Favorite Heroes--And Why discussion

Which heroes have captured your heart, and what makes you love them?

Thanks for the invite to join the group!

Here are some of my favorites (besides my own characters!) Garion (David Eddings), Bilbo, Frodo, Aragorn (LOTR), John Sheridan (Babylon 5), Alaric Morgan (Camber of Culdi etc), Dr. Who (9th - 11th doctors), Mal Reynolds (Firefly)....I'll think of more.

Fisrt,thanks for the invitation ! for my hero and favorite person i am fond of reading about MOHAMMED the Islamic messenger !!he did a lot for humanity !!!and when you read about him you will feel that this person had delt a great laws for equality and diversity !!tolerance and forgiveness !! how to be a man !!!Mohammed is the first who put an human law to save the man himself and to protect all the kinds of humanity !!no racism !!no discrimination and no torture !!no violence !!who has the right, will take its right and who has a duty ,he must do it ...most of the phelosopher in all over the world said the same as my view !! as George bernard tsho....Karl Marks...etc

John Sheridan is a great choice. I like Hiermione Granger over Harry Potter because she is brave and smart without any special powers like Harry. Indiana Jones is good -- a scholar who adventures and makes it up as he goes along. Agatha Heterodyne! And my own characters, of course...

(I limited my choices to fictional heroes. My real heroes would include Benjamin Franklin and other political heroes ...)

Thanks for the invite. Some favorite heroes of mine: Aragorn, Frodo, Faramir (LOTR), Ged (EarthSea), Aeron Aoibhell (Keltiad) Alaric Morgan (Deryni), Jonmarc Vahanian (Winter Kingdoms), Simon Tregarth, Koris of Gorm, Kerovan (Witch World/High Hallack), Lord Morham (Covenant).

I'll stop there.



I've always viewed Aragorn and Gandalf as a sucessful verion of Arthur and Merlin, sort of like they are who Arthur and Merlin would have been like had they not failed.

Frodo, because he was the first hero I read about who was actually damaged by his experiences. Many heroes go from weak to strong, from naive to accomplished, from damaged to aomewhat healed.

Frodo goes in just the opposide direction. He does what's necessary (and even then, fails to be strong enough to destroy the ring) and he returns home damaged, no longer able to enjoy the victory over the darkness.



Faramir being the younger brother to Minas Tirith's most beloved and his quiet inner strength at war with his desire for his father's love. He reminds me of Aragorn in that he too understands that protecting his people is more important than being loved or famous for it.


Ged is seen at three very different stages of his life in the original trilogy. Its rare when the reader gets treated to such diversity in character development like this.

Alaric Morgan (Deryni) is one of my favorites. He refuses to believe there is something wrong or inferior about himself because he is Deryni. And his unshakeable loyalty to young Kelson makes him a treat to read.

Jonmarc Vahanian has become one of my favorites. From the moment he first walked onstage so to speak I was hoping this guy was going to stick around. Rough, damaged, knows he should turn his back and walk away because the pain may become too much for him to bear. Afraid to love, certainly feels he's unworthy of being loved. And yet, once his heart and loyalty are given to those deserving, relentless in giving his all for them.

Simon Tregarth was the first character I read who was a man out of time and place. Transported to Witch World by the Siege Perilous, sent to a place where he could finally reach his full potential. A character who by his very presence and nature changed the world around him.

Koris of Gore. He was misshapen, completely not what you would expect of a hero. Brutal, loyal, chip on his shoulder. Jonmarc reminds me of him a little. Its been a long time since I've read the Witch World books. I need to revisit these soon.

Kerovan is another one who isn't what is considered normal and live his life on the edges, perhaps caring far too little for himself, not understanding his own worth for a long time.

Lord Morham (Covenant) is one of my favorite wizards. His journey in the original trilogy is an important one. I really liked his desire to understand. He was just about the only one not interested in using Covenant.

I'm sure I will be thinking of more characters later. Looking forward to hearing about other people's favorites.

Thanks a lot for the invitation :)

It could actually take ages to reply to this question, there are so many characters that I love.

Let see...

