISTENT, RESOURCEFUL, RESPONSIBLE, TALENTED

COMMON WEAKNESSES:
COCKY, NOSY, OBSESSIVE, PERFECTIONIST, PUSHY, STUBBORN, WORKAHOLIC

ASSOCIATED ACTIONS, BEHAVIORS, AND TENDENCIES:
Having a specific goal in mind and working toward it
Gathering allies that complement them and assist in the pursuit of the goal
Having a strong moral code
Being sensitive to injustice
Speaking up or stepping forward when others won't
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FEARS THAT MIGHT LIMIT THE CHARACTER:
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SITUATIONS THAT WILL CHALLENGE THEM:
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INNER STRUGGLES TO GIVE THEM DEPTH:
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CLICHÉS TO BE AWARE OF:
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TWIST THIS TROPE WITH A CHARACTER WHO...:
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UNEXPECTED OCCUPATIONS FOR THIS CHARACTER:
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CREATE SOMETHING NEW:
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