I'm Not a Hero, I'm X: Difference between revisions

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* [[The Hero]] attempts to [[Refusal of the Call|refuse]] or [[Ignorant of the Call|ignore the call]], but [[You Can't Fight Fate|will eventually accept it.]]

* [[The Hero]] exhibits false humility. Can lead to [[Dude, Where's My Respect?]] or [[Dude, Where's My Reward?]]. This "hero" [[Small Name, Big Ego|may not be a hero at all]]. Can provide [[An Aesop|a lesson on the importance of humility.]]

* [[The Hero]] [[Tomato in ~~The~~ Mirror|realized that he/she is not the hero he/she thought he/she was]], and, as a result, his/her [[Heroic Self-Deprecation|confidence is shot.]] Depending of the medium and the genre, may deliver [[An Aesop]].

* [[The Hero]] [[Tomato in the Mirror|realized that he/she is not the hero he/she thought he/she was]], and, as a result, his/her [[Heroic Self-Deprecation|confidence is shot.]] Depending of the medium and the genre, may deliver [[An Aesop]].

* [[The Hero]] (or [[Anti-Hero]]) uses this logic to enable himself/herself to do what no one else could do, or should do, for the "greater good". Occasionally accompanied with the [[Zero-Approval Gambit]].

* [[The Hero]] may [[Exactly What It Says On the Tin|not actually be a hero.]]

* [[The Hero]] may [[Exactly What It Says on the Tin|not actually be a hero.]]

A subtrope of [[I Am the Trope]]. Compare [[I'm a Doctor, Not A Placeholder]]. Contrast [[The Chosen Zero]].

A subtrope of [[I Am the Trope]]. Compare [[I'm a Doctor, Not a Placeholder]]. Contrast [[The Chosen Zero]].

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== Anime and Manga ==

* In ''[[~~Code Geass (Anime)|~~Code Geass]]'', Lelouch has one of these moments {{spoiler|right after Euphie ended up going on an unintentional killing spree because of his [[Power Incontinence]], when a dying old lady asks him as Zero to save them}}.

* In ''[[Code Geass]]'', Lelouch has one of these moments {{spoiler|right after Euphie ended up going on an unintentional killing spree because of his [[Power Incontinence]], when a dying old lady asks him as Zero to save them}}.

* In the Fishman Island arc of ''[[One Piece]]'', none other than {{spoiler|Luffy himself has one. Specifically, Jinbei asks him to be the "hero" of Fishman Island, to which Luffy informs him that he's a pirate, not a hero, and has no desire to be one. Luffy then gives an analogy about how a hero would share his meat with everyone, while a pirate would simply feast on it. He ends up agreeing to help anyway when Jinbei promises to give him some meat.}}

* Jack from ''[[Pandora Hearts]]'' is very insistent that he's not a hero. It only ends up making him appear humble and sweet, not to mention more [[Estrogen Brigade Bait|tragic and cute.]]

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'''Killer Moth:''' You're heroes, you ''don't'' act that way.

'''Ray Palmer:''' (points to [[Affirmative Action Legacy|another Atom]]) ''He's'' a hero. I'm Ray Palmer. Welcome to ''[[Cold-Blooded Torture|pain.]]'' }}

* [[Warren Ellis]]' ''[[No Hero]]'', [[Exactly What It Says On the Tin]].

* [[Warren Ellis]]' ''[[No Hero]]'', [[Exactly What It Says on the Tin]].

== Fan Works ==

* Kairi Niko in the ''[[Knights of the Old Republic]]'' Fanfic ''Destiny's Pawn'' adamantly insists that she's "just a translator." Even after the Jedi all but shove a lightsaber into her hand, she's done some heroics looking for the Star Maps, and assembled the [[Ragtag Band of Misfits]], she still considers herself Bastila's aide. Queue ''massive'' [[Heroic BSOD]] when the truth comes out...

* Played straight in the ''[[~~Tamers Forever Series (Fanfic)|~~Tamers Forever Series]]''

* Played straight in the ''[[Tamers Forever Series]]''

{{quote| '''Daemon''': ''"Why can't you be a good boy and give up!"''

