I Need a Hero!

Bogozan

World Literature

The plural of hero is heroes• Epic heroes

• Anti-heroes, absurd heroes

• Tragic Heroes

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

Epic Hero Con’t.

• 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.

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

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.

Tragic Hero Con’t.

• 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.

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.

Anti-Hero Con’t.

• Anti-Heroes can be obnoxious.

• Anti-Heroes can be pitiful.• Anti-Heroes can be

awkward.• Anti-Heroes can be passive.

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

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