What Is the Hero Archetype? Common Traits, Story Arc & More

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An in-depth look at heroes in literature, storytelling, and psychology
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There are so many different character archetypes to discover in stories, both modern and ancient, but how much do you know about the most famous one of all: the hero archetype? The “hero” is a character archetype that encompasses the traits and behaviors of a typical hero (most often the protagonist of a story), as well as a psychological profile developed by Carl Jung. In this article, we’ll explain the core characteristics of the hero archetype, cover the different hero subtypes , and explain how to use the hero archetype in stories of your own!

The Hero Archetype: Quick Summary

The hero archetype is a set of patterns and characteristics typical of heroic protagonists in stories. In psychology, it’s also a Jungian personality type. The hero is characterized by courage, strength, persistence, overcoming challenges, and helping others, often leading to a profound personal change for the hero.

Section 1 of 6:

What is the Hero archetype?

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  1. 1
    The hero archetype is a set of characteristics typical of protagonists. Many “hero” characters follow similar patterns in their stories; thus, the hero archetype encompasses the most common traits and behaviors found in literary and mythical heroes, as well as heroes across modern media. Heroes typically set out on a quest or important journey, facing challenges along the way, until they achieve their ultimate goal (and undergo a personal transformation). [1]
    • The hero archetype is also associated with the monomyth, or the hero’s journey—a storytelling device that outlines the typical stages of a heroic character’s story.
  2. 2
    The Hero is also a Jungian psychological archetype. Psychiatrist Carl Jung is credited with defining his twelve archetypes of personality. These archetypes represent recurring behaviors and cultural symbols present in the human subconscious. One such archetype is the Hero, described by Jung as being symbolic of humanity’s resilience, courage, and ability to overcome challenges, ultimately finding their true power in life. [2]
    • The Hero’s motto: Where there’s a will, there’s a way.
    • The Hero’s core desire: To prove their worth through acts of bravery.
    • The Hero’s goal: To achieve mastery of themselves in a way that helps the world.
    • The Hero’s fear: Weakness and being perceived as cowardly.
    • The Hero’s weakness: Arrogance, always looking for the next fight.
    • The Hero’s talent: Courage and competence.
    • Also known as: The Warrior, the Crusader, the Rescuer, the Soldier, the Dragon Slayer, and the Winner.
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Section 2 of 6:

Typical Traits of the Hero Archetype

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  1. Understandably, a hero’s traits can vary from story to story. Nonetheless, there are certain traits more common in heroes than others! According to Jung’s psychological profile, the hero archetype embodies courage, strength, the drive to overcome obstacles, and the journey to self-discovery—and, as it turns out, the literary hero archetype isn’t all that different! The typical traits of the hero archetype include: [3]
    • Persistence and drive
    • Courage
    • Dedication to a particular mission or set of values
    • Physical, mental, and emotional willpower
    • Righteousness (a strong sense of right and wrong)
    • Physical strength or magical powers
Section 3 of 6:

The Hero’s Journey, Explained

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  1. The “hero’s journey” is a story arc divided into three main acts, or stages. The concept of the hero’s journey was popularized by writer Joseph Campbell, who was, in turn, influenced by Carl Jung’s psychological analysis of the “hero” archetype. Campbell broke down the stereotypical hero’s journey into three stages, with additional details built into each stage: [4]
    • 1 - Departure : In this stage, the hero gets a call to action and reluctantly embarks on their journey, often given some kind of supernatural aid.
    • 2 - Initiation : In the second stage, the hero pursues their goal and faces numerous trials along the way. They eventually reach the “innermost cave,” or central crisis, of the journey; they undergo apotheosis (transcending from person to hero) and gain their ultimate reward.
    • 3 - Return: In the third stage, the hero must return to the ordinary world equipped with their new understanding and reward, often to face a final test or enemy. They emerge from this final test forever changed, with their victory a testament to all they have learned.
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Section 4 of 6:

