The Expected Return of the Hero in fiction

Fiction has from its very origin fulfilled the role as explaining and comforting medium . The heroes of the myths or of the Greek tragedies were used as moral compass and the behaviour of the heroes involved was meant to identify or empathize with. Since the beginning of Modernism both the hero and his moral function came under pressure within fiction. In recent times – when existing paradigms are shifting- fiction picks up again its role as consoling means. This paper conducts questions on the hero as moral or exemplary leader in fiction and examines tools this fictional hero can render for his audiences. By analysing contemporary issues and challenges this paper will seek out answers that could be defined by fiction and its heroes. The contemporary velocity of life and the makeability idea led to disillusioned audiences with growing nostalgia. These factors seem to lead to the re-entry and re-appreciation of fictional heroes as moral or ethical means. Writers are eager to fill the void between the ambitions and the reality of their audiences. This could explain the massive creation of fictionalised worlds with strong and moral-driven heroes, be it in novels, movies or TV series, by which audiences feel consoled and guided. Fiction and its heroes, once again, seem a way to lead audiences, to show the way to a new utopia. The fictional hero, with his focus on the horizon overcomes concrete obstacles and by doing so, becomes the exemplary leader he once was in ancient times.status: publishe