Severus Snape (HP), Raistlin and Dalamar (Dragonlance), Loki (Norse Mythology), Scathach (Celtic mythology), Silk (Belgariad & Malloreon by David Eddings), Kolin and Jonmarc (Chronicles of the Necromancer), Edmond Dantes (The Count of Monte Cristo), Atticus (To kill a Mockingbird), Jon Snow, Tyrion Lannister, Brienne, Jamie Lannister, Bronn, Arya Stark, Catelyn Stark, Mance Ryder (A song of Ice and Fire), Mr Darcy (Pride & Prejudice), Akkarin e Cery (The Black magician series)... and I am pretty sure I left tons out!

For the Tv series...
10th & Donna Noble (Doctor Who), Sheldon (The Big Bang Theory), Sir Gwaine and Merlin & Arthur (Merlin).

This will do for now, methinks :)

I rather like Bob from Charles Stross' The Laundry Files series. He stumbles into his job at The Laundry (sort of like the occult wing of MI5) after accidentally discovering some of the mathematics behind sorcery and nearly wiping a town off the map. Consequently, his choices were to work for The Laundry or hope there's an afterlife. He's an interesting mix of reluctance, resignation, humor, talent and intuition. And although he has some occult skill, much of what he does is straightforward detective work so it is easy to relate to him. I have to admit much of the attraction for Bob is also the universe Stross paints for his books and the cultural references to things in the tech and consumer electronics worlds.

I also liked Miles Flint from the Retrieval Artist series. He's a bit cliche in that he's a disgraced cop fighting on the wrong side of the law for the right reasons. But he is also firmly guided by his principles and the book is as much about the relationships he has with other characters as it is about solving the puzzles.

Finally, I *really* liked Mack Megaton from the A.Lee Martinez book The Automatic Detective. He's a sentient robot who is trying to earn his citizenship. Problem is, he is one of a model of robot that was built as a soldier so people are scared of him and he has to overcome that image. His struggles to understand the social cues of the human and non-human population remind me of how my own perception is colored by Asperger's Syndrome. Except where an autistic can't perceive social cues, Mack sees them but doesn't know how to interpret them.

Interesting how much LOTR features in this thread.

Now that is a good question, Gail.

I will start with my mythological/literary heroes:

When I was little I was all about King Arthur-- you had someone who started from the very bottom of his family and is thrust into a role he did not ask for, but he handles it with conviction and a earnest desire to do his best for his people. That character, while not the most colorful in Arthurian Lore, has always kind of stuck with me. I think the idea of Arthur and Camelot speaks to the best of us in a way, even though we know he is flawed.

Arjun(a) of the Mahabhrata and the Bhagavad Gita is up there as well. Again, a very noble hero who is trying to do his best for the world around him, and is often forced with very tough decisions. He is huge inspiration to a character I am working on.

In terms of literary heroes, my two favorite have to fall between Robert E. Howard's Conan and RA Salvatore's Drizzt Do'Urdon. I love them both because they simply "are" what they are, and sometimes the best heroes are the ones you can count on to always be heroes.

Conan is the essential fantasy bad ass, but is a very thoughtful protagonist that is more than just fighting skill and muscles. He moves through the world reacting to what he sees in a meaningful way, often rising above the squalor of civilization to do the right thing, even at the cost of his own goals (sometimes).

The same with Drizzt, who is loyal, caring, brave, and simply good for the sake of being good. I am drawn to those kind of heroes because I am drawn to those kind of people and aspire to be like that in the end.

I also enjoy heroes who rise above their own faults and personal excuses to become the heroes they are meant to be. Holla-Sayan from Blackdog (KV Johansen) is a really great example of this, as is Jon Snow from Song of Ice and Fire (GRRM). However, the greatest expression of this type of hero is Bilbo, our wonderful Mr. Baggins, who epitomizes everything wonderful about humanity-- he doubts, he fears, but when it finally comes time to stride into the heart of Erebor, he does so with courage, a quality that speaks to all of us on such a spiritual level. I truly believe we as people want to see ourselves, flawed and fearful, rise up and become something worthy, and that little hobbit does it.

I also loved Rhys in Camber of Culdi, and in Babylon 5, I think both Londo and G'kar were heroes. I also loved Harry Potter, and also Mrs. Weasly, who really showed her full power in defense of her children. There are so many, I'll need to think about this some more!

