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Hero: Difference between revisions
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The main character in a narrative or dramatic work. As stated by J.A Cuddon Dictiionary of Literary Terms pg. 406 Often referred to as a "Protagonist". The hero in a dramatic work can cause much criticism due to the expectations of the reader that the character may be superior or display likeable qualities. For example In "Yellow Woman, a shart narrative by Leslie Marmon Silko, the expectations of the Indian woman to remain faithful to her husband and not have an affair with a stranger, thus resulting in mixed emotions by the reader. When the expectations of the reader be disappointed the character the "Protagonist" will in lamens terms be referred to as the ant-heroine. | The main character in a narrative or dramatic work. As stated by J.A Cuddon Dictiionary of Literary Terms pg. 406 Often referred to as a "Protagonist". The hero in a dramatic work can cause much criticism due to the expectations of the reader that the character may be superior or display likeable qualities. For example In "Yellow Woman, a shart narrative by Leslie Marmon Silko, the expectations of the Indian woman to remain faithful to her husband and not have an affair with a stranger, thus resulting in mixed emotions by the reader. When the expectations of the reader be disappointed the character the "Protagonist" will in lamens terms be referred to as the ant-heroine. | ||
"The central character (masculine or feminine) in a work. The character who is the focus of interest" (Harmon & Holman, 246). | |||
:*A hero traditionally has positive qualities such as high ethical standards, commitment to duty, perseverance, and courage. An antihero possesses negative qualities such as cowardice and dishonesty. | |||
:*"In criticism the terms carry no connotations of virtuousness or honour".(Cuddon,406) | |||
:*"An evil man or a wicked woman may be the central characters, like Macbeth and Lady Macbeth."(Cuddon,406) | |||
:*"The deeds of the hero/heroine are presented without favoritism, revealing his or her failings as well as his virtues"(Harris) | |||
Harmon, William and Holman,C. Hugh. ''A Handbook to Literature'', 7th ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall., 1996 | |||
Cuddon, John Anthony. ''A Dictionary of Literary Terms and Literary Theory'',3rd ed. Worcester, Great Britain: Billings & Sons Ltd., 1991 | |||
Harris, Robert. Homepage. 2 January 2002 [http://www.virtualsalt.com/litterms.htm Virtual Salt] | |||