A hero is “one that shows great courage” according to Webster’s Dictionary. In Leiningen versus the Ants by Carl Stephenson, the protagonist Leiningen can be considered a hero. Not only does he risk his life to save his peon workers and farm, but he is respected by all in every way, shape, and form. Although he has many advantageous characteristics, he also has some that are quite dubious, making a slight dent in his bold delineation. In total, Leiningen has both positive and problematic attributes, but overall he can still be viewed as a heroic figure. Many positive features contribute to Leiningen’s character. Being extremely confident by nature, Leiningen uses this trait to help him in all possible ways. In addition to being…show more content… “The ants were indeed mighty, but not so mighty as the boss…let them come!”(Page 552) Soon upon realizing that it was either his life or that of his peons, Leiningen made a most noble decision. “‘Now one of you might make manage to make it as far as the weir - but he’d never come back. Well I’m not going to let you try it; if I did, I’d be worse than one of those ants. No, I called the tune, and now I’m going to pay the piper.’” (Page 567) By Leiningen placing his very own life in jeopardy, he wound up saving not only his reputation, but hundreds of innocent souls as well. This is unquestionably a heroic deed, if nothing else. He did in fact exhibit great courage. In close, Leiningen may just be an ordinary person, but one who achieved many extraordinary things. Although Leiningen has both positive and problematic characteristics, he can still be viewed as a hero. In the end, his beneficial qualities balance out his negative ones, and his heroic figure finally shines through. On account of placing others before himself hundreds of lives were spared from a most disturbing death. In that respect, more people should follow in his footsteps. His display of a hero is someone unafraid to run away, one who has faced it all and a person not necessarily with super-natural powers. And as the brilliant Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “A hero is no braver than an ordinary man, but he is braver five minutes longer.” Anybody with the will and
