What Is A Hero? Definition & Examples In Film

Luke Skywalker faces head on the Empire. Ellen Ripley fights to save humanity from those nasty space monsters. Harry Potter stands in the way of Voldemort's evil plans.

Indiana Jones goes on wild adventures and uncovers ancient treasures, all while trying to stay one step ahead of danger.

That's what heroes are all about: they drive stories forward through sheer courage , making sacrifices , and being completely committed to a cause that's bigger than themselves.

So what is a hero, and what sets heroes apart from just the main characters in a story? Let's take a look at the characters that inspire us through their daring actions and unwavering sense of what's right.

{{blog-banner-video06}}

What is a Hero?

A hero is the kind of main character who shows exceptional courage, unshakeable integrity and a willingness to put themselves out there for the greater good - even when it's hard , even when it's scary, even when it doesn't serve them personally.

These characters inspire us by showing us that we all have the potential to be heroes - that we can all make a difference if we just put our minds to it.

We like heroes because they represent an idealized version of ourselves - the kind of person we'd like to be, if we just had the guts to try.

When we watch heroes face danger , we feel like we're feeling it too - like we're right there with them, making the same choices. And that's what makes heroes so compelling.

The classic "hero's journey" - which is basically a story structure that works across all cultures and time - is built around the idea of a hero who goes on a quest , faces challenges , and comes out the other side transformed.

Joseph Campbell came up with a theory called the "monomyth" which breaks down into : the ordinary world , the call to adventure , the trials , transformation , and the return. It's a framework that storytellers use to create these epic character arcs.

Hero Definition

When we talk about a hero , we're talking about a main character who has got what it takes to get the job done - who has got courage , who puts other people's needs before their own , and who keeps going no matter what obstacles are thrown in their way.

And that's what sets them apart from just a main character - a hero is someone who embodies all those qualities and inspires us to do the same.

Of course , not every main character is a hero. Some are - like Travis Bickle in Taxi Driver - a total wild card who doesn't quite fit the bill. And then there are the anti-heroes - like Alex DeLarge in A Clockwork Orange - who work for the wrong reasons but still get the job done sometimes.

But here's the thing : even flawed characters can become heroes if they grow and change over the course of the story.

And that's where the value of a hero comes in - because when we see someone who is willing to make sacrifices , who is willing to take risks , and who is willing to put themselves on the line for something bigger than themselves - well , that's someone who truly inspires us.

‍

‍

Hero Examples in Film

We can look at a bunch of great heroes in movies to see what makes them tick.

Luke Skywalker is a classic hero - the kind of guy who gets the call to adventure , goes on a journey of self-discovery , and comes back transformed.

George Lucas deliberately structured the whole Star Wars franchise around the hero's journey - so that the characters would feel like archetypes rather than just regular people.

Ellen Ripley , on the other hand , is a hero who broke the mold - who showed us that a woman can be a hero too , and that a hero doesn't need to be a man. She's the kind of character who takes charge, who stands up for what she believes in , and who won't back down from a fight.

Indiana Jones is a bit of a wild card - who is a true hero at heart but also has a lot of flaws that make him relatable. Harrison Ford's performance brings a depth to the character that makes us root for him even when he's being a little bit of a jerk.

Frodo Baggins is a great example of a reluctant hero - who is asked to do something that's way beyond his comfort zone and ends up finding the strength to do it anyway.

The whole story of The Lord of the Rings is about how one ordinary guy can make a difference in the face of overwhelming odds.

Diana Prince / Wonder Woman is an hero who embodies the idea of idealism , of believing in the goodness of humanity even when the world around her seems to have given up on that idea.

She's the kind of character who shows us that even in the toughest of times , we've got a choice - to give up or to keep going.

T'Challa / Black Panther is a hero who shows us that being a hero is not just about being brave or having superpowers - it's about being wise , it's about being compassionate , and it's about being strong enough to do what's right even when it's hard.

Katniss Everdeen is a hero who is more interested in survival than in making a grand sacrifice - but who ends up finding a sense of purpose and of meaning in the process of fighting for what she believes in.

Hero Types

There are all sorts of different types of heroes - and they serve different purposes in the stories we tell.

Classical heroes are the kind of heroes who are clear about what they stand for - who are fighting for what's right and who are not afraid to stand up for what they believe in.

They're the kind of heroes who provide a moral compass for the rest of us - who show us what we can strive for.

Everyman heroes are the kind of heroes who start out as regular people - who get thrust into extraordinary circumstances and end up discovering that they've got what it takes to be a hero.

They're the kind of heroes who make us feel like we can be heroes too - who show us that we all have the potential to make a difference.

Tragic heroes are the kind of heroes who have got some kind of fatal flaw that ultimately leads to their downfall - but who still inspire us because of their courage and their determination.

Reluctant heroes are the kind of heroes who are asked to do something that they really don't want to do - but who eventually find the strength to say yes. They're the kind of heroes who show us that it's okay to say no , but that it's also okay to take a leap of faith.

Mentor heroes are the kind of heroes who guide and protect the younger heroes in the story - who provide them with the wisdom and the guidance they need to succeed.

They're the kind of heroes who show us that being a hero is not just about being brave , but also about being wise and compassionate.

Team heroes are the kind of heroes who work together - who are part of a bigger team that's working towards a common goal. They're the kind of heroes who show us that being a hero doesn't have to mean being alone - that we can all work together to make a difference.

Creating Heroes with LTX Studio

At LTX Studio , we can help you create heroes who are compelling and believable - who are heroes that audiences will really care about.

We can use our AI script generator to come up with heroic journeys that follow proven narrative structures - to create characters who will inspire and motivate the people who watch them.

We can help you develop heroic characters who have got what it takes to get the job done - who have got the courage , the determination , and the compassion to make a real difference in the world.

We can show you how to create heroism in all its forms - from the classic hero's journey to the anti-hero who operates outside the law.

We can help you create scenes that will make heroes shine - scenes that will show off their strength and their courage , but also their vulnerability and their humanity.

We can help you develop cinematic moments that will make heroes truly memorable - moments that will capture the hearts and imaginations of the people who watch them.

And we can help you bring these heroes to life in a way that will make them seem real - that will make the audience feel like they're right there on the journey with them. Crafting the kind of hero that grabs your audience - and inspires them

Develop those defining moments that make your hero shine - and define their character values in the process. See if they'll choose the tough right over an easy wrong, and whether their actions scream genuine heroism or just a case of protagonist centrality.

Put your heroes up against villains - the kind that'll push them to their limits and make 'em prove what they're really made of.

Strong heroes need strong challenges - and antagonists that'll put 'em through the wringer, forcing them to make tough choices and stick by their values.

Then it's time to sell your story to the people who'll bring it to life. Build a pitch that gets producers and audiences on board with your hero's journey - create some imagery that captures the essence of those heroic moments and really makes your character shine.

Conclusion

Heroes are all about that magic combination of courage, selflessness and conviction - combined with a healthy dose of vulnerability and relatability.

From classic archetypes to anti-heroes with attitude, these characters remind us that we all have the capacity for something extraordinary - if we're willing to put ourselves out there for a cause worth fighting for.

With LTX Studio, you get to create heroes that are a little rough around the edges, but still totally admirable - characters that people genuinely care about because they're flawed, but fundamentally good at heart.