'''Chaos''': ''"I'm a Virus, Daemon. I'm not a good boy."'' }}

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== Film ==

* In ''[[The Lion the Witch ~~And~~ ~~The~~ Wardrobe|The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe]]'', upon learning of the [[Because Destiny Says So|prophecy]] that they shall be heroes, the Pevensies provide this little gem:

* In ''[[The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe|The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe]]'', upon learning of the [[Because Destiny Says So|prophecy]] that they shall be heroes, the Pevensies provide this little gem:

{{quote| '''Peter:''' I think you've made a mistake. [[Refusal of the Call|We're]] ''[[Refusal of the Call|not]]'' [[Refusal of the Call|heroes!]]

'''Susan:''' We're from Finchley! }}

* In the film, ''[[Twilight (~~Literature~~)|Twilight]]'', Edward uses this trope to warn Bella to stay away from him.

* In the film, ''[[Twilight (novel)|Twilight]]'', Edward uses this trope to warn Bella to stay away from him.

{{quote| '''Edward:''' What if I'm not the hero? What if I'm the bad guy?

'''Bella:''' You're not. }}

* In ''[[The Dark Knight Saga|The Dark Knight]]'', Batman delivers the page quote to reveal his [[Zero-Approval Gambit]].

* Something similar is done in the movie version of ''[[Harry Potter (~~Film~~)|Harry Potter]] and the Philosopher's Stone''. "I can't be a wizard! I'm just Harry! Just Harry!"

* Something similar is done in the movie version of ''[[Harry Potter (film)|Harry Potter]] and the Philosopher's Stone''. "I can't be a wizard! I'm just Harry! Just Harry!"

* A variation of this occurs in in ''[[Spy Kids]] 3D''. After exiting the video game, Arnold's, Rez's, Francis's, and Juni's respective secret, non-virtual identities. Various types of this trope occur in the conversation that ensues:

{{quote| '''Juni:''' Hey, wait a second. [[Cyberspace|What happened]] [[Wish Fullfillment|to]] [[Smart Guy|Francis the Brain,]] [[Big Guy|Arnold the Strong,]] and [[Badass|Mister]] [[Lancer|Cool]]?

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** Naturally, his character according to the credits was "coffee shop."

** Of course, the robbers' definition of "hero" is "anyone stupid enough to make trouble for us." Criminals are funny like that.

* In ''[[Team America World Police]]'', Gary decides "I'm not a hero! I'm a dick!" after a mission results in the deaths of innocent bystanders. A drunk he meets at a bar gives him a pep talk about dicks, pussies and assholes that makes him feel a little better.

* In ''[[Team America: World Police]]'', Gary decides "I'm not a hero! I'm a dick!" after a mission results in the deaths of innocent bystanders. A drunk he meets at a bar gives him a pep talk about dicks, pussies and assholes that makes him feel a little better.

* [[Monty ~~Pythons~~ Life of Brian|He's not the Messiah, he's a very naughty boy!]]

* [[Monty Python's Life of Brian|He's not the Messiah, he's a very naughty boy!]]

* Variation in ''[[The King's Speech]]'': [[Tear Jerker|"I'm not a king! I'm a naval officer."]]

* In the film adaptation of ''[[Jumper (~~Literature~~)|Jumper]]'', Griffin calls Davy this; In his experience, [[Teleporters and Transporters|Jumpers]] don't have the power to save anyone, as the Paladins are willing to kill entire families as collateral damage in killing Jumpers. The best Griffin's ever accomplished is escaping with his life after killing his enemies.

* In the film adaptation of ''[[Jumper (novel)|Jumper]]'', Griffin calls Davy this; In his experience, [[Teleporters and Transporters|Jumpers]] don't have the power to save anyone, as the Paladins are willing to kill entire families as collateral damage in killing Jumpers. The best Griffin's ever accomplished is escaping with his life after killing his enemies.

{{quote| '''Griffin''': ''You're not a hero! You're a Jumper! Don't you get it? '''You don't save the girl! You lose her!'''''}}

== Literature ==

* In ''[[Gone]]'', this attitude plays a huge role in the character of Sam, the [[Designated Hero]] of the FAYZ. Phrases reminiscent of the trope are consistently repeated throughout the books.

