What Makes A Hero???

A Hero . . . has strong character traits makes a difference takes action uses his/her strengths

What are the strong character traits?

Honesty Caring Fairness Courage Responsible Respectful

Consider why each of the following people is a hero…

Abraham Lincoln

John F. Kennedy

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Cal Ripken Jr.

Bill Gates

Oprah Winfrey

Heroes in Literature HERO

Can either be male or female (more often male) More attractive/superior than common people in

one or more of the following ways: 1. Morally 2. Mentally 3. Physically

Heroes in Literature Can be physically inferior and still be a hero Can be mentally inferior and still be a hero HOWEVER, a hero cannot be morally

inferior. Moral superiority allows him to fight the villain,

allowing good to triumph over evil (a common theme in romance).

Five Stages of a Hero’s Development

1.Early life

2.Preparation for Battle

3.Quest

4.Ultimate Battle

5.Triumphant Return or Death

1. Early Life

There is a sign that he or she is special

A hero’s birth or childhood is unusual or marked by something unusual (being orphaned at birth, being born of non-humans, raised by wild animals, etc.)

2. Preparation

Hero must prepare for surviving on his/her own, the quest, and the ultimate battle.

Undergoes physical rigors

Goes through mental, moral, and intellectual development

3. Quest

Quest is the perilous journey that the hero must go on alone. No one may help.

The hero can try out what he/she has learned.

During the quest, the hero usually travels.

4. Ultimate BattleThe hero must use all of his/her skills against the villain.

Sometimes he/she receives divine or other help, but the hero must succeed on his/her own.

The battle itself elevates him/her to hero status.

5. Return or Death

Triumphant Return or Death Final Stage of Hero’s life Hero lives or dies If hero lives,

he/she returns to homeland and is honored. The return is triumphant and usually the story ends there.

If death occurs, it is usually dramatic. Survivors mourn the hero’s death and honor his deeds. Usually the survivors build a monument in hero’s honor.

Consider why each of the following characters are heroes…

Superman

Quasimodo

Prince Charming

Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III

Princess Tiana

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