The Chosen One (trope)

The Chosen One, also known as The One or The Chosen, is a narrative trope where one character, usually the protagonist, is framed as the inevitable hero of the story as a result of destiny, unique gifts, and/or special lineage.

[3][4][5][6][7] The trope is similar to the hero's journey template, where the main difference is that The Chosen One usually does not have a choice because of destiny.

[3] Chosen One narratives often incorporate Bildungsroman, following the growth of a character from childhood to adulthood.

[8][9][10] The character's gifts, lineage or destiny are often unknown at the start of the plot or presented to the audience as dramatic irony.

[5][7] The Chosen One trope is comparable to the religious concept of messiah.