A hero takes action to help others at considerable risk to himself, however, if that action also helps himself, then he is not a hero because he is acting out of self-interest. ... Courage is admirable, but unless it involves risk or sacrifice in order to help others, then it isn't heroism. A hero is someone who gives of himself, often putting his own life at great risk, for the greater good of others. Outside of the standard dashing war portraits of men/women facing the gates of Hell, the most heroic are often the most ordinary of people doing ordinary things for a greater humane purpose.

A hero is selfless, a genuinely good person, and someone gets the undivided attention of all of us and causes change. Someone willing to risk their own life to save another. ... Webster's defines a hero as a mythological or legendary figure often of divine descent, endowed with great strength or ability. The dictionary defines "hero" as "a person of distinguished courage or ability, admired for his or her brave deeds and noble qualities." Heroes come in many forms in life, ranging from one's family and friends to athletes to movie stars. A person's heroes can change over time.

A hero (heroine in its feminine form) is a real person or a main fictional character who, in the face of danger, combats adversity through feats of ingenuity, courage or strength. Merriam Webster dictionary defines a hero as "a person who is admired for great or brave acts or fine qualities".