Construction of the hero in a writingThe construction of the “hero” is a construction that every writer should consider. The hero or protagonist is designed to move the narrative forward and whose actions advance the plot (Morrow et al, 1997). Pearson (2001, p. 101) defines heroes as “fearless protagonists who realize their own special power and take great personal risks in order to change their reality.” In everyday life, these powerful archetypes provide a structure that can unlock ordinary people's ability to face challenges, take risks, break the rules, and transform their lives. There are many ways to define what a hero is and what a protagonist is. A hero is usually the protagonist but this is not always the case and vice versa. For purposes of clarification, in this analysis, a protagonist or hero is a character who drives the narrative and plot and embarks on a journey of learning that changes them. The construction of the hero by a writer will be analyzed using examples taken from Lilian's Story by Kate Grenville, Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown and Carrie by Stephen King, in comparison with the "fate of everyone" by Joseph Campbell (1949, p. 36), by first clarifying who the hero is. and of the protagonist, how the hero's character was portrayed and how their journey compares. Dan Brown's construction of the hero in The Da Vinci Code is by no means as clear-cut as Lilian's story. There are three main characters, Jacques Saunière, Robert Langdon and Sophie Neveu. Jacques is a protagonist, even though he is dead for most of the novel, his riddles and codes left to his granddaughter guide the narrative. However, Robert and Sophia's actions regarding this also determine the narrative. Jacques could be considered an ancient hero, as he does indeed demonstrate self-sacrifice during his journey, but the narrative focuses on Robert as the hero because it is ultimately he who experiences the journey of learning and is transformed. Sophie also embarks on this journey, but her journey of self-discovery is not rated as highly as Langdon's journey for truth and personal development. Langdon's hero's journey, compared to Campbell's "everyone's destiny", begins with his "call to adventure" in the form of a quest for the grail, at first he wants nothing to do with this upheaval of his life "refusal of the call", until he "meets" Jacques who helps him with clues.