I Need a Hero!

1
I Need a Hero!

• Bogozan
• World Literature

2
The plural of hero is heroes

• Tragic Heroes

• Epic heroes
• Anti-heroes, absurd heroes

3
The Epic Hero Characteristics

• The main character or protagonist in an epic that
  is heroically larger than life
• Often the source and subject of legend
• Could be a national hero
• Embodies the values of a particular society

4
Epic Hero Cont.

• An epic hero is superhuman. He is braver,
  stronger, faster, smarter, and more clever than
  an ordinary person.
• The epic hero is on a quest for something of
  great value to him or his people.
• The epic hero is sometimes part god and sometimes
  just ahs magical powers or helpers.

5
Journey of the Epic Hero

• Often covers great geographical distances
• Obstacles of various kinds along the way
• Hero must make the journey to obtain the object
  of his quest
• Journey usually ends in a battle the hero must
  face alone

6
The Tragic Hero Characteristics

• A tragic hero is often used in Shakespearean
  literature.
• This model of a hero may not always be a good
  guy.
• The tragic hero has made its way into more
  contemporary literature because audiences can
  relate to them.

7
Tragic Hero Cont.

• A tragic hero typically has a flaw that leads to
  his or her demise.
• Often, tragic heroes suffer as a result of their
  hubris, or excessive pride.
• A tragic hero almost always dies in the end.

8
The Anti-Hero (sometimes I might call this the
absurd hero)

• Though an Anti-Hero may not do the right thing
  all the time, a reader is drawn to the Anti-Hero.
• Unlike a tragic hero the Anti-Hero will not
  always die.
• Instead of a standard tragic flaw an Anti-Hero
  may try to do what is right by using questionable
  means.

9
Anti-Hero Cont.

• Anti-Heroes can be obnoxious.
• Anti-Heroes can be pitiful.
• Anti-Heroes can be awkward.
• Anti-Heroes can be passive.

10
Archetype-A symbol, usually an image, which
recurs often enough in literature to be
recognizable in all cultures. (think BEYOND
Disney movies!!!)

• Cinderella
• Beauty and the Beast
• Savior
• The hero
• Star-crossed lovers
• The Orphan

• The Outcast
• The sage
• The witch/ crone
• Stranger in the village
• Martyr
• Tempter/ Temptress

11
Summary Write down the definition of each type
of hero in your own words and give your own
example.

• Epic Hero
• Tragic Hero
• Anti-Hero
• Archetype