The Chosen One: A Dead Trope?

Tale Foundry・2 minutes read

The concept of the chosen hero explores destiny and pre-determined paths, with examples ranging from King Arthur to Harry Potter. Despite potential clichés, the chosen one trope provides a deep and engaging journey for characters and audiences alike.

Insights

  • The concept of the chosen hero in storytelling, while at times feeling cliché, offers a deeper and more nuanced perspective when viewed from the character's point of view, providing a complex journey of personal growth and transformation.
  • Despite the potential predictability and reduction of tension associated with the chosen hero trope, it can still offer an engaging narrative that explores themes of internal conflict, imposter syndrome, and the weight of destiny, making the character's journey relatable and compelling for both the audience and the individual experiencing the prophecy.

Get key ideas from YouTube videos. It’s free

Recent questions

  • What is the significance of the chosen hero in stories?

    The chosen hero embodies destiny and personal growth.

  • How does the chosen hero trope impact storytelling?

    The chosen hero trope can affect tension and predictability.

  • What challenges do chosen heroes face?

    Chosen heroes encounter internal conflict and imposter syndrome.

  • How does the hero's journey relate to chosen heroes?

    The hero's journey model emphasizes personal growth.

  • How can the chosen hero trope be utilized effectively?

    The chosen hero trope offers a blank slate for projection.

Related videos

Summary

00:00

Chosen heroes: destiny, burden, and transformation.

  • The story of King Arthur, Camelot, and the quest for the Holy Grail is a popular and enduring legend with a touch of destiny.
  • Characters like Achilles, Beowulf, Harry Potter, Neo from The Matrix, Jesus Christ, and the Dalai Lama are all examples of chosen heroes in various stories.
  • The concept of the chosen one can sometimes feel cliché or predictable to readers, but it offers a more complex and interesting perspective when viewed from the character's point of view.
  • The chosen hero often comes with a set of predetermined tools, companions, and a map to guide them on their journey to fulfill their destiny.
  • The idea of the chosen one can lead to a sense of inevitability and predictability in the story, potentially reducing tension and stakes for the audience.
  • The chosen hero is often equipped with plot armor, ensuring their success and making their journey less risky and more assured.
  • While the concept of the chosen one can sometimes feel arbitrary or unrealistic, it can also provide a blank slate for readers to project themselves onto the character.
  • The hero's journey, as outlined by Joseph Campbell, serves as a model for many chosen one stories, emphasizing personal growth and transformation.
  • Despite the potential pitfalls of the chosen one trope, it can still offer an engaging and meaningful journey for both the character and the audience.
  • The burden of being the chosen one can be heavy, leading to internal conflict, resistance, and a sense of imposter syndrome for the character, making their journey more relatable and compelling.

14:41

Unveiling the Hero Archetype in Literature

  • Authors sometimes use the concept of a chosen hero as a shortcut to make their characters special, but paying attention to the person experiencing the prophecy can reveal intriguing dynamics.
  • Being the tool of the cosmos comes with challenges and silver linings, and while the hero archetype may seem simple, it deserves respect and can be utilized effectively.
  • Nebula, an educational and streaming platform, offers a variety of exclusive content from creators like Extra Credits, LowSpecGamer, and Legal Eagle, including classes on how to succeed as a creator, all available for less than three dollars a month for the first year through a special link.
Channel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatar

Try it yourself — It’s free.