Modern Day Epic Heroes: Choice Task
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Directions:
Pick a hero to write about. You may use The Odyssey OR an example of a modern epic hero for this chart. Think of books,
movies, or even video game characters!
!Here are a few examples of modern epic heroes: (Sorry! You can’t use these!)
!Marlin (Nemo’s Dad) in Finding Nemo
Harry Potter in The Harry Potter Series
Bilbo Baggins in The Hobbit
Katniss Everdeen in The Hunger Games Trilogy
!After you identify an epic hero, fill in the chart below with short responses in each blank space. You must CITE the story or
movie.
!Here is an example of an appropriate answer:
!1. Marlin in “Finding Nemo” displays superhuman courage on his quest to find his son, Nemo. He is very afraid of the ocean at
the beginning of the story because of Nemo’s mother’s death. He is afraid to allow Nemo to go to school or even to leave the
anemone. However, by the end of the story he has battled sharks, jellyfish, and is even swallowed by a whale. His bravery
despite his fear shows character growth and just how much he loves his son.
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Examples/Evidence from the person’s life
Characteristics of an Modern Day Epic Hero!
1. Has superior or superhuman strength,!
intelligence, and/or courage!
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2. Is on a quest – Is seeking something
valuable or is trying to achieve/accomplish
something important.!
3. The hero is tested often to prove if he/she
is worthy to perform the quest.!
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4. The hero receives help from mythical
beings, magical and helpful animals, and/or
human helpers and companions. !
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5. The hero travels to a supernatural world
or a faraway land to complete his/her quest.!
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6. The hero reaches a low point where they
appear defeated or nearly give up their
quest. !
7. The hero experiences resurrection. He/
she carries on despite all of the obstacles.!
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8. The hero regains their rightful place
among their people. !
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9. Pick at least one symbol that is found in the story of your hero’s quest. Explain how the symbol is
important to the story and to the hero’s quest. CITE the story.
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10. What is the theme of your hero’s story? CITE evidence to prove it. Give one example of internal
conflict and one example of external conflict in the story
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Remember the following characteristics of a modern day epic hero or heroine that we discussed as a
class after watching “The Pursuit of Happyness”.
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These characteristics or traits may help you with your project.
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Persistence – keeps moving ahead even with setbacks.
Confidence
Belief in himself or herself.
Is on a journey – long or short – but difficult often with many obstacles. The journey can be long in
terms of distance or time.
Determination – not a quitter
Has a vision to be better and that his/her efforts can make life better.
Works hard even though sometimes this hard work is not always recognized and appreciated by
others.
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Make sure that you:
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Heading with your name, hour and date.
Center your title
Double Space
Font Times 12 point
Minimum 3 paragraphs. Maximum 5 paragraphs. Each paragraph should be at least 5 sentences.
Include words and phrases that demonstrate your knowledge of epic hero qualities and how your
hero shows those qualities.
Left justify and indent paragraphs.
Spell Check
Save as Hero Project
Print
Turn in at the end of the hour according to directions given.
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