Hi. How about Eddard Stark from Game of Thrones? He was sacrificed in the first book - and that is a shame cause his character is one of the strongest in the story. He fought for his beleives and was not afraid to defy the new king even though he knew that he would be accused of treason. I also like Daenerys Targaryen in the same book who sought to adapt herself to all circumstances...

I suppose my favourite heroes are: Raistlin Majere (Dragonlance series); Sonea and Dannyl (The Black Magaician Trilogy/The Traitor Spy Trilogy); Yelena (The Study series).

Raistlin is an odd choice for a favourite. He's snide and sarcastic and bitter, but when I read his backstory, where he was neglected, bullied, physically weak and feeling overshadowed by his popular and physically strong twin brother, I had nothing but sympathy and understanding for him. I could understand the way he acts and I developed a fondness for him. He's certainly far from the classic hero and ended up as a villain, albeit he was never completely one despite himself. It's hard to pinpoint exactly why he was my favourite.

As for Sonea, I like her because she also came from a bad start in life, living in the slums, but through chance became a powerful and respected magician. Although she was from the slums she had morals, more so than the people from the 'noble' Houses. What was better was that she never wanted the fate that had been thrust upon her throughout the series, but she faced it nonetheless.

Dannyl... I find it hard to call him a hero because he didn't play any particular heroic roles, although was vital to the story and he is most certainly my favourite character in this series. I was drawn by Dannyl's personality. He's charming and cheerful and always makes me laugh and I loved reading scenes where he was present. The way he's written is very friendly, and I would certainly love to know someone like him in real life. Unlike Raistlin, who is the type of person I would never be friends with in real life.

Yelena was the same as Sonea and Raistlin. She had a bad start in life as she was kidnapped, taken to another country, and was forced to undergo terrible things. She learnt to handle herself and became strong, and yet somehow never became bitter. Although at first she didn't have much hope in life and at times I felt she was pretty much dead inside, she managed to rekindle that spark for life and became a very strong character. She is also one of the few female characters I've read who doesn't lose all strength and ability when she falls in love--something with is a real put-off for me. She remained strong and continued down her own path, and that's why I like her so much. :)

A difficult answer. I tend to like books more than heroes. But here goes.

Tolkien's Frodo and Sam; Spock from Star Trek (Original series); Han Solo from Star Wars (eps. 4-6); Hermione, the Weasleys, Dumbledore, and Snape (Harry Potter); Katniss Everdeen (first HG book only); Robert E. Howard's Conan; and that's all I can think of right now.

That's a tough question. I like so many and, the hero I am reading is often my favorite at the time...of course I read a lot so, I'm kind of schzophrenic when it comes to that sort of thing.

Anyway, I have really enjoyed Steven James's hero Patrick Bowers from his "Patrick Bowers Files" series (first book: The Pawn). I like growth and healing in the heroes I come to cheer and root for. Bowers starts a damaged man, but each book takes two paths, one, where he catches the nasty villain (and they are nasty) and the other, where he heals or grows within himself in the confines of his own complicated life. And, he's not a bad action hero FBI-catch-the-killer-type either.

What makes a great ‘hero’ within literature? For me, it is a character with heart and who professes humanity and emotion. That character is not just ‘the savior of the day’ but whom you are able to deeply connect with and look up to (admire), by glancing into their inmost soul and seeing vulnerability, heart and compassion. Some examples of this include those characters who may not be the leading man or the mighty King, even the lesser characters shrouded in obscurity can come out of the shadows and be the hero in their actions…such as for example, Merlin. He is a great Warlock and yet whose abilities and ‘great destiny’ is overshadowed somewhat by King Arthur’s supremacy. He is however selfless, gallant and courageous and so is one of the greatest heroes within myth & legend.

Other heroes within literature whom I admire greatly, would include –

*Harry Potter – for it is his heart, his outstanding courage and the love that he caries inside of him that makes him such an empathetic character. It is this ‘love’ that ultimately defeats the enemy.

*Frodo Baggins (Lord of the Rings) by JRR Tolkien – here is a young Hobbit who is not physically strong nor of high notability within Middle-Earth, and yet whose determination and strength of will is so commendable.

*Kanowa Swift Dragon (The Iron Elves series by Chris Evans), who also possesses similar qualities to the above.

Selflessness, humility and inner strength is what one admires within a ‘hero’.

