What are the traits of a hero according to Thompson?

Answer 1

Stith Thompson, an American scholar of folklore, rewrote the Aarne-Thompson classification system for folktales. In his work, the hero is usually simply the protagonist of the story, and is not required to meet specific criteria.

Nicholas Thompson, senior editor at The New Yorker, argues that, in American historical tradition, certain traits are usually associated with heroism:

* Bravery: heroes must be brave beyond the garden variety. * Nobility: heroes must act towards goals we all approve of. * Ingenuity: they must be able to think out of the box. * Success: they must achieve what was not achieved before.

He proceeds to argue that the definition of heroism has been subject to inflation, and states that, in modern times, a fifth trait is often associated with heroism:

* Victimhood: whether or not any of the above traits apply, whether or not they succeeded in overcoming it, people often attribute heroism to those who have faced great adversity.

Then there's a Mr. Thompson in the television series Heroes, who might attribute paranormal traits to its subjects, and a Mr. Thompson, Head of State in Ayn Rand's Atlas Shrugged, who might find heroes more trouble than they're worth.

It would help knowing what Thompson you're referring to.

Answer 2

Heroes are usually brave, thoughful, and caring.