Defining the Hero

Renault: What in heaven's name brought you to Casablanca?
Rick: My health. I came to Casablanca for the waters.
Renault: The waters? What waters? We're in the desert.
Rick: I was misinformed.

Rick Blaine was far from the only hero depicted in film. In 2003, the American Film Institute issued its list, “100 Years… 100 Heroes & Villains” (Gregory Peck’s unforgettable portrayal of Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird (1962) received the most votes in the “Hero” category). The AFI used the following definition for a “hero”:

For voting purposes, a "hero" was defined as a character(s) who prevails in extreme circumstances and dramatizes a sense of morality, courage and purpose. Though they may be ambiguous or flawed, they often sacrifice themselves to show humanity at its best.

While this description embraces many of a hero’s traits, it does not adequately encompass the importance of the hero’s goal, nor does it place enough emphasis on the obstacles a hero must overcome in order to achieve said goal. So, for the purposes of this discussion, we will use the following definition I have utilized throughout my seventeen years of screenwriting:

A hero is someone who accomplishes a clear goal for a greater good by overcoming obstacles with the help of a mentor at significant risk to the hero’s livelihood.

Ever since Achilles’ exploits in The Iliad, heroes have been a staple in Western literature and subsequently, in modern American cinema. They capture our imagination, send our pulse through the roof, and bring us to the edge of our seat – helping us see ourselves in them… and helping us see the potential in all of us.

Creating an effective hero in modern day storytelling is, in fact, the most critical goal a screenwriter or director should have in order to connect with the audience – more important than the film’s structure, genre, supporting characters, or core concept.

I spend considerable time working with writers via my ThreeAct Script Consulting Service so they can strive to create heroes as memorable as Rick Blaine.

To paraphrase Shakespeare, The hero’s the thing.