Extra Credits
On Classical Heroes
2015 • E17 May 5, 2015 10m
The classic heroes whose stories have resonated through time have many features in common with each other. Whether it's strength or cunning or some other quality, they have greater powers than the average person - but they are not gods. They experience failure. This classical structure not only forces the character to recognize their own limits, it helps us relate to them as a human being and gives us a greater appreciation for their achievements. In video games, however, we see heroes who really can conquer every challenge. It lets us play out a power fantasy, but doesn't give us a meaningful story arc to watch the character grow. Studying classic heroes such as Achilles or Gilgamesh can help games improve their narrative by showing how we can write characters whose immense power and lust for battle can coexist with human failings that make a story more engaging.