Introduction to Hero
A hero, as a literary device, embodies the archetype of a central character who embarks on a transformative journey, often facing adversity and challenges that reveal his/her inner qualities and virtues.
This character serves as a focal point in narratives, symbolizing universal themes and ideals while demonstrating acts of courage, selflessness, and moral integrity. Through their actions and personal growth, heroes contribute to the development of the plot and themes, resonating with readers as embodiments of human aspirations and heroism.
Literary Examples of Hero
- Siddhartha Gautama in Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse: Siddhartha embarks on a spiritual journey to seek enlightenment and discover the path to true wisdom. His quest for self-discovery and enlightenment makes him a central hero in this philosophical novel.
- Prince Hamlet in Hamlet by William Shakespeare: Hamlet, the Prince of Denmark, grapples with existential questions and seeks to avenge his father’s murder. His introspection, moral dilemmas, and tragic journey make him an iconic literary hero.
- Raskolnikov in Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky: Raskolnikov is a complex antihero who contemplates committing a heinous crime for what he believes is a greater good. His internal struggles and eventual moral reckoning are central to this psychological masterpiece.
- Kunta Kinte in Roots: The Saga of an American Family by Alex Haley: Kunta Kinte, an African man sold into slavery, remains a symbol of resilience, identity, and the enduring spirit of his people. His journey and determination to preserve his heritage resonate throughout this epic narrative.
- Oscar Wao in The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Díaz: Oscar is a nerdy and overweight young man who navigates life as an outsider while struggling with his Dominican heritage and family’s curse. His pursuit of love, acceptance, and identity makes him a memorable modern hero.
These literary heroes from world literature masterpieces represent diverse cultures, time periods, and themes, contributing to the rich tapestry of global literary heritage.
How to Create a Hero
| Step | Explanation |
| Character Development | Begin by crafting a well-rounded protagonist with a distinct personality, background, and motivations. |
| Clear Goals and Motivations | Define your hero’s goals, desires, and motivations, ensuring they are emotionally resonant. |
| Flaws and Vulnerabilities | Give your hero imperfections that humanize them and provide opportunities for growth. |
| Backstory and History | Develop a backstory that shapes your hero’s beliefs, values, and decisions throughout the story. |
| Conflict and Challenges | Introduce obstacles, both external and internal, that your hero must overcome for depth and tension. |
| Moral Code and Values | Define the principles guiding your hero’s actions and decisions, establishing their integrity. |
| Heroic Qualities | Showcase qualities like courage, empathy, and selflessness through your hero’s actions. |
| Character Arc | Plan a transformation or growth arc for your hero, reflecting changes in response to experiences. |
| Relatable Motivations | Ensure readers can connect with your hero’s motivations, making them invest in the character’s journey. |
| Complexity and Depth | Develop your hero as a multi-dimensional character, revealing various facets of their personality. |
| Supporting Cast | Create a supporting cast of characters who interact with your hero, providing contrast and conflict. |
| Symbolism and Themes | Consider how your hero may symbolize or represent larger themes or ideas central to your story. |
| Consistency | Maintain consistency in your hero’s characterization and actions to keep their behavior believable. |
| Reader Engagement | Craft emotionally engaging scenes and situations that allow readers to root for your hero. |
| Memorable Moments | Create pivotal moments where your hero faces challenges or decisions, showcasing their heroism. |
Benefits of Creating a Hero
- Engagement: Heroes captivate readers, fostering a strong emotional connection and keeping them invested in the story.
- Identification: Readers often identify with heroes, seeing themselves in the protagonist’s struggles and triumphs.
- Conflict and Resolution: Heroes drive the plot by facing conflicts and striving toward resolution, creating tension and suspense.
- Moral Exploration: Heroes can explore complex moral dilemmas, prompting readers to contemplate ethical choices and consequences.
- Character Development: The hero’s journey allows for profound character growth and transformation, adding depth to the narrative.
- Inspiration: Heroes inspire readers with their courage, resilience, and noble qualities, offering role models and ideals.
