A hero is someone admired for great courage, noble actions, or outstanding achievements. In stories, a hero is often the main character who faces challenges and helps others.
From Greek “hērōs,” meaning a protector or demi-god, a person of great bravery or strength. Through Latin and French, it entered English with the sense of a brave or noble figure.
In myths, heroes were sometimes half-gods, but modern heroes are usually just regular people who act bravely in hard moments. What counts as “heroic” changes with culture—sometimes it’s slaying monsters, other times it’s speaking truth or quietly caring for others. The word shows how societies reveal what they value most.
‘Hero’ has historically been coded male in many languages and traditions, with ‘heroine’ used for women, often with romantic or diminutive overtones. Stories of bravery and leadership frequently centered men, while women’s heroism was framed as exceptional or confined to caregiving roles.
Use ‘hero’ in a gender‑inclusive way or use ‘heroic person’ when clarity is needed, and avoid assuming that heroes are male by default. Consider whether ‘heroine’ is necessary or whether it reinforces unnecessary gender marking.
["heroic person","protagonist","champion","role model"]
Women such as Harriet Tubman, Sophie Scholl, and countless unnamed organizers and caregivers have played heroic roles that were long marginalized or framed as supporting acts to male heroes.
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