0. Hero Archetypes

1. Hero as Warrior
A near god-like hero faces physical challenges and external enemies
Examples: Comic book heroes, Odysseus

2. Hero as Lover A pure love motivates the hero to complete his quest
Example:

3. Hero as Scapegoat Hero suffers for the sake of others
Examples: Jesus, Aslan

4. Transcendent Hero/ Tragic Hero
A hero of a tragedy whose fatal flaw brings about his downfall, but not without achieving some kind of transforming realization or wisdom
Example:

5. Romantic/Gothic Hero AKA The Unbalanced Hero
Hero/lover with a decidedly dark side, or who has mental/emotional deficiencies
Example:

6. Proto-Feminist Hero
Female heroes
Examples: Katniss Everdeen

7. Apocalyptic Hero Hero who faces the possible destruction of society
Example:

8. Anti-Hero Non-hero, given the vocation of failure, frequently humorous
Examples:

9. The Other/The Denied Hero
The protagonist whose status or essential otherness makes heroism possible
Example:

10. The Superheroic
Exaggerates the normal proportions of humanity; frequently has divine or supernatural origins.
Separate from society, doesn’t really belong, but is needed.

11. The Hero’s Journey
What makes a hero? - Matthew Winkler | TED-Ed

12. Journey Types

13. Quest for Identity
The hero needs to discover the hero inside of him/herself.

14. Search for the Promised Land
The hero needs to find a specific place for safety or fulfillment

15. Quest for Vengeance
The hero takes it upon him/herself to avenge the wrongs done to his/her family or people

16. Warrior’s Journey to Save His People
The fate of a city/culture/society rests on the shoulders of the hero.

17. The Search for Love
The hero travels on a journey to find his love/damsel in distress

18. Search for Knowledge
To gain intellectual knowledge or fulfillment

19. The Tragic Quest
The hero goes through penance or self-denial

20. The Fool’s Errand
A task with no hope of success

21. Quest to Rid the Land of Danger
Removing /defeating a threat or enemy