* In ''[[Twilight (~~Literature~~)|Twilight]]'', Edward uses this trope as an attempt to warn Bella to stay away:

* In ''[[Twilight (novel)|Twilight]]'', Edward uses this trope as an attempt to warn Bella to stay away:

{{quote| ''What if I'm not a superhero? What if I'm the bad guy?''}}

* In the ''[[Harry Potter (~~Literature~~)|Harry Potter]]'' series, Harry verbalized this trope a few times throughout the series. In ''[[Harry Potter (Franchise)/Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows|Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows]]'' he experienced somewhat of a fleeting [[Dialogue Reversal]] with [[Achilles in His Tent|Ron]] after Ron's return and redemption.

* In the ''[[Harry Potter (novel)|Harry Potter]]'' series, Harry verbalized this trope a few times throughout the series. In ''[[Harry Potter (Franchise)/Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows|Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows]]'' he experienced somewhat of a fleeting [[Dialogue Reversal]] with [[Achilles in His Tent|Ron]] after Ron's return and redemption.

{{quote| '''Ron:''' I'm sorry. I'm sorry I left. I know I was a -- a-- (''trails off'')

'''Harry:''' You've sort of made up for it tonight. Getting the sword. Finishing off the [[Soul Jar|Horcrux.]] Saving my life.

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== Live Action TV ==

* In ''[[~~Buffy the Vampire Slayer (TV)|~~Buffy the Vampire Slayer]]'' episode "The Gift":

* In ''[[Buffy the Vampire Slayer]]'' episode "The Gift":

{{quote| '''Giles:''' ...[Buffy] couldn't take a human life. She's a hero, you see. She's not like us.

'''Ben:''' ...us?

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** Done again in ''"The God Complex"''. In order to save Amy Pond, The Doctor must {{spoiler|break her faith in the idea of him as a hero.}}

{{quote| ''The Doctor'': I stole your childhood and now I’ve lead you by the hand to your death. But the worst thing is, I knew. I knew this would happen. This is what always happens. Forget your faith in me. I took you with me because I was vain, because I wanted to be adored. Look at you, glorious Pond. The girl who waited for me. '''I’m not a hero.''' [[Meaningful Echo|I really am just a mad man in a box]]. And it’s time we saw each other as we really are. Amy Williams. It’s time to stop waiting.}}

* In the ''[[Star Trek Deep Space Nine|DS9]]'' episode "Empok Nor", Garak (under the influence of drugs) has been twisting the knife about Miles O'Brien's participation in an incident which occurred while he was serving under [[Star Trek ~~the~~ Next Generation|Captain Picard]]; O'Brien led an attack on a Cardassian encampment and was dubbed "the Hero of Setlik III".

* In the ''[[Star Trek: Deep Space Nine|DS9]]'' episode "Empok Nor", Garak (under the influence of drugs) has been twisting the knife about Miles O'Brien's participation in an incident which occurred while he was serving under [[Star Trek: The Next Generation|Captain Picard]]; O'Brien led an attack on a Cardassian encampment and was dubbed "the Hero of Setlik III".

{{quote| '''Garak:''' Maybe it's true... maybe you're not a soldier anymore.

'''O'Brien:''' You're right. I'm an engineer. }}

** This doubles as a {{spoiler|[[Crowning Moment of Awesome]], when O'Brien then saves himself by activating the improvised bomb that his soldier instincts had called for and his engineering skill had built.}}

* ''[[~~Sherlock (TV)|~~Sherlock]]'' has a particularly scathing example in the third episode.

* ''[[Sherlock]]'' has a particularly scathing example in the third episode.

{{quote| Sherlock: Don't make people into heroes, John, heroes don't exist; and if they did, I wouldn't be one.}}

** This gets amped up to eleven in the series 2 finale.

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== Music ==

* ''[[The Dark Knight Saga|The Dark Knight]]'' soundtrack has a piece titled "I'm Not A Hero" and correlates with the scene in which the page quote is delivered.

* "I'm not a hero! I'm not a savior! Forget what you know/I'm just a man whose circumstances went beyond his control." Styx's "Mr. Roboto" definitely fits. "The modern man/Who hides behind a mask" indicates this is probably the [[Tomato in ~~The~~ Mirror]] usage.

