V (real name unknown)

A hero is a person who inconveniences themselves for others; someone who will help without thought of reward. For many people, this could mean superman, batman, a parent, coach or teacher. Even your favorite TV show or book may qualify as your hero, providing you with something you may need without any expectations. My category of hero has three universal qualities; he/she is ethical, strong/capable, and brave. I feel that the fictitious character V, from the movie V for Vendetta, resembles these qualities; he has the courage, the physical and mental abilities, and he is fighting so the people may no longer live under their hellish government.

The quality of morality, of ethical belief is the foundation of any hero. This is his or her fuel, their reason for doing what they do. Without this motivation the hero would be like Hancock (the super hero) before his revelation. If he/she did do the right thing, it would only be at their leisure. Almost every hero has a story in which they obtain their strong beliefs. V is no exception. He was part of a sick, governmental experiment in which 48 prisoners were given injections. The shots ultimately killed the other forty-seven prisoners while V survived. Although we aren't quite sure why he was imprisoned in the first place we can safely assume that it was either for an act in resistance to the fascist government, or because the government arrested him for unjust causes. Either way, this is undoubtedly where his view on the corrupt government is shaped and where he realizes his obligation.

For V's hate of the evil government to go anywhere, he must be strong and capable. If one has the right idea but doesn't act on it, it's like the idea never existed in the first place. It is implied that when V received the shot in the secret government lab, it actually made him stronger. This can be seen many times throughout the movie. He is an eccentric intellectual who appears to have natural combat abilities, is extremely resilient to pain, and possesses extreme endurance and strength. Aside from the unique physical abilities, V also possesses an abnormally sharp mind. In several occasions throughout the film, V will verbally share philosophical, historical, and literary wisdom with Evy. These "super human" qualities make V more than qualified to take on the oppressive government.

Despite V's strengths, he is still human; meaning he is not invincible. The thought of pain and/or death would usually restrain the average individual. However, because V is so passionate about the "idea" he represents, he puts his fear of pain and death to the side. The story even ends with V knowingly going to his death to ensure the success of his cause. When asked by Creedy "Why won't you die?!" V calmly replied after being shot numerous times "Beneath this mask there is more than flesh, beneath this mask there is an idea Mr. Creedy, and ideas are bullet-proof." This quote clearly displays V's courageous dedication to his cause.

When asked to think of a hero (science fiction or otherwise) V from V for Vendetta is almost always one of the first to come to mind. It was very interesting to catch subtly referenced current events, conflicts and issues especially since V viewed them in the same manner I do. I'm into good Sci Fi movies and politics any day, combining the two created one of my favorite movies. A Marvel style super hero, a parent, coach or teacher, a TV show or favorite book. Maybe it's that person that stops what they are doing to help you out. A hero is someone who inconveniences themselves for others; someone who will help out without thought of reward. V is my hero.