Not all heroes wear capes. Why? Because they don’t have to.

When you hear the word “hero,” you would conceive the image of a tall, powerful figure. However, not all heroes are built the same way. In fact, some heroes make their own heroism questionable.

The next time you’re writing a story and thinking about the “perfect” hero, try to get the immediate picture out of your mind. Here are ten kinds of heroes in literature.

1. The Classic Hero

   Prime Example: Hercules

Also known as the Perfect Hero, the Classic Hero has it all. He is smart, kind, good-looking, powerful, compassionate, courageous, righteous, and more. The Classic Hero is the image that pops up when we think of the word “hero” itself. The Classic Hero is often equipped with great skills for fighting, wielding weapons, and/or strategizing battles, as well as great power, which he uses only for good. The Classic Hero is called such because he was popular in Ancient Greek stories and plays. Today, however, the Classic Hero is seen as “one-dimensional,” because he is rarely portrayed as a relatable human.

2. The Superhero

   Prime Example: Superman

The Superhero falls under the Classic Hero. The Superhero is just like the Classic Hero, with a couple of exceptions. The Superhero, as the name implies, has superhuman abilities. He is either born with these abilities or gain them at some point in his life. The Superhero also often comes with a weakness related to his powers.

3. The Epic Hero

   Prime Example: Beowulf

This kind of hero is literally “the stuff of legend.” The Epic Hero often represents entire cultures, making him the embodiment of the people belonging to that culture. The Epic Hero’s journey takes place over a long period. Often, this journey is what proves the hero’s worthiness of his title. The Epic Hero is known to fight a wide variety of villains. Sometimes these villains are monsters that are part of the culture the Epic Hero represents. Another unique aspect about the Epic Hero is that more than the physical battle he faces, he also has an internal or personal struggle that he deals with throughout his journeys.

4. The Tragic Hero

   Prime Example: Oedipus

The Tragic Hero, also known as the Flawed Hero, is not necessarily a protagonist, but rather a character that teaches something to the audience or takes them on an emotional journey. The Tragic Hero is flawed and vulnerable, and this flaw eventually leads him to his demise.

5. The Antihero

   Prime Example: Deadpool

The Antihero is a tricky one to write. The Antihero is a hero that isn’t heroic. He has questionable morals and does terrible things. However, everything he does ends up being for something that’s bigger than he is. The success of the Antihero relies on the amount of sympathy and attachment that the reader has for him.

6. The Un-Hero

   Prime Example: Inspector Gadget

The oddest kind of hero, the Un-Hero is a hero that tries to be good but often fails. He has good intentions but always seems to be at the wrong place and the wrong time. The Un-Hero often sets out to right the wrong or bring about justice but unfortunately ends up making things worse. However, the Un-Hero does get his moment at some point in the story, whether through perseverance or the assistance of other heroes.

7. The Willing Hero

   Prime Example: Sherlock Holmes

The Willing Hero is a protagonist that goes looking for conflict. He loves the challenge that comes with facing dangers, enjoys solving mysteries and conflicts, and is motivated by obstacles that he faces. In other words, he doesn’t like being bored.

8. The Unwilling Hero

   Prime Example: Frodo Baggins

If there’s a Willing Hero, there’s also an Unwilling Hero. The Unwilling Hero, like the Everyman, becomes one out of circumstance and not skill. Unlike the Everyman, however, the Unwilling Hero hesitates at the beginning but eventually gives in and goes on the journey. Despite the circumstances of his becoming a hero, however, the Unwilling Hero eventually proves himself worthy.

9. The Everyman

   Prime Example: Arthur Dent

This type of hero, as the name suggests, is pretty “common” compared to our other heroes. What makes him a hero is the fact that he still manages to rise to the top despite his common-ness. The Everyman becomes a hero not because of skill, but because of circumstance. Out of all the heroes, the Everyman is the most relatable because he is often shown as flawed and vulnerable, compared to other heroes. To an extent, the Everyman Hero is also an Unwilling Hero.

10. The Chosen One

    Prime Example: Harry Potter

The Chosen One is a hero that is meant for heroism. The Chosen One may not seem much at first but immediately shows potential for greatness once put to the test. Once he is confronted with his power, he is also faced with the choice to use it for good or for evil.

Sources:

• 7 Types of Heroes | JSMorin
• 6 Types of Story Heroes | NY Book Editors
• Types of Heroes | StoryboardThat

*Disclaimer: Images are not ours. Credits to the rightful owners.