Defining Heroes Flashcards
She is abused by those who are supposed to take care of her, but this mistreatment has only made her more kind and compassionate toward others. She is usually poor, hard working, and an outcast in her family. Example: Cinderella, Snow White
Deprived Heroin
She is confident and strong, despite alienation from her community. Her self respect and courage has lead her to deviate from tradition. She is a bit of a tomboy, fiercely intelligent, enjoys nature and books. Example: Belle (Beauty and the Beast), Hermione Granger (Harry Potter).
Capable Heroin
She has magical, mystic or otherwise rare capabilities that enable her to handle a challenge that others cannot. She is aware of her power, but still struggles with using it. Examples: Sally (Practical Magic), Carrie White (Carrie), Elsa (Frozen).
Enhanced Heroin
He keeps to himself and has no interest in rescuing others or partaking in a quest that does not directly benefit him, but ends up finding deep moral value upon the completion of his task. His heroic efforts are constantly prompted by a sidekick or higher power. Example: Hans Solo (Star Wars), Aladdin (Aladdin), Rick (The Mummy).
Reluctant Hero
He is not physically strong, nor is he wealthy, but his actions and encouraging words win him his ladylove and the respect that he has long been deprived. He is worn down by the strain of a secret pressure, which he keeps to himself. He is generally young, quiet and has one person of older years who sees his true value. Example: Harry (Harry Potter), Will (Pirates of the Caribbean).
Silent Hero
He is strong, charismatic, confident, wealthy, physically appealing, charming, capable and smart. He is completely aware of his strengths and uses them to his advantage, but also to benefit and protect those weaker than him. He is arrogant, but not void of insecurities. He values loyalty and honesty above all others and has no qualms with killing those who challenge the moral and the good. Example: Hamlet (Hamlet), Indiana Jones (Indiana Jones), Van Helsing (Van Helsing).
Ideal Hero
A character related to the hero by blood or marriage who has never accepted the hero’s appeal. This villain is often self-conscious of their age and lack of appeal. This villain sabotages the hero’s progress. Examples: Claudius (Hamlet), Evil Stepmother (Cinderella).
Relative Antagonist
An unsuspecting character that uses the advantage of their access to the hero as a means to destroy him. This villain is quiet, mischievous, extremely clever and holds a position that is socially or economically below the hero. This character often has an escape goat for which they intend to place the blame of their crimes once their goal has been achieved. This character may never come clean about their sins. They will appear to be neither for nor against the hero. Examples: Polonius (Hamlet), Snape (Harry Potter).
Servant Antagonist
This villain takes great pride in his/her personal evil and goes to great lengths to inflict cruelty, hurt, and suffering on others. He/She has no redeeming qualities, despite the hero’s efforts to “save” them, and never ceases their battle against the hero and all who support them. Examples: Malfoy and Dudley (Harry Potter), Jafar (Aladdin), Captain Hook (Peter Pan).
Shameless Antagonist
the fatal flaw (their private insecurities, struggle within, struggle with self, constant fighter). *Hamlet/Braveheart/Constantine = never at peace
Hamartia
Something that the hero is weakenedby. Can be physical, mental, or emotional. *Batman= guilt of parent’s death, Superman= Kryptonite, Harry Potter= accepting his place in the world.
Soft Spot
The hero doesn’t see it coming. The mutiny is so unbelievable that once the hero realizes its presence he’she gives in to it, barely fighting back and is destroyed. *Pirates of the Caribbean
Betrayal
