Hero Definition Essay

“A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles” (Christopher Reeve). There are several different definitions of a hero, and people have various opinions of what considers someone to uphold this title. Everyone has their own thoughts on who is a hero and what makes them a hero. What really is a hero? I believe that a hero is someone who possesses bravery, courage, selflessness, and respect, where he or she uses those traits to impact other’s lives in an unforgettable way.

This world most definitely needs heroes. Without heroes, there would be many unmotivated individuals because heroes give people the passion to set goals and achieve them. Who else would people look up to

if this world didn’t have heroes? Heroes give people hopes, dreams, and a drive to succeed in their journey through life. A hero inspires a person, which results in them bringing out their true character and making a difference in other’s lives. Traits of a hero include: being courageous, dependable, caring, responsible, adventurous, brave, respectful, strong-willed, selfless, and ambitious. These traits affect how a hero reacts to different situations, in an unforgettable way, which makes others strive to possess these traits. The actions of a hero mold others into becoming heroes themselves.
Something non-heroic to me is when the majority of celebrities and athletes are looked at as heroes just because they are famous. Many people look up to celebrities and athletes because of their popularity, their looks, and their wealth. To me, fame does not define who a hero is. How many celebrities and athletes brag about themselves and think they are better than others because of their talent? You know as well as I do, that some of these individuals gloat about how wonderful they are and take the glory to receive attention. Many people look upon these stars and athletes as heroes, when really they are just talented figures. For example, a professional athlete that is the star of the game, is looked at as a hero by many because of how many points he or she scored or prevented others from scoring. This player typically looks at himself or herself as being a hero also. A true hero in my eyes is someone who is protective and does their best to ensure an individuals safety and well-being. Whether it is a soldier, a police officer, a firefighter, a doctor, or even someone on the street. You will never hear a true hero boosting about their heroic actions. It saddens me to think how pathetic some of our society can be when identifying a true hero.
A hero is not a title that should be given with ease; it should be given to those who act in life changing ways, which are forever unforgettable.

My mom is a Social Worker and because of that, she is a hero. She sacrifices her life often for families that are in need. She assists others in the best possible way that she can, while trying to solve their problems. She juggles multiple problems, decisions, and tasks while taking care of her own life and family. My parents support me in everything I do and because of that, they are my heroes. They’re always there to tell me what I do right and what I do wrong, to guide me on a successful path, to listen to me, support me, comfort me, and continuously lift me up when I’m down. No matter the situation, I know that I can count on my parents for anything. They are truly my heroes, forever and always. Odysseus is a hero because he overcomes many dangerous creatures and people. He fights through battles to try and make it back to his family. “I tied them silently together, twining cords of willow from the ogre’s bed; then slung a man under each middle one to ride there safely, shielded left and right So three sheep could convey each man. I took the wooliest ram, the choicest of the flock, and hung myself under his kinky belly, pulled up tight, with fingers twisted deep in sheepskin ringlets for an iron grip” (Homer, 746). I chose this quote because when Odysseus and his men were in a bind, Odysseus stepped up and acted as a leader when trying to get them out of a dangerous situation and into a safer environment. Odysseus strategizes plans to try and save others from being harmed. Even when he is under pressure in difficult situations, he seems to pull out by acting in heroic ways. People don’t have to act in the same way in order to be a hero. It’s an action that impacts others in a positive way that makes a person worthy of being a true

hero.
Overall, there are many different heroes that are honored in various ways. So why are heroes so important? Why should you care about what heroes do for others? Heroes and important and you should care about them because they save others and inspire people to act in courageous ways to have an influence on others. Again, a hero is someone who has traits of bravery, courage, selflessness, and respect, where he or she uses each of those traits to impact other’s lives in a positive manner that is unforgettable. So tell me, who’s your hero?