Hero Archetype Subtypes

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  1. 1
    Classical Hero The classical hero is, essentially, the stereotypical idea that you picture when you think of the word “hero.” They have all the core traits of a hero—they’re brave, strong-willed, altruistic, and willing to risk their lives for the sake of doing what’s right (whether that’s protecting others or enforcing justice), though they may also be a bit impulsive or arrogant. Some classical heroes possess special abilities or appear ordinary before eventually discovering the powers that mark them as unique. [5]
    • Examples of a classical hero: Harry Potter ( Harry Potter ), Spider-Man (Marvel Comics), and Luke Skywalker ( Star Wars )
  2. 2
    Everyman Hero The “everyman” hero is just your average person—one who gets abruptly thrown into a tale of heroic proportions. Their superpowers lie in their compassion and courage rather than any magical abilities, and they use their moral compass and sense of righteousness to save the day. Everyman heroes are appealing to just about any audience because they represent the idea that anyone can do something extraordinary! [6]
    • Examples of an everyman hero: Frodo Baggins ( The Lord of the Rings ), Arthur Dent ( Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy ), Neville Longbottom ( Harry Potter ), and Philip J. Fry ( Futurama )
  3. 3
    Superhero Superheroes are people with extraordinary abilities. They may develop their otherworldly abilities naturally or have an origin story that explains how those powers were somehow bestowed upon them. Some superheroes prefer to perform heroics in secret, using a persona to hide their true identities. Typically, superheroes are also opposed by a supervillain with powers of their own. [7]
    • Examples of superheroes: Superman (DC Comics), Wolverine ( X-Men ), Invisible Woman ( The Fantastic Four ), and Captain Marvel (Marvel Comics)
  4. 4
    Tragic Hero Tragic heroes often have noble intentions, but fall victim to a fatal, tragic flaw that ultimately leads to their undoing. This flaw isn’t something utterly unforgivable, either; tragic flaws tend to be very human and relatable, yet they grow out of control due to events unfolding around the hero. In the end, the hero usually perishes due to a cruel twist of fate or suffers the consequences of their own tragic actions. [8]
    • Examples of a tragic hero: Romeo ( Romeo and Juliet ), Oedipus ( Oedipus the King ), Jay Gatsby ( The Great Gatsby ), and Macbeth ( Macbeth )
  5. 5
    Epic Hero Epic heroes arose from myths, and they’re portrayed as utterly one-of-a-kind in their stories. They’re usually of noble birth and possess abilities that nobody else does; some are so powerful that they’re practically invincible (think Hercules, for instance). Epic heroes typically become legendary warriors, known and revered by everyone, embodying all the traits that people consider admirable or ideal. [9]
    • Examples of an epic hero: Odysseus ( The Odyssey ), Gilgamesh, Beowulf, and Perseus
    • In many ways, superheroes are the modern-day version of epic heroes. A character like Superman could also be considered an epic hero, for example.
  6. 6
    Reluctant Hero Reluctant heroes are forced into heroism—they don’t set out to be heroes, or do anything particularly special, at the beginning of the story. They often feel totally blindsided or unprepared when they’re suddenly thrust into the spotlight and asked to become a hero. They feel intensely unsettled by the responsibilities (and dangers) that come with being a hero! Nonetheless, they learn to accept their talents (and heroism) in the end. [10]
    • Examples of a reluctant hero: Ned Stark ( A Game of Thrones ), Bilbo Baggins ( The Hobbit ), and John McClane ( Die Hard )
  7. 7
    Anti-Hero Anti-heroes walk the delicate line between “hero” and “villain.” They tend to have just as many flaws as they do strengths (if not more), and present as more villainous than altruistic, especially at first. They can be selfish, greedy, and amoral—but, in the end, they learn to do the right thing (even if they end up causing strife or destruction along the way). Anti-heroes are more than just flawed; they struggle with inner demons in a way that other heroes and villains don’t. [11]
    • Examples of an anti-hero: Walter White ( Breaking Bad ), Gru ( Despicable Me ), Han Solo ( Star Wars ), and Dexter Morgan ( Dexter )
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Section 5 of 6:

Using the Hero Archetype in Storytelling

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  1. 1
    Give the hero a primary quest or goal. Characters with the hero archetype often become heroes through the pursuit of an important goal—whether that goal is to defeat a villain, recover a precious item, save a loved one, or prove themselves worthy of something. Come up with a goal (or multiple goals) for your hero to fulfill; this is what will give your story a concrete sense of direction. [12]
  2. 2
    Make your hero three-dimensional, with strengths and weaknesses. A hero is usually also the protagonist of a story, so they should feel relatable to people! Yes, heroes are traditionally characterized by admirable qualities like courage, loyalty, honor, and compassion—but they should have weaknesses, too, just like anyone else would. So, be sure to give your hero realistic flaws to balance out their strengths. [13]
  3. 3
    Create challenges for the hero to face. A story isn’t really a story if there’s no conflict, right? Plus, the heroic archetype is all about their ability to overcome obstacles (often with courage and perseverance). So, give your hero numerous obstacles that not only add tension to the story but also provide opportunities for the hero to undergo character development. [14]
  4. 4
    Give the hero allies or a mentor to accompany them. Heroes rarely go through their journeys alone; they often have friends, allies, and mentors helping them. A staunch mentor can offer your hero guidance and wisdom. Similarly, friends and allies can give your hero the support they need to keep going. Allies can be a crucial source of growth for a hero!
  5. 5
    Have the hero undergo a transformation throughout the story. Your hero shouldn’t be the same from start to finish! Along their journey, they should learn important lessons from the challenges they face, thus leading to changes—either in the way they think, feel, or act (or a combination of all three).
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Section 6 of 6:

