List of recurring themes

The following themes and motifs recur throughout the series Heroes:

List

• Character connections — The seemingly disparate lives of characters on Heroes are inevitably connected to one another.
• Death — Many characters face the loss of a loved one.
• Faith and religion — Many characters are spiritual.
• Family — "Blood runs thicker than water". Is it always right to put your family first?
• Fate vs. free will — Is a character's future pre-destined, or can they make their own choice to determine the outcome?
• Heroism — Can a character step up and make the right decisions and actions when pressure is upon them?
• Logic vs. emotion — The characters must listen to their hearts or their minds.
• Irrational thinking — Several characters act before thinking.
• Loyalty vs. treachery — Where do the allegiances of a character lie?
• Moral ambiguity — There is no absolute good or evil character, only "shades of grey". Everyone has their personality flaws and moments of glory.
• One punch knockout — Many characters are knocked out with one punch, often for a comedic effect.
• Pressure of responsibility — Can a character make the right choices when they are faced with responsibility by others?
• Revenge — The characters face problems, and are hurt. Sometimes, they decide some payback is in order.
• Sacrifice — There are moments when a character must give up what they hold dear (even including their own life) to save others.
• Secrets and deception — Sometimes a lie must be told to protect a character from the truth.
• Women in Refrigerators — Many characters are victimized.

External References

• The 36 Dynamic Situations by Georges Polti, defines common plot situations from historical dramas
• The 36 Plots of Storytelling in Role Playing Games, derived from the above