Reluctant hero

In either case, the reluctant hero does not initially seek adventure or the opportunity to do good, and their apparent selfishness may induct them into the category of antiheroes.

In many stories, the reluctant hero is portrayed as having a period of doubt after their initial venture into heroism.

This may arise from the negative consequences of their own heroic actions, or by the achievement of some position of personal safety – leaving the audience to wonder whether the reluctant hero will return to heroism at the moment when they are needed the most (typically the climax).

In real life, there are cases in history and popular culture where people have been perceived as reluctant heroes.

[1]Another commentator notes, with respect to game design: The wonderful aspect of a reluctant hero is that he or she doesn't have to adhere to any stereotype, such as being incredibly strong or a trained kung-fu master.