Brilliant stories require an even more brilliant hero, they could be relatable and humorous, or maybe even serious and jaded. The great adventures that display these impressive characters also cover their strengths and weaknesses and overall likeability. The classic Epic The Odyssey, written by Homer in the 8th century BC and translated by Robert Fagles, and the space-movie The Martian, written by Andy Weir in 2011 and Directed by Ridley Scott, are both excellent examples of tales with impressive protagonists. Both epic stories exhibit a protagonist persevering through an abyss and being resourceful, but Mark Watney is far more likable then Odysseus, because he is always humorous.
In both great adventures the protagonist overcomes an
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During The Odyssey, Odysseus is captured by the cyclops Polyphemus, in order to escape he must wound Polyphemus with a weapon so as not to kill him, but let him leave unharmed. The plan “That struck [his] mind best” was to take the giant’s club, sharpen it, then heat the massive weapon to use to blind Polyphemus. (Fagles 9.356) The monster had thought ahead and placed a elephantine boulder in the cave’s mouth to prevent anyone from escaping. Figuring to blind the cyclops was a stroke of genius as it would’ve been impossible to get by with him able to see them. Unlike Odysseus, Mark Watney doesn’t have to deal with monsters, but he does have to be resourceful to survive on the inhospitable planet he has been abandoned on. Without enough provisions to last him till he could leave, Mark Watney builds a place that Mars soil might be fertile enough for potatoes: sowing, planting and watering his crops he successfully grows enough food to survive. (The Martian) Watney was close to starving; If he didn’t find a food source soon he would perish, his solution was to try to grow his own. Either of these tales of trials in dire situations could have lead to death for our heroes but thanks to their resourcefulness and wit they may live another