- Universal Themes: Heroic narratives often address universal themes like good vs. evil, justice, and the human condition.
- Escapism: Heroes transport readers to fantastical or extraordinary worlds, providing an escape from daily life.
- Symbolism: Heroes can symbolize cultural, social, or historical values, enriching the story’s symbolism.
- Entertainment: Heroic tales are inherently entertaining, offering excitement, adventure, and a sense of wonder.
- Empowerment: Heroes empower readers by showing that individuals can make a difference and overcome adversity.
- Catharsis: The hero’s journey often leads to catharsis, allowing readers to experience emotional release and cathartic relief.
- Teaching and Learning: Heroic stories can impart valuable life lessons and wisdom through the hero’s experiences.
- Timelessness: Heroic archetypes have enduring appeal, making hero-driven narratives timeless and accessible across generations.
- Variety: Heroes come in various forms, allowing writers to explore diverse perspectives and character types.
- Memorability: Iconic heroes and their stories remain etched in readers’ memories, becoming part of literary canon.
- Cultural Significance: Heroes often reflect cultural values and serve as symbols of cultural identity.
- Social Commentary: Heroes can be used to comment on societal issues and provoke thought on important topics.
- Artistic Exploration: Crafting heroes challenges writers to create compelling and multi-dimensional characters.
- Narrative Structure: Heroes provide a structured framework for storytelling, aiding in plot development and pacing.
Hero and Literary Theory
| Literary Theory | Critique of Hero | Practical Examples from Literature |
| Structuralism | Structuralism focuses on the underlying binary oppositions and structures in literature. It may critique the hero as a binary opposite to the antagonist, simplifying characters into static roles. | Examples from The Lord of the Rings where heroes are clearly demarcated from villains based on structural roles. |
| Formalism | Formalism emphasizes the form and structure of a literary work. It may critique the hero’s characterization as formulaic and predictable, potentially hindering creativity. | Analysis of classic hero patterns in ancient epics like The Iliad and The Odyssey that adhere to formal conventions. |
| Psychoanalytic Theory | Psychoanalytic theory delves into the unconscious motives of characters. It may critique the hero’s one-dimensional nature, lacking depth in terms of inner conflicts and subconscious desires. | Exploration of Hamlet’s psychological struggles in Shakespeare’s Hamlet through a psychoanalytic lens, revealing deeper dimensions of the hero. |
| Marxist Theory | Marxist theory examines the socio-economic and political aspects of literature. It may critique the hero for often upholding the status quo or capitalist values, potentially reinforcing the dominant ideology. | Examination of the hero’s role in reinforcing societal norms and economic structures in dystopian literature like 1984 by George Orwell. |
| Feminist Theory | Feminist theory scrutinizes gender roles and representations. It may critique the hero for perpetuating traditional gender stereotypes and for often being male-centric. | Analysis of gender dynamics and feminist critiques in works like Pride and Prejudice where heroines challenge traditional hero roles. |
| Postcolonial Theory | Postcolonial theory examines the impact of colonialism and cultural imperialism. It may critique the hero for embodying colonial or Western values and overshadowing indigenous or marginalized voices. | Discussion of colonial hero narratives in Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad and their implications in postcolonial literature. |
| Reader-Response Theory | Reader-response theory emphasizes the role of the reader in interpreting a text. It may critique the hero as a subjective construct, with interpretations varying widely among readers. | Exploration of how readers’ personal interpretations and reactions shape their perception of heroes in a diverse range of texts. |
| Deconstruction | Deconstruction challenges binary oppositions and hierarchies in literature. It may critique the hero as a construct that can be deconstructed to reveal the instability and contradictions within the concept. | Deconstructive analysis of the hero figure in works like Don Quixote by Cervantes, exposing the character’s inherent contradictions and complexities. |
Suggested Readings
- Campbell, Joseph. The Hero with a Thousand Faces. Princeton University Press, 1949.
- Frye, Northrop. Anatomy of Criticism: Four Essays. Princeton University Press, 1957.
- Lévi-Strauss, Claude. Structural Anthropology. Basic Books, 1963.