Lucinda wrote: "What makes a great ‘hero’ within literature? For me, it is a character with heart and who professes humanity and emotion. That character is not just ‘the savior of the day’ but whom you are able to..."

I agree with you. It's no secret that I love the series Monster Hunter International with Owen Pitt as the hero. That said, he was just another hero with a big shotgun..with a grenade launcher...and a blinding light...and a 50 round amunition drum... until the 4th book of the series where he came in contact with someone he had hurt in fight before the first book. In this one, some monster/creature of the supernatural of whatever pulls your worst nightmares out of your head and uses them against you. He had to come to grips with what he had done, when this guy (the one wounded by the hero) had Owen Pitt as his "worst nightmare."

Heroes come in the strangest of places.

Going with the fictional hero, I have many, but one that stands to mind is the character Malcolm Reynolds, of Firefly. (Played by Nathan Fillion.) Mal is a war survivor, on the losing side of both the ugliest and final battle. He had his hope stripped from him and is constantly beat down by the Alliance, but still maintains a guarded optimism and ferocious loyalty to his crew. Even as he pulls off jobs in both the legal grey and outright illegal vein, he keeps a sense of right; a moral code he is both willing to kill or die for.

My favorite heroes from literature:

Dorothy, from the Oz books by L. Frank Baum -- an unstoppable force of nature in a gingham dress.

Robert Howard's Solomon Kane -- he edges Conan out as my favorite Howard hero. A wandering Puritan swordsman in black, always ready to fight evil regardless of the cost.

Poul Anderson's Nicholas Van Rijn -- a space merchant, gluttonous, greedy, and lecherous -- but a hero all the same.

Lois Bujold's Miles Vorkosigan -- a half-crippled dwarf who wants to be a military hero, and accomplishes it by sheer audacity.

With the possible exception of the last one, I find that the "heroes" I like in fiction are different from "characters." Heroes are what Robin Laws defines as "Iconic Heroes" -- characters who are NOT changed by their experiences but instead change everything around them.

I find the folk that make the most compelling heroes for me are the ones who aren't "natural" heroes. Of the Firefly characters, Mal is the natural hero - that's sort of just who he is. Simon isn't. Simon could have gone through life happily being a background character, and had to choose to go against family and society and abandon everything that he wants out of life in order to commit an act of bravery for which he's not equipped. So for me, Simon's the real "hero" of Firefly.

Others: Ripley in the Alien franchise, for somewhat similar reasons. Snape in the HP books, and also Neville. Any number of Phillip K. Dick protagonists. Father Roche in Connie Willis' "Doomsday Book." Tyrion Lannister.

Thanks for the invite!
There are so many heroes/protagonists that I like, it is perhaps easier to write what will make me like a character, rather then listing their names. To like a hero, I absolutely need them to have a sense of humor (the tarter the better, but silly is just as fine), to not take themselves too seriously and to put people above principles. Oh, it seems that there will be a list after all(harshly truncated though): Dr Who (9 and 10 mostly, and I adored Donna Noble), Cordelia, Ivan, Miles, Ista (L.M. Bujold), Buffy (the Vampire Slayer), Cadfael (also TV series)... But then there is my fascination with Dr House, Moffat's Sherlock and the likes of them, slightly or less slightly sociopathic, such as Anyanka (from Buffy series), Spock, Monk and Dr Brennan (of the TV series, not of the books, these two are very different personalities IMHO) fits. If I would have to point out one trait that is present in all of the above, that would be a lack of intention to be heroes, they are all either thrown in the heroics by the series of events or by their inquisitive minds. So, I ended repeating myself - my favorite heroes are the unintentional or even reluctant ones. Heh.
And this is one stream-of-consciousness post :)

Bernie wrote: "I find the folk that make the most compelling heroes for me are the ones who aren't "natural" heroes. Of the Firefly characters, Mal is the natural hero - that's sort of just who he is. Simon isn't..."

You bring up a great point. I like what you've said about the ordinary guy who performs extraordinarily under difficult circumstances.

In Ice Forged, that's Bevin Connor, who is just an assistant to a lord before he gets caught up in the end of the world.

In Fifth Element, it's Bruce Willis' taxi driver, who tries to protect an injured young woman.

In Dr. Who, it was the shop girl (Rose), the secretary (Donna), the police woman (Amy) and the paramedic (Rory) who end up saving the world.

