During this semester we have explored many stories that revolve around different "heroes" and their exploits. Our first "hero" was Ree Dolly in an independent film called Winter's Bone, she had to find her father to keep the land her family lived on. The next hero was Chris McCandles from Into the Wild who was tired of living within the confines of normal life and wanted to go somewhere where he could truly live. Then, we had Juror No. 8 of 12 Angry Men who were given the task of persuading a jury to save a boy's life. Finally, we have Abdulrahman Zeitoun of Zeitoun who must overcome the challenges of his ethnic origin to be free. When you think of a hero you probably think of a person who is greatly admired for their actions, which are normally seen as courageous. All of these characters may seem like "heroes" to themselves or to the select few who have analyzed their actions, but that doesn't in itself make you a hero. True heroes act on behalf of others, voluntarily, without concern for themselves or their own well-being. Analyzing our four stories, there appears to be only one true hero, Ree Dolly. His motivation, sacrifices and challenges far surpass those of other so-called "heroes". Ree Dolly is a teenager who has had to take care of her mother and younger siblings since her father left. One day an offer from the police arrives at the house to find Ree's father for his court date. If he doesn't show up, the house and land Ree and her family live on will be taken by the government. Ree, now has about a week to find out about her father or else her family will be torn apart (Granik). Ree isn't even an adult but she has to overcome problems she shouldn't even be thinking about at this age. His p...... middle of paper ...... to find the freedom he had longed for, he died, painfully and alone. Ree couldn't prepare for the task she'd been given, she'd succeeded to save her family, and her fears about what would happen if she failed were as real as her father's hands that she had to use to maintain the land. Ree sacrificed everything in her quest and was willing to sacrifice almost everything, by choice, if she could keep her family together. Ree helped herself and everyone around her by showing everyone what is most important in life. Ree Dolly is the only heroine because she goes above and beyond her duties. She may not be highly regarded by many for her courageous actions, but that's because her full story was only known to a select few. But she acted on behalf of others, voluntarily, without concern for themselves or their well-being, making her a heroine far above others..