Examples of Hero Archetype Characters

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  1. 1
    Odysseus ( The Odyssey ) In Homer’s The Odyssey , Odysseus is a Greek hero attempting to return home to Ithaca after the Trojan War. This turns into a 10-year journey, with Odysseus encountering challenges at every turn—from angry gods and sea monsters to enchanting sorceresses and sirens. Nonetheless, Odysseus manages to return home to his wife and son, demonstrating his bravery, resourcefulness, and fortitude along the way.
  2. 2
    Katniss Everdeen ( The Hunger Games ) Katniss is the teenage protagonist of The Hunger Games who takes her sister’s place in a brutal competition and unwittingly becomes the symbol of a revolution—and of the people oppressed by the corrupt government. Katniss leads this revolution with a combination of wit, survival skills, and pure determination, ultimately freeing the people from their oppressors.
  3. 3
    Luke Skywalker ( Star Wars ) Luke begins his Star Wars story as a farm boy totally unaware of his parentage and connections to the Jedi. He’s led by a mentor, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and assisted by allies including Han Solo and Princess Leia. Luke eventually learns to master his Jedi abilities while fighting against the evil and oppressive Empire, finally managing to defeat Darth Vader and bring the Rebellion to victory.
  4. 4
    Bilbo Baggins ( The Hobbit ) Bilbo Baggins is the very picture of an everyman and reluctant hero at the beginning of his story: he’s a comfy, well-to-do hobbit with no intentions of leaving his home, Bag-End. Nonetheless, after being nudged out the door by the wizard Gandalf, he commits to helping a group of dwarves reclaim their conquered home and becomes the hero (burglar) that his friends need (to everyone’s surprise, including his own).
  5. 5
    Mulan (Disney’s Mulan ) Mulan resolves to join the Chinese army disguised as a man, taking her father’s place to protect him. Once there, she trains and becomes a formidable warrior, using her bravery and cleverness to save China from invasion (and, eventually, save the life of China’s emperor as well). In the end, she becomes a celebrated hero of China, finding friends (and love) along the way.
  6. 6
    Superman (DC Comics) Superman (or Clark Kent, to his friends and family) is a superhuman being raised among regular people. He’s near-invincible, with powers that allow him to fly, move mountains, and deflect bullets, and he uses those powers to protect humanity. However, Superman’s status as a classical hero shines through when Kryptonite suppresses his powers; despite the danger to himself, Superman’s dedication to protecting others never wavers.
  7. 7
    Buffy Summers ( Buffy the Vampire Slayer ) Buffy Summers begins her journey as “the Slayer” as a reluctant hero—she’d rather be a typical teenage girl than worry about vampires and monsters overrunning the world! As time goes on, Buffy learns to embrace her abilities as a warrior, using her immense strength, combat skills, and guile to take on every challenge thrown her way (with her friends, the “Scooby Gang”).
  8. 8
    Harry Potter ( Harry Potter series) Harry Potter embodies all the traits of a classic hero! He comes from humble origins, making him a bit of an everyman, but he’s also the center of a prophecy and the only person to survive a deadly spell as a child, marking him as extraordinary (even if he doesn’t know it at first). He’s also brave, selfless, and a natural leader, able to fight the forces of evil and rally others to do the same.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://guides.library.charlotte.edu/c.php?g=1114853&p=8128791
      2. ↑ https://jungiancenter.org/jungs-hero-the-new-form-of-heroism/
      3. ↑ https://screencraft.org/blog/breaking-down-the-character-archetypes-of-the-heros-journey/
      4. ↑ https://guides.library.charlotte.edu/c.php?g=1114853&p=8128791
      5. ↑ https://screencraft.org/blog/breaking-down-the-character-archetypes-of-the-heros-journey/
      6. ↑ https://www.themanuscripteditor.com/post/hero-101-10-types-of-heroes
      7. ↑ https://literarydevices.net/10-hero-archetypes-with-examples/
      8. ↑ https://self-publishingschool.com/hero-archetypes/
      9. ↑ https://literarydevices.net/10-hero-archetypes-with-examples/
      1. ↑ https://self-publishingschool.com/hero-archetypes/
      2. ↑ https://thewritepractice.com/anti-heroes/
      3. ↑ https://bibisco.com/blog/hero-archetype-examples-and-use/
      4. ↑ https://www.helpingwritersbecomeauthors.com/archetypes-in-a-series/
      5. ↑ https://www.helpingwritersbecomeauthors.com/archetypes-in-a-series/

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