The reluctant hero is a
heroicarchetype typically found in
fiction. The reluctant hero is typically portrayed either as an
everyman forced into surreal situations which require him to rise to heroism and its acts, or as a person with special abilities who nonetheless reveals a desire to avoid using those abilities for selfless benefit. In either case, the reluctant hero does not initially seek adventure or the opportunity to do good, and their apparent selfishness may induct them into the category of
antiheroes. The reluctant hero differs from the antihero in that the
story arc of the former inevitably results in their becoming a true hero.
In many stories, the reluctant hero is portrayed as having a period of doubt after their initial venture into heroism. This may arise from the negative consequences of their own heroic actions, or by the achievement of some position of personal safety – leaving the audience to wonder whether the reluctant hero will return to heroism at the moment when they are needed the most (typically the
climax). In real life, there are cases in history and popular culture where people have been perceived as reluctant heroes.
Quotes
A summary of the archetype:
"A reluctant hero is a tarnished or ordinary man with several faults or a troubled past, and he is pulled reluctantly into the story, or into heroic acts. During the story, he rises to the occasion, sometimes even vanquishing a mighty foe, sometimes avenging a wrong. But he questions whether he's cut out for the hero business. His doubts, misgivings, and mistakes add a satisfying layer of tension to a story".[1]
Another commentator notes, with respect to game design:
The wonderful aspect of a reluctant hero is that he or she doesn't have to adhere to any stereotype, such as being incredibly strong or a trained kung-fu master. These can be average guys off the street; indeed, it's often their simple, homespun down-to-earth thinking that saves the day. This ordinariness is an important factor in allowing the audience to understand and bond with the hero.[2]
Examples
In fiction
In the movie Die Hard, Officer
John McClane of the
NYPD became a reluctant hero, when on Christmas Eve,
West German terrorist Hans Gruber took over the
Nakatomi Plaza,
Los Angeles in an attempt to steal millions of bearer bonds. McClane, who was at Nakatomi Plaza, where his wife, Holly Gennaro was an employee, for the Christmas Party, was able to remain hidden from the group of terrorists, and was able to cause chaos, eventually spoiling Gruber's Christmas celebrations. Sgt. Al Powell of the
LAPD who did not like using a gun after accidentally killing a young boy at a crime scene, also becomes a reluctant hero when he shoots, and kills, the enraged terrorist known only as 'Karl'.
Robert A. Segal characterizes
Arjuna from the Hindu epic The Mahabharata as a reluctant hero.[3] Arjuna casts aside his weapons, fearful at the prospect of killing his kinsman during a civil war.
Krishna then relates to Arjuna a series of arguments that convince Arjuna to go to war nonetheless.[3]
Spider-Man also fits the criteria of the reluctant hero as throughout his career, Peter Parker constantly questions his decision to become a superhero. One of the most famous examples would be The Amazing Spider-Man issue 50, titled Spider-Man No More!.
Captain Mainwaring, of Dad's Army, shows traits of a reluctant hero as he casts aside his self-important personality to protect his platoon and country.
Aang from
Avatar: The Last Airbender is the current incarnation of the Avatar who controls four elements to maintain peace. Though reluctant, he must fight to end a war which has gone on for 100 years.
Oliver Cromwell from Cromwell (1970) and Rodrigo from El Cid (1961) are both historical figures who are presented as reluctant heroes, chosen by others to fight for a noble cause. Both are pulled away from their families and their homes where they would prefer to remain, and reluctantly sacrifice their normal lives for the causes they have committed to.
In real life
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adding to it. (October 2021)
Alvin York, a
World War I draftee who was a conscientious objector, but who distinguished himself in battle as a sniper. York's story has been dramatized in several movies that emphasized his reluctant hero status.[4]
Neil Armstrong has been described as "a reluctant American hero".[5]
References
^Jessica Morrell, Bullies, Bastards And Bitches: How To Write The Bad Guys Of Fiction (2008), p. 62,
ISBN1582974845.
^Leo Hartas, The Art of Game Characters (2005), p. 82,
ISBN0060724315.
^
abSegal, Robert A. (2000). Hero Myths: A Reader. Blackwell Publishers. p. 168.
ISBN9780631215141.
^Andrew J. Rausch, The Greatest War Films of All Time: A Quiz Book (2004), p. 217,
ISBN0806524707.