Definition Essay: What Makes A True Hero?

A hero is somebody who inflicts a positive change, either for their community or towards the world. Heroes require certain qualities that will cause them to be their very best. These qualities include extreme willpower, motivation, giving your best effort, durability, and independence. Although many people think it’s hard to be a hero, there have been many ordinary men and women throughout history that have influenced the society we live in today.

Everybody has their own opinion of what a hero is. A hero is someone who does what they believe is right, no matter what anybody has to say. They stand their ground and don’t fall into negativity. A hero is someone who is selfless and inspires us to be a better version of our own selves. One of the best examples of a hero is Atticus Finch, a lawyer and father in the 1930s in the book To Kill A Mockingbird. Many may believe a different character in the novel is worthy enough of being called a leader but since the beginning of the book Atticus has greatly demonstrated the strong and bold qualities of a hero.

Heroes in our society are revered and respected as Joseph Campbell reminds us: “A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself” (Joseph Campbell). Heroes exist in all societies and throughout history. Maybe they are not always on the news or from the movies, but their words and their actions never fail to resonate across their feats. A hero gives of himself and dedicates himself to causes which better others and their society unlike individuals who are self serving, greedy, and cruel.

In a world of approximately 7 billion people, there are range of different perceptions when it comes to what a hero truly is. Some may argue that a hero is someone who stands up against the status quo and injustices of society.

Heroes are confident leaders that want the world to work together to innovate and succeed. A hero is someone who worries about others well-being before their own and wants the world to

Many people have a definition of the word hero. Some people’s definition of the word might be someone who stands up for what’s right and what is wrong. But this is my definition of the word hero. My definition of hero is someone who puts their life on the line, and doesn’t think of the rewards he will get. Also, someone who knows what the right thing to do in a difficult situation is. This definition fits the characters Johnny, Ponyboy, and Dally. The three character’s in the book, The Outsiders.

What qualifies a person to be called a hero? Officially a hero is a person who is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities. Most people think of a superhero, like Batman or Spiderman, or someone closer to them such as their mother or their life-saving doctor. Heroes tend to be the main character in a story. Beowulf and Odysseus are two famous epic heroes in the texts Beowulf and The Odyssey. They both go through the “Hero’s Journey,” and display many characteristics of a hero. Beowulf, however, better fits the qualities of an epic hero due to his unselfish personality, his fearlessness, and his nobility.

A hero is a person who overcomes their fears to fight for what is right. A person who fights for change. Heroes are everywhere. Heroes can be anyone. Every hero is a unique person with feelings and families. An example of a hero is Minerva Mirabal, who fights in the Dominican Republic for change. She fights the dictator Trujillo and the rest of the regime with her life. In Julia Alvarez’s historical novel In the Time of the Butterflies, Minerva is characterized as both an individual and a martyr.

The first thing that comes to mind when hearing the word 'hero ', is comic books, avengers, justice league, super villains etc. Physically, they are usually tall, big, and super strong. On the mental side, they are described as someone who is brave, courageous, determined and are willing to help others and even risk their lives by taking sacrifices. All in all, a hero as seen by many, is portrayed as someone who represents the best qualities of ourselves. However, for someone to be considered a hero, they don 't necessarily need to have all of these qualities as described above. According to Joseph Campbell, author of The Hero with a Thousand Faces, every hero has a journey, and every hero 's journey consist of a departure, an initiation, and a return. Therefore, although Holden may not be seen as the society 's typical hero, his characteristics and attributes make him seem like one.

The Websters dictionary defines a hero as someone who is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities. Heroes are ordinary people who find the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles. They are the real heroes, and so are the families and friends who have stood by them. Maya Angelou stated, “I think a hero is any person really intent on making this world a better place for all people.”

“A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.” (Joseph Campbell). Heroes dedicate their lives to contribute to the general welfare of society. Most of the time, the obstacle seems to big for them to handle, but they overcome it in the end. A hero can be anyone in the world. A neighbor, a child, a firefighter, or a politician. Heroes are determined, they never do anything for personal gain, and they always fight for good.

“On a night when thousands of Paris residents and tourists were reveling and fans were enjoying a soccer match between France and world champion Germany, horror struck in an unprecedented manner. Terrorists -- some with AK-47s, some reportedly with bombs strapped to them – attacked sites throughout the French capitol and at the stadium where the soccer match was underway” (CNN). In a world of constant fighting and terror everyone is in need of leaders that remind them of goodness. Jimmie Lee Jackson, John Lewis, and Barbara Jordan are leaders who fight for good through their determination for equality, beliefs in peace, and passion for justice.

There are various approaches to describing a hero. There is also an infinite number of individuals who can be defined as heroes. A hero can be a person who demonstrates valor. A hero can be a champion. A hero can even save a life or even mankind. In William Shakespeare 's play Hamlet, the most heroic and brave character is young Hamlet. Despite the fact Hamlet is stranded amidst a court filled with dishonesty and misconduct and is confronted by the death of his father and his mom 's relatively quick marriage to his father 's brother, he is viewed as daring and bold in the minds of readers. For, it is his courageousness, fearlessness, determination and bravery that proves that Hamlet is not only a strong willed individual but also the most heroic character in the play.

In my opinion they are Bible heroes. They stood out of the crowd, followed God’s law and completely ignored peer pressure. Through it all they stayed faithful to God.

“If you can tell me who your heroes are, I can tell you how you are going to turn out. It is really important to have the right heroes.” – Warren Buffet. Many people are looking for heroes in wrong places, and misunderstanding the term hero itself. Strength, bravery, courage, and honesty are the things most people think when the name hero pops. Doing a brave task, being a doctor, being a rich person, or even having a certain name does not make you a hero. It is very hard to describe a hero but a simple description of a true hero is a person that is being true to himself, does things that has to be done no matter what the circumstances are, never afraid to do what is right, and gives the best sincerely. In my point of view, true heroes exist in our world, and they are needed to protect us from the society we are living in and ourselves.