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Classification of Types of Heroes in Works of Literature

Introduction

"Good and evil" is a common dichotomy in every aspect of society, where "evil" is often

viewed as the dualistic antagonistic converse of "good". Society often encourages "good" to

prevail over evil, and individuals playing a critical role in achieving this objective can be said to

be protagonistst. Protagonist characters possess traits that allow readers to understand and

follow their actions, as well as connect with them. Certain protagonist characters display

universal qualities referred to as archetypes, which make it relatively easy to identify and

understand unpredictable characters like heroes (Shang 24). Heroes are characters admired or

idealized for their courage, outstanding achievements, or certain noble attributes (Lay). This

paper focuses on classifying types of heroes in works of literature based on their role in

enhancing "good or evil".

Classical Heroes

Classical heroes possess great talents or abilities that distinguish them from the other

ordinary characters in a work of literature (Lay). These attributes can range from bravery to
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cleverness, among others. Initially, classical heroes usually appear as normal or average

characters in a story, but certain prejudices or occurrences prompt them to reveal their powers.

Everyman Hero

The term 'everyman' has evolved in contemporary literature to denote an ordinary

literary character that the audience identifies with easily (Shang 41). It is worth noting that the

everyman hero lacks outstanding character traits, but is often subjected to extraordinary

circumstances that make them react with heroic characteristics (41). Also, such characters

possess sound moral judgment attributes and display selflessness in the face of adversity (41).

In essence, the everyman hero is a character that possesses traits that the reader perceives as

heroic.

Tragic Hero

Tragic heroes were first defined by Aristotle. He argued that a tragic/flawed, or ill-fated

protagonist must evoke a sense of fear or attract pity from the audience ( Kinsella et al. 25).

Tragic heroes are subjected to misfortunes by erroneous occurrences or mere fate, but not by

vices or depravities. Generally, Aristotle's accentuates that tragic heroes must portray; harmatia

- traits that lead to their downfall; Hubris- a sense of extreme pride; Peripeteia- fortune

reversal; Anagnoris-antagonise a hero's crucial discoveries or plans; nemesis-unreversable fate;

and catharis (Reeves,1952), which is a tone of fear or pity they evoke from the readers.

Epic Heroes
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Epic heroes were also first defined by the Greeks. These characters often respond to

certain occurrences in the story, evoking a sense of heroism and legendary inspiring lore among

the audience (Lay). Thus, their fortunes are a result of their admired characteristics and "larger

than life" deeds. Some characteristics principles of epic heroes include a noble birth and

superhuman traits (Lay). For instance, while some epic heroes are depicted to be born of

noblemen like kings etc, others like warriors are portrayed to possess attributes such as bravely,

super strength, and viciousness, etc.

Epic heroes, by choice or fate, are often portrayed as vast travelers, including to exotic

regions where they fight vices (Lay). They also possess a reputation that precedes them, in the

sense that they must be cultural legends before attaining universal legend (Shang 30). Humility

is however the greatest attribute of an epic hero. Despite being the best in the setting, they are

conservative about their abilities.

Anti Heroes

Anti-heroes are characters who primarily lack convectional heroic traits. They possess

uncommon or perhaps unbecoming heroic character traits, largely befitting villains (Shang 30).

With qualities like immorality, greed, rebellion, and dishonesty, among others, anti-heroes are

rarely perceived with admiration (Lay). Like many other heroes in a story, an anti-hero initially

appears as an average person but as the story progresses, the character is gradually and

controversially flawed, and at the same time, inherently good (30). Anti-heroes' struggle to

overcome or reconcile their morally dubious attributes makes the reader relate with them (31),
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accentuating the theme of right and wrong, the very human conflict that every person

experiences.

Catalyst Hero

These are central characters who act heroically. They rarely change in the course of the

story, as their main role is to bring change, especially concerning heroisms, to other characters

(Shang 35).

Conclusion

Identifying, defining, and classifying characters like heroes in literary works is essential.

It helps the reader to understand how the characters are connected, and how the interplays

between their role bring out certain themes.

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References.

Kinsella, Elaine L., Timothy D. Ritchie, and Eric R. Igou. "A Brief History of Lay and Academic

Perspectives." Handbook of heroism and heroic leadership. Routledge New York, 2016. 18-19.

Lay, Rebecca. "The Hero Archetype | Literary Hero Definition & Activities". Storyboard That,

2021, https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.storyboardthat.com/articles/e/types-of-

heroes/amp.

Shang, Amanda. Who are Heroes? An Analysis of the Literary Hero and an Interpretation of the

Modern Hero. Diss. 2018.

Reeves, Charles H. "The Aristotelian concept of the tragic hero." The American Journal of

Philology 73.2 (1952): 172-188.