“Where there’s a will, there’s a way”
The Hero archetype seeks to prove its worth and mastery in its industry in a way that improves the world. It finds deep satisfaction in triumphing over adversity and inspiring others in the process. The Hero is determined to leave its mark on the world, even at the risk of great sacrifice.
The Hero archetype acts to redeem society, often feeling compelled to right a major wrong — sometimes to save the world, sometimes to achieve a personal goal. It is admired for its self-sacrifice and courage, as the essence of the Hero lies in the sacrifice required to achieve its goal, usually enduring a strong sense of loneliness and intense responsibility. The Hero’s Journey is a universal story that almost everyone can relate to as the hero seeks to understand itself and its role in the face of daunting challenges.
The Hero archetype is a warrior, soldier, athlete, and — yes — superhero. In every story, as it tries to save the day, it finds its redemption, strength, and transformation and aims to impart that on others. As a powerful and courageous force, it must not allow itself to fall into arrogance or delusions of grandeur. It’s a sad thing to watch a beloved hero spiral into the very villainy it sought to overcome.
Core Principles
Pillar: Leave Legacy
Drive: Mastery, Defense, Courage, Winning
Fear: Cowardice, Failure, Ineptitude, Losing – Unintended negative consequences
Strategy: Be Stronger and Better, Prove People Wrong
At-A-Glance
Goal: To exert mastery in a way that improves the world
Voice: Motivational, Candid, Brave – We can make the world better. We have the determination.
What customers FEEL: Inspired, Strong, Determined, Motivated
Audience: Determined, Ambitious, Strong-willed, Resolute
Courage
Determination
Transformation
Arrogance
Ego
Dependence on an “Enemy”
Fundamental: Hero: The Hero archetype is represented by sacrifice, courage, faith, and strength. This archetype lives to triumph over adversity and will overcome great odds to facilitate transformation. The Hero archetype houses different aspects that emerge based on various strengths and expressions, all underpinned by the main characteristics of the fundamental.
01 Warrior
The Warrior aspect has a strong, unwavering sense of ethics and justice, usually motivated to prevent, defend and protect against violence, subjugation, and abuse. It is a fearless, independent thinker that wouldn’t ask others to act in ways that it itself would not. Though the Warrior aspect usually isn’t motivated by aggression, it could fall prey to violence and chasing victory at the expense of its ethics.
02 Athlete
The Athlete aspect actually has no mandatory connection to sports, but rather a passion for achievement and the integration of the mind and body. It requires a deeper exploration as it represents superior health, peak performance, and strength of character. The Athlete aspect would do well to avoid using its physicality to bully or harm others and resist the temptation to cheat.
03 Rescuer
The Rescuer aspect uses its bravery to assist others in need, typically serving in a reactive stance. Its impulse to help is instinctual and activated instantly when people need assistance. As the Rescuer aspect prefers to restore balance rather than affect change, it should avoid the misguided trap of needing to rescue others, especially as a means to prove its own self-worth.
04 Liberator
Fighting on behalf of the disenfranchised and powerless, the Liberator aspect is a champion for humanitarian rights, justice, and equality. Its strong convictions, resolute morality, and humanitarianism do not allow it to accept defeat. The temptation for the Liberator aspect is to not allow the end to justify the means or fall into seeking revenge.
Hero consumers are typically achievement-oriented and competitive, even if just against themselves. In the quest to prove themselves, they’ll develop their mental and physical abilities as they fight to overcome various challenges. Because they often see themselves as good and moral people, they are attracted to brands that demonstrate their convictions. To connect with Hero consumers, you must state your ambitions clearly and understand you are being evaluated on more than your products or services — The strength of your moral convictions is on display.
