What Makes a Hero? Writing Your Own Hero Story
In almost every story ever told — from ancient Greek myths to the latest superhero movie — there is a hero. The hero in The Wizard of Oz is Dorothy. The hero in Charlotte's Web is Wilbur the pig. Heroes don't have to have superpowers. They just have to be brave enough to face a problem. Today YOU get to create one.
What You'll Learn
In this lesson you will: - Find out what makes someone a hero in a story - Learn what a problem and a solution are - Build your own hero with a name, a special trait, and a mission - Write the start of your very own hero story
What Is a Hero?
A hero is the main character — the person (or animal, or robot!) the story is mostly about. The hero usually has something they are really good at. Maybe they are very fast, very kind, very funny, or very clever. But the most important thing about a hero is NOT their superpower. It's their heart. A hero cares about other people (or animals or the world!) and tries to help even when it's hard. Example heroes you might know: Moana is brave. Simba is loyal. Pippi Longstocking is free-spirited and strong. What will YOUR hero be?
Every Hero Needs a Problem
A story without a problem is like a slide without a hill — no fun! The problem is the BIG challenge the hero has to solve. The problem can be a person making trouble (a villain), a scary situation (a storm, a fire, getting lost), or a puzzle to figure out (a missing friend, a broken machine). The hero tries to fix the problem — maybe they fail the first time, maybe they need help from friends — and in the end they find a solution. The solution is how the problem gets fixed.
Even the strongest heroes get help from friends! In stories, these helpers are called sidekicks or allies. Think about Hermione helping Harry, or Olaf helping Elsa. Plan a helper for your hero — it makes the story so much more fun!
Building Your Hero
To build your hero, answer these four questions: 1. NAME: What is your hero called? Make it something that feels right for them. 2. SPECIAL TRAIT: What are they really good at? (Running fast? Being kind? Talking to animals?) 3. PROBLEM: What is the big challenge they must face? 4. HELPER: Who will be by their side? Example — Hero: Maya. Special trait: She can speak to plants. Problem: The school garden is dying and nobody knows why. Helper: A tiny beetle named Dot who knows every secret about soil.
What is the MOST important thing about a story hero?
What is the 'problem' in a story?
Write Your Hero's Opening Paragraph
On a piece of paper, write the first paragraph of your hero story. It should have: (1) Your hero's name and one cool thing about them. (2) A description of where they are. (3) The moment the problem shows up. Try to start with action — not 'Once upon a time,' but something like 'Maya pressed her ear against the wilting sunflower and listened...' Read it out loud when you're done. Does it make you want to know what happens next? If yes — you nailed it!
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