* "I'm not a hero! I'm not a savior! Forget what you know/I'm just a man whose circumstances went beyond his control." Styx's "Mr. Roboto" definitely fits. "The modern man/Who hides behind a mask" indicates this is probably the [[Tomato in the Mirror]] usage.

* [[Josh Groban]] 's "In Her Eyes:" ''I am not an hero/I am not an angel/I am just a man...''

* [[My Chemical Romance]]'s ''Welcome to [[~~The Black Parade|~~the Black Parade]]'' uses this.

* [[My Chemical Romance]]'s ''Welcome to [[the Black Parade]]'' uses this.

{{quote| ''I'm just a man, I'm not a hero''

''Just a boy who wants to sing his song''

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== Religion and Mythology ==

* [[~~The Bible (Literature)|~~The Bible]]. No, really. In the book of Obadiah. Both a [[Crowning Moment of Awesome]] and a [[Crowning Moment of Funny]].

* [[The Bible]]. No, really. In the book of Obadiah. Both a [[Crowning Moment of Awesome]] and a [[Crowning Moment of Funny]].

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* Hercules exhibits the "loss of confidence" variant by the book in Kingdom Hearts II.

* [[Brutal Legend|Eddie Riggs]] is just a roadie.

* In ''[[~~Kingdom Hearts II (Video Game)|~~Kingdom Hearts II]]'', after [[Final Fantasy X|Auron]] saves Sora, Donald, and Goofy from Hades, this exchange occurs:

* In ''[[Kingdom Hearts II]]'', after [[Final Fantasy X|Auron]] saves Sora, Donald, and Goofy from Hades, this exchange occurs:

{{quote| '''Sora:''' You're really good? Are you some kind of hero?

'''Auron:''' No. I'm no hero. I'm just an…

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== Western Animation ==

* In the ''[[Justice League]]'' Cadmus arc, [[The Question]] tries to assassinate Lex Luthor in order to avert a [[The End of the World As We Know It|dark alternate future]]. He reasons that a known [[Conspiracy Theorist]] like him could go rogue without surprising poeple, but if a ''hero'' were to breach the [[Thou Shalt Not Kill]] policy, the whole world would go to hell. (He was probably right.)

* In the ''[[Justice League]]'' Cadmus arc, [[The Question]] tries to assassinate Lex Luthor in order to avert a [[The End of the World as We Know It|dark alternate future]]. He reasons that a known [[Conspiracy Theorist]] like him could go rogue without surprising poeple, but if a ''hero'' were to breach the [[Thou Shalt Not Kill]] policy, the whole world would go to hell. (He was probably right.)

* Graveheart, the Designated Protagonist of ''[[Shadow Raiders]]'', says this a lot.

{{quote| '''Graveheart:''' I'm not the man to lead this alliance.

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''(lengthy [[Fully-Automatic Clip Show|clip show]] with Graveheart saying "I'm just a miner" over and over and over and over)''

'''Jade:''' You have no idea how ''tired'' I am of hearing you say that. }}

* ''[[Teen Titans (~~Animation~~)|Teen Titans]]'': "I'm not a hero. I'm not out to save the world. [[I Just Want to Be Normal|I'm just a girl with a geometry test next period and I haven't studied]]."

* ''[[Teen Titans (animation)|Teen Titans]]'': "I'm not a hero. I'm not out to save the world. [[I Just Want to Be Normal|I'm just a girl with a geometry test next period and I haven't studied]]."

* ''[[Megas XLR]]'': Look, Red, I'm no hero. I'm just a guy from Jersey.

* Elisa in ''[[~~Gargoyles (Animation)|~~Gargoyles]]'' (specifically in "High Noon") says she's no hero; she's just doing her job. Not that this stops her from fighting tooth and nail to save her friends when she ''isn't'' on the job...

* Elisa in ''[[Gargoyles]]'' (specifically in "High Noon") says she's no hero; she's just doing her job. Not that this stops her from fighting tooth and nail to save her friends when she ''isn't'' on the job...

* In ''[[~~Jackie Chan Adventures (Animation)|~~Jackie Chan Adventures]]'', Jackie would rather doing nothing more than his job as an archaeologist and let the heroism to the authorities.

* In ''[[Jackie Chan Adventures]]'', Jackie would rather doing nothing more than his job as an archaeologist and let the heroism to the authorities.