Role and evolution of the hero in literature

" If Hero means sincere man, why may not everyone of us be a Hero?"
(Carlyle, qtd. in Hoyt' s New Cyclopedia of Practical Quotations). This statement
makes heroism seem simple, but is being sincere enough to make you a hero? In
modern society, the answer is likely to be yes, but in literature, it can be
controversial.
A hero in literature is generally portrayed as a man of action rather than
thought. He exceeds ordinary men in skill, strength, and courage and his usual
occupations are war and dangerous adventures. Surrounded by noble peers, he is
ruled by honor and pride and is ruthless to…