Points of discussion for the importance of the hero/heroine to readers of fiction
- consider the importance of ‘the hero’ to readers of fiction books
- show an understanding of other appealing elements of fiction books to their readers
- make a judgement, based on consideration of the evidence and argument put forward.
- ‘the hero’ having ideal qualities which the fiction reader can admire and attempt to emulate
- ‘the hero’ being engaging and likeable, so the reader is carried along with the story, caring about the outcome
- heroic actions or characters may be lacking in the reader’s daily life, so fiction fills the gap
- heroes of children’s literature, in particular, teaching universal moral lessons and acting as role models
- ‘the hero’, for example in tragedy, may have a ‘fatal flaw’ and thus be fascinating, realistic and relatable
- villains or anti-heroes being more appealing, interesting and engaging, depending on the genre or setting
- heroes not always being fully believable, with idealised behaviour, thoughts and actions
- other elements of fictional books may appeal to readers more.