Most fictional heroes fall into one of two broad categories: the Ideal Hero, such as The Cape or a Knight in Shining Armor who is pretty much exactly what one would hope for in a hero - morally pure, compassionate, skilled, courageous, etc. - and the Anti-Hero, who lacks one or more qualities normally considered necessary for an Ideal Hero. A Classical Anti-Hero lacks ability or self-confidence, a Knight in Sour Armor lacks a positive attitude, an Unscrupulous Hero lacks compassion, and a Nominal Hero lacks morally pure intentions and selfless motivation. A Pragmatic Hero lacks the "moral cleanliness" of an Ideal Hero. When fighting evil, they are willing to engage in behavior that seem more characteristic of a villain than a hero. However, Pragmatic Heroes have good intentions and generally hold themselves to strict moral standards — it's just that those standards aren't always what others might expect from an ideal hero. This type of hero tends to be much more concerned with whatever heroic business the plotline has assigned them than the niceties of proper heroic etiquette. However, with the exception of unintentional mistakes, they will rarely if ever commit a questionable deed that doesn't further the cause of good in a way. This character is one step further towards the gray side of Anti-Hero from the (first type of) Knight in Sour Armor. While the Knight in Sour Armor will do the right thing but cut the niceties, the Pragmatic Hero is more about doing the right thing whether anyone likes it or not, and will shove aside more honorable heroes who give them a What the Hell, Hero? moment. At the end of the day, their justification is typically I Did What I Had to Do, they love giving "The Reason You Suck" Speech to a poor Wide-Eyed Idealist, and they might evolve into Cynical Mentors. However, they will never say "Silly Rabbit, Idealism Is for Kids!," and are quite likely to view any unpleasant actions they take as Dirty Business and seek to avoid it if reasonably possible. Deep down, they want the best for others, and this character may have shades of Chronic Hero Syndrome as they will often be the one to defend a captured minion or Fallen Hero. Being pragmatic, they also have both the flaws and strengths a more passionate hero lacks, so are less likely to let personal intentions get in the way of their job, possibly seeing that kind of behavior as shortsighted and unprofessional, since acting without thought for the consequences of one's actions is against everything they believe in. In this sense, a Pragmatic Hero contrasts a Blood Knight or He Who Fights Monsters. They are likely to have shades of a No-Nonsense Nemesis, if they aren't one outright. They are most likely to fall under the categories of either Chaotic Good or Neutral Good, although other alignments aren't unheard of. However, if their methods are excessively violent or otherwise distasteful, they've become Unscrupulous Heroes. Compare Good Is Not Nice if the "good guy" extends his jerkassery towards non-villainous characters as well and Good Is Not Soft in for the instances when they get their hands bloody in the name of the greater good while remaining more or less decent people. Compare and contrast Pragmatic Villainy, where it's the opposite: villains apparently doing some good or something moral, not out of what morality they have, but because it'll further their plans and wanton dog-kicking is bad for business. When they do come into conflict with one or more idealistic characters, see Idealist vs. Pragmatist.
Pragmatic Hero has been suggested to play 1 roles. Click below to see other actors suggested for each role, and vote for who you think would play the role best.
Pragmatic Hero has been suggested to play 1 roles. Click below to see other actors suggested for each role, and vote for who you think would play the role best.