I tend to favor antiheroes myself, but if we're talking standard heroes... Faramir from LOTR, because he has a reserved and wise quality about him to strengthen his bravery. I loved Indiana Jones too, Michael! I have a soft spot for scholars.

Less shiny heroes include Criminy Stain from Wicked as They Come by Delilah S Dawson (deliciously wicked, but brave), Feanor from the Silmarillion (willing to fight the Dark Lord, even though he knew he'd never win), and Raistlin from the Dragonlance universe (able to defeat the very gods, but sacrificed himself for love of his brother).

Surprisingly enough, not all of my own heroes are my favorites. I tend to favor my antiheroes over my heroes. Damion from Drown is very dear to me, and Llewellyn from Remain! Very underdog heroes, all of them...

Thanks for the invite! I think my most recent couple of additions are Arlen from Peter V. Brett's "The Warded Man" (US), and Wade Watts a.k.a. Perzival from Ernest Cline's "Ready Player One".

Arlen is the humble son of a farmer. His life gets turned upside down and he copes in his own way. He hardens and holds grudges. He also learns and trains with an incredible will. He is human.

Wade is an out-of-shape, impoverished youth. His only real assets are his brains and the natural talents of fixing electronics and being able to use them well. He's a gamer, essentially. A geek. But he also learns through adversity to connect with people and struggles to improve his life and to accomplish his goals.

Both people are wonderfully normal and are people that most can relate to. These two are some of my most recent reads, and I feel enriched for knowing them.

Others also include Richard Cypher/ Rahl and Kahlan Amnell from Terry Goodkind's "Sword of Truth" series.

Jim Butcher's two primaries, Harry Dresden of "The Dresden Files" and Tavi from "Codex Alera" are fantastic as well. I think Harry Dresden is better developed, but he's also the protagonist in a longer series. He is noble but fights dirty. He tries to do the right thing, but frequently makes mistakes. He is a human wizard in a world filled with more scary stuff than he can ever think about. He is far from perfect, but he really wants to be one of the 'good guys'.

JohnMarc Vahanian is possibly (too hard to choose, really) my favorite from your world, Gail. He is very human and depends upon his wits, his true friends and allies, and most definitely upon himself. He maintains a serious fighting edge by pushing himself. He stays sharp by training against the best opponents he can find and keeps up with foes that should be out of his league. He has an interesting and tragic past. Despite this, he fights for the right causes. He is a good man and adds a great deal to the story.

Sorry I rambled. I really love books, and I tend to get attached to my protagonists :)

I created two heroes my children could look up to, but as I'm not allowed to vote for my own creations I'd have to say Aragorn of course, Samways Gangee (Lotr), Thorin Oakenshield (Hobbit), Lisbeth Salander (Millenium Trilogy - The Girl with the Dragon tattoo), Pip (Great Expectations), Ivanhoe, Henry V, Sharpe, Horatio Hornblower....

I like people who have loyalty and honour in spades. I can accept any flaw (almost) as long as they know what's right and are prepared to draw their line in the sand, stand, and fight.

My favorites would definately have to be Tavore Paran, Fiddler , Tehol (Malazan world), Thorin Oakenshield (Hobbit), Zandakar (Godspeaker).

I would not say that they are all placed in the same category as to why they are my favorites. however something I would say they all had in common would their uncanny ability to do what needs to get done, no matter the cost to themselves. Fiddler and Zandakar I would consider to be most similiar in that they are both prepared to fight a battle not their own, for someone or for people they do not know.

Jakey wrote: "My favorites would definately have to be Tavore Paran, Fiddler , Tehol (Malazan world), Thorin Oakenshield (Hobbit), Zandakar (Godspeaker).

I would not say that they are all placed in the same c..."

I like you're comment, "do what needs to get done, no matter the cost to themselves." I'm making a list of the "hero" qualities I respond to, and this is definitely one of them. Thorin would also be on my list.

M.J. wrote: "I created two heroes my children could look up to, but as I'm not allowed to vote for my own creations I'd have to say Aragorn of course, Samways Gangee (Lotr), Thorin Oakenshield (Hobbit), Lisbeth..."

I agree, heroes have "loyalty and honor in spades." And I like that your hero list not only includes some of my favs (Aragorn & Samwise Gamgee), but also more mainstream characters like Lisbeth & Pip.

