Hero or underdog?

[TheMusicalMuse]

As I read YA fiction, specifically books in the action or adventure sub-genre, I'm beginning to realize that most protagonists fall into one of two categories: heroes and underdogs.

For the sake of this discussion, I define a hero protagonist as one who already has some innate ability or skill that then predisposes them for the leadership position that they inevitably--and sometimes, unwittingly--take. Examples of hero protagonists would be Katniss from The Hunger Games series, Sam from The Last Thirteen series, and Harry from the Harry Potter series.

An underdog protagonist is one who has no apparent talent or skill that makes them stand out from the crowd, yet they either choose or get thrust into a leadership role and have to train diligently for that position. Examples of underdog protagonists would be Tris from the Divergent series, Will from the Ranger's Apprentice series, and Frodo from The Lord of the Rings series.

Which type of protagonist do you prefer, a hero or an underdog? Who is your favorite protagonist in that category? Add to my list!

Or perhaps you disagree with my conclusions. I'd love to hear about that too!

[gatorgirl_823]

The hero is usually the person everyone expects to win, while the underdog is the one no one expects to win. I think that most people like to root for the underdog, believing the person can overcome daunting odds to prevail. I like to read both types of characters.

[kyrstieebeth]

I love this question! I would agree with your definitions and the characters with which they fit.

Personally, I'm fascinated with both types of protagonists, as I think it's safe to say that there are probably both hero and underdog type qualities in most people. Whether people utilize these qualities is a different story, obviously.

I don't believe I have a favorite protagonist from either of these categories, honestly. There are so many heroes and underdogs that I adore! I would say, however, that I probably relate to Tris Prior the most. Her sense of adventure and her determination are two things that I really adore in a character.

[RussetDivinity]

As with many things, it depends on what I'm in the mood for. Sometimes, of course, I like to read about the underdog who triumphs against all odds (or the underdog who tries and yet still fails, if I feel up for something more cynical). I'm not as fond of straight-up heroes as I used to be, and when I do read stories with heroes, I prefer to have a little subversion or deconstruction, even if it's just a small reminder that the hero is a person in addition to being a hero.

[ALynnPowers]

I think I like underdogs, but I don't really have anyone in mind. Maybe I can just relate better. I am a bit of an underdog myself.

[Jesska6029]

I always root for the underdog. I really like a good "rise above" story.

[mallyview7]

I too usually root for the underdog. For example, in the Hunger Games, Peeta was my favorite character because I always felt like the poor guy was always in the shadow of somebody. It is hard from me not to root for the "nice guy" in books or the one who doesn't get the recognition he deserves, and I was glad he got what he wanted in the end!

[superphobic]

Hero. I normally prefer reading stories with a hero over an underdog. I feel like it allows the author to deal with less obvious short comings in their character then they are able to in an underdog. Where they can question whither they are the right kind of leader in either moral or rational areas instead of focusing on how they are too weak or less then everyone else. I think your character profiles illustrates that nicely.

[TheMusicalMuse]

@mallyview7 I know this is off-topic for this thread, but do you really think Peeta got what he wanted in the end? I think maybe he got what his innocent, not-ruined-by-the-Capital side wanted, but by the time he got it, the luster was gone. I think that's part of why the ending of Mockingjay seemed so desolate to me. ***SPOILER ALERT*** Yes, they got married and had the kids, but it seems like they both had so high a cost to get there that they couldn't enjoy it once they had it.

@superphobic I feel like you're in the minority on this one, but I love your justification for your choice. I'm guessing you enjoy sequels to superhero movies? The first superhero movie usually deals with an underdog becoming a hero, but the second one is the hero coming to terms with their abilities and leadership. Am I right, or am I missing the point?

[superphobic]

Honestly, I love both the start of a superhero and the sequels, as long as it's not Spider-Man . What I think matters most to me is that the character has a sturdy root in their own convictions.

[krood10]

I'm a sucker for the classic underdog story. But the examples of literature with the classic heroes are some of my favorite books so I'm a little torn.

[GandalfTheFey]

Is there such a thing as... an underhero?!

[VinuW]

Definitely the underdog. I like to see the transition from underdog to hero.

[Acwoolet]

I like both types of characters, for me it just depends on the story. Although I do enjoy being surprised by a quiet character becoming a strong hero.

[Rebecca79]

I think tbis is acool discussion topic. It's hard to say what exactly I think but I've never really thought of protagonists like that before. I quite like an underdog, because I quite like to see someone grow as a character. Tris Prior is my favourite book character, just because she was written so well and she was a realistic character who was definitely like a normal person. I relate to her a lot. I don't like it when heroes think they are amazing and above everyone else. I also think though that there are too many people trying to sell really poorly done stories about people who thought they were worthless, who usually meet a guy and then all of a sudden, they know they are amazing. I think, to write a good book you have to do it well by bringing something different and unique. I also like protagonists who help other characters develop such as Clary Fray helping Jace in The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare, I think it's a nice storyline that develops in the series, as well as Clary's own development. I guess she's an underdog as well. But then even Katniss has to grow and I like that in her.

The Peeta question is also interesting besides the fact that it's sort of irrelevant, [perhaps we should start a new forum] because I honestly don't know. Sure he was probably happy, but besides the fact that I didn't like him anyway, I thought the ending was quite bleak. But then the ending to her other series The Underland Chronicles is even worse. Granted she's a good writer but she needs to work on her endings.