The Power of Story: Why We Need Heroes, Guides, Villains, and Victims
I can’t stand movies with bad storytelling! Can you think of a film you’ve enjoyed, even though its plot was terrible? The movies we love are powered by stories that grab our attention and keep us hooked from beginning to end. For a story to truly resonate—whether in a film, book, or otherwise—there are four essential characters: the hero, the guide, the villain, and the victim. What’s wild is that, at any given moment, YOU could embody any one of these roles.
I can hear some of you saying, “No way! I don’t need to be rescued!” Victims are weak, and villains have sad lives. (Well, the truth is that we had no choice but to be both of those, but that is for the next post). If you’re anything like me, you probably want to be a hero but often question whether you’re good enough, strong enough, or wise enough to be a guide—let alone a hero. Some of you might be thinking, “I already know I’m a hero! God made me to save the world.” But before you start dreaming up your superhero name or talk yourself out of stepping into that role, let’s take a moment to explore each of these characters that drive a great story.
The Hero: More Than Just a Character—A Path to Growth
The hero is the central figure who embarks on a journey, facing challenges and obstacles that test their limits. They often start out ordinary, just like anyone else, but are called to rise to the occasion when the stakes are high. Along the way, the hero faces personal doubts, fears, and moments of failure that threaten to break them. But it is through overcoming these struggles that they grow stronger, wiser, and more self-aware. In the end, the hero becomes a hero not because of their inherent abilities, but because of the character development they undergo throughout their journey.
The Guide: Helping Others Unlock Their Potential
The guide is the mystical, wise figure who offers wisdom and guidance when the hero faces their darkest moments. They possess a deep understanding of the world and the forces at play, providing the hero with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate their journey. Though they don’t lead the hero directly, the guide’s presence and insight are crucial for the hero to overcome challenges and grow. A great example of this is Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings, who provides crucial guidance and wisdom to Frodo during his journey to destroy the One Ring.
The Villain and the Victim: Only Exists to Add Drama
The victim and the villain both add essential drama to the story, but their true purpose is to serve the hero’s journey and make it compelling. The villain often mirrors the hero, but where the hero chooses growth, the villain allows bitterness and offense to fester, using their strengths for harm. The victim, on the other hand, lacks a deep backstory or character arc—they are simply there to be saved. Their role is not to drive the story forward but to create the circumstances that force the hero to rise and take action. It would be pretty lame to exist only to add drama without any meaningful growth or purpose. Imagine being a character whose only job is to make others look good or give them something to overcome—that’s not a story worth living!
So, with that in mind, it’s important to pause and ask yourself: Which role are you playing in your own story right now?
Which Role Are You Playing?
We can find ourselves acting as any of these characters at different times in our lives. Sometimes, we are the hero, facing challenges head-on, while other times, we feel like the victim, overwhelmed by circumstances. We may also embody the villain when bitterness or anger takes over, using our strengths for harm. At times, we play the guide, offering wisdom or encouragement to others, or even to ourselves in moments of doubt. Life often pushes us between these roles, and growth comes from recognizing which character we’re playing. Understanding when to be the hero, lean into guidance, confront our victimhood, or check our actions before becoming the villain is key to personal development.
Breaking Free: Why the Victim and Villain Mindsets Hold You Back
Being the victim or villain traps us in negative patterns that prevent personal growth. The victim mindset keeps us stuck, feeling powerless and waiting for rescue instead of taking action to change our circumstances. The villain mindset, fueled by bitterness and harm, damages relationships and creates conflict, blocking the possibility for healing and redemption.
Shifting Our Mindset: Becoming the Hero in Your Own Story
In moments of difficulty, we can shift our mindset by embracing the idea of being the hero in the story. Instead of seeing obstacles as roadblocks, we can view them as challenges meant to help us grow and strengthen our character. By choosing to act with courage, resilience, and purpose, we can overcome adversity and emerge transformed, just like any hero on a journey.
The Beauty of Being a Guide: Empowering Others to Rise
We should actively seek opportunities to be a guide to others, offering support and encouragement when they face challenges. Embracing this role requires selflessness, as it calls us to set aside our own desires and focus on helping others unlock their potential and grow through their struggles. Being a guide is beautiful because it allows us to see the strength and purpose in others, encouraging them to rise above obstacles instead of falling into the trap of being a victim or villain. By offering wisdom and support, we empower others to overcome adversity and avoid the destructive paths of bitterness or helplessness, helping them become the heroes of their own stories.
Read Part 3: Becoming the Hero: Transformation Through Christ and Embracing Our True Identity
(This post is inspired by Wellspring Group, John Eldredge & Donald Miller’s work, with my personal application of some of their concepts.)
The Randalls 
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