First, thanks for inviting me. I've got to say, after reading the lists earlier in this discussion, many of my favs are already listed: Indiana Jones, Ripley, Mal Reynolds, Katniss, the Fellowship from LOTR (even Pip & Merry), Snape, Harry & Hermoine, Han Solo, Bruce Willis' Fifth Element cabdriver, etc.
For me, heroes come in all sizes and shapes. I think each story demands a certain hero (or group of heroes), and it's up to the writer to figure out who will step into the role and save the world.
I've made a list of some of the characteristics listed so far, and they include: inner strength, humility, determined, honorable, guarded optimism, selflessness, loyalty, sense of humor, some vulnerability, slightly flawed, caring, brave, good for the sake of being good, able to rise above his/her faults & become the hero they were meant to be, fights for beliefs no matter the personal consequences, an underdog, an ordinary guy who performs extraordinarily under dire circumstances, and a character who's not changed by his/her experiences but instead changes the world.
Actually, most heroes I've liked from books or screen can be described by one or more of the characteristics on that list. Great discussion, folks!

Vonnie wrote: "First, thanks for inviting me. I've got to say, after reading the lists earlier in this discussion, many of my favs are already listed: Indiana Jones, Ripley, Mal Reynolds, Katniss, the Fellowship ..."

I agree with all of the above with one added dimension; the greatest creations are those heroes who shock us by their inner strength, the most unlikely candidate e.g. Lisbeth Salander - thin and supposedly weak woman who punches well above her weight. Stunted emotional growth and unable even to converse because of the horrors of her upbringing, and yet she possesses strong morals and a razor sharp mind.

Several of the commenters mention heroes who are strongly moral or who stay true to themselves. But what about heroes (or let's say "protagonists") who aren't moral at all? It's great fun to read about Jack Vance's Cugel the Clever, who is at best an amoral psychopath. Robert Howard's Conan seldom cared about anything beyond survival, wealth, and getting laid. The BBC TV series "Sherlock" makes Sherlock Holmes similarly ruthless. Heck, even James Bond in his literary incarnation is pretty amoral at times.

Are we sticking to the classical definition of a hero as a worthy and admirable character? Or can we have heroes who are unworthy but still entertaining to read about?

James wrote: "Several of the commenters mention heroes who are strongly moral or who stay true to themselves. But what about heroes (or let's say "protagonists") who aren't moral at all? It's great fun to read a..."

I guess that's the distinction between "hero" and "protagonist." The traditional definition of "hero" alludes to worthy/admirable character. Having said that, sometimes the best person to get you through a bad situation isn't a nice person at all--Riddick, the Terminator in T3, etc. As for Bond, I've always argued that Timothy Dalton's incarnation (fairly sociopathic) was probably truest.

I like your list of Herod here. Indiana Jones is one my list if course, so is Zorro. I never really thought about Lisbeth Slander as a hero until now, but I have to agree. She is a fantastic character. I'm also in favor of calling Jean Valjean a hero. For the same qualities of putting others first and doing what needed to be done god the good of those he loved. He was flawed, but I like that he did choose to live right after making some terrible decisions. I'm fond of Robinhood, and John Snow (Game of Thrones) also flawed but he did live out his life with honor and putting others before himself. I also think Samwell Tarley is a hero, because he kept going even though he was filled with fear and self doubt. He protected his friends and followed orders, he stood against evil, and he's pretty smart. I'm always glad when the unexpected guy rises into the hero stays, like the writer in King Kong. He's not particularly brave or adventurous but when it comes to rescuing the woman he loves, he'll battle whatever he needs to to save her. He and Samwell have that in common, that inner determination to overcome their fears and doubts to get it done.

LOKI FROM MARVEL UNIVERSE!

There's something about Loki that I see and I think he's the best hero. Loki has something in common that I have. We both feel like nobody understands us. I feel connected to him and that's why he's my hero.

Superior Spider-Man. He’s different from the classic Spider-Man. This is when Doctor Octopus puts his mind in Peter Parker’s body. What we get is a Spider-Man who doesn’t play by all the rules and does things Peter Parker would never do (break up with Mary Jane, kill a man, go back to school to get his PhD, etc). I highly recommend checking out the series from 2013–2014.