Movie Heroes:
A Classification Scheme of Eight Hero Types
Emma Gleckel, Jennifer Cecilione, Yosmary Rodriguez, Dr. Scott Allison
University of Richmond
* What were the different types of heroes that
emerged in movies released in 2013?
* How do these hero types differ from each
other?
Rating Scale
1)  Rating of movie
2)  Rating
of hero
The Lone Hero
Scale from 1-5 (1 = worst, 5 = best)
•  Faces challenges alone
•  Has a well-defined missing inner quality
•  Transformed
•  Hero overcomes missing inner quality
•  Reminds audience they can overcome
their own limitations
•  Untransformed
•  Hero does not attain transformation
•  Explores the challenge and journey of
the hero
Duo Heroes
Group Ensemble Heroes
• 
• 
Work together as heroes
Can either be very similar or very different
•  5 or more individuals
•  Characters share spotlight and work together
• 
Buddy Heroes
•  Equally important
•  Learn from one another
• 
Family Structured Heroes
•  The family as an essential social unit
•  Useful for understanding social world
• 
Hero-Sidekicks
•  Equally important; one leading, one
following
•  Both undergo transformation
• 
Fraternity Ensemble Heroes
•  Ensembles that defy convention and
authority
•  Usually comedies
• 
Divergent Heroes
•  Equally important heroes on different
paths
•  Situation binds them together
temporarily
• 
Police/Military Ensemble Heroes
•  Eternal battle between good and evil
•  Society turns to those who risks their lives
to ensure goodness prevails
Examples: Iron Man 3, Admission, Man of Steel
Examples: The Lone Ranger, RIPD, 2 Guns
Examples: The Big Wedding, The Hangover 3, This
is the End