The Hero In Christopher Reeve's The Princess Bride

Christopher Reeve, a distinguished actor most memorable for his role as the legendary Superman, once stated his prominent idea of a hero as “an ordinary individual who finds strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.” Likewise, Westley, arguably the hero of The Princess Bride clearly demonstrates the noble characteristics intricately described by Reeve, throughout the novel. Within the alluring fictional story, a stunningly gorgeous woman, known as Buttercup falls into a deep love for a farm boy, named Westley; however he supposedly “dies” leaving Buttercup in pure despair. Nonetheless, as her long journey towards princess begins, she is cruely kidnapped by a group of odd men, simply to ironically be rescued once again by her supposedly “dead” true love; regardless she is captured and is unwillingly married to Prince Humperdinck, only to be consecutively liberated by

For example, Westley demonstrates his superior mental power while imposing his courage, during the event in which he intimidates the major antagonist of the story, Prince Humperdinck, by exhibiting his dominance, and immense confidence, as he vigorously commands him to “drop [his] sword!“ (Goldman 352). Westley clearly strives to defeat Prince Humperdinck, regardless of the vast effort required as he indicates his overwhelming confidence and courage. In addition, Westley displays his optimism and astounding certainty over his plans, while enduring the grand fight with the lethal Inigo, as he even adds touches of humor, while revealing to the experienced swordsman that he was “not left-handed” (151). Westley evidently illustrates his powerful insight and positive outlook over his boundless fencing capabilities, which are put into effect in order to eventually save his true