Heroes

            According to Tim Miller, “Heroes are everyday people who every once in a while do extraordinary things.” In other words, heroes are average people who act in remarkable ways. This is shown true through characters like Atticus Finch of Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird and Mr. Freeman of Laurie Halse Anderson’s Speak.

            Characterizing Atticus Finch based on his actions proves him to be a hero. Atticus is similar to the members of his Maycomb community; like others, he, too, works and has a family. He is your “everyday” person. However, although he is considered average, he is a hero because of his courageous and noble deeds. Despite the fact that he lives in a racist white town, Atticus chooses to serve as Tom Robinson’s lawyer, defending the African American man in court. He decides to take a stand for justice, challenging the inequalities of his community, even if it means he has to stand alone, which proves him to be a hero.

            Similarly, characterizing Mr. Freeman based on his effect on others proves him to be a hero as well. Mr. Freeman is one of the many teachers in Melinda Sordino’s school. Like his colleagues, he teaches and works with students on a daily basis. While he is your “everyday” teacher, he is a hero because of the effects he has on his students, specifically Melinda. Feeling as if she is a social outcast in school, Melinda bottles her negative emotions inside. However, through art, Mr. Freeman helps Melinda confront and express her feelings; he is able to reach Melinda in a way other adults have not been able to, acting as her hero.

            As Tim Miller states, “Heroes are everyday people who every once in a while do extraordinary things.” Through their characterizations, based on their actions and effects on people, both Atticus Finch of To Kill a Mockingbird and Mr. Freeman of Speak prove this to be true. While they are “everyday people,” they are heroes, “[doing] extraordinary things,” as they act courageously for the sake of others and invest in others, ultimately helping those around them.