History Main / IdiotHero

[[quoteright:198:[[Series/GetSmart https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/max_weapons.jpg]]]]
[[caption-width-right:198: Hopefully, he'll [[TitleDrop get smart]].]]

TheLancer to the Idiot Hero takes two common forms: either a HeroWorshipper willing to look past their obvious drawbacks, or a SourSupporter who acts as their {{Foil}}. In either case, they often act as [[MrExposition a source of exposition]], explaining things to the hero that [[AsYouKnow they really ought to already know]]. Their other TrueCompanions will usually get annoyed or even outright be embarrassed by their presence -- but deep down, they know they can depend on the hero to protect them from the evils of the world.

The [[TitleDrop Idiot Hero]] is a common character in action series. Often, they are both TheProtagonist and the central character of the narrative. They will frequently use the IndyPloy, will be [[FearlessFool too stupid to be afraid of imminent peril]], and will often have a [[AttentionDeficitOohShiny short memory span]]. Despite all of this, they are the [[CrouchingMoronHiddenBadass most effective member of the cast at fighting]]. They will also usually be the [[TheHero leader]] of a [[TheTeam tight-knit group of characters]], despite the fact they don't have the brains to lead a cat out of a paper bag. This is because they are [[TooDumbToFool so stupid as to be incorruptible]], and has the ability to maintain a [[ChildrenAreInnocent childlike innocence]] and faith in people that [[EasyEvangelism inspires those around them]].

* LetsPlay/TacoMan has served as a superhero in both his world and the video game world, despite suffering from a lack of focus and poor video game skills.

* Franchise/SpiderMan's [[ComicStrip/SpiderMan newspaper incarnation]] is most generously described as a bumbling slapstick character who isn't very good at his job. One memorable arc with [[ComicBook/AntMan Ant Man]] has him shrunk down to bug-size. When a tarantula about ten times his size shows up, [[https://i.imgur.com/TIi6L7A.gif Spidey charges ahead because he's "got the proportionate strength of a spider."]] It takes another character to point out that the spider also has the proportionate strength of a spider, and since it's bigger it's "got a lot more of it." [[TooDumbToLive By this time Spider-Man is basically in the tarantula's chompers]].

* Franchise/SpiderMan's [[ComicStrip/SpiderMan newspaper incarnation]] is most generously described as a bumbling slapstick character who isn't very good at his job. One memorable arc with [[ComicBook/AntMan Ant Man]] has him shrunk down to bug-size. When a tarantula about ten times his size shows up, [[https://i.imgur.com/TIi6L7A.gif Spidey charges ahead because he's "got the proportional strength of a spider."]] It takes another character to point out that the spider also has the proportional strength of a spider and so because it's bigger it's "got a lot more of it." [[TooDumbToLive By this time Spider-Man is basically in the tarantula's chompers]].

The Idiot Hero comes in many breeds, like TheFool. The most common variation, known as the StockShonenHero, usually has some idealistic goal in mind. It is usually becoming the "[[ToBeAMaster best warrior ever]]", and is usually much more aggressive when irked. Such a hero/heroine [[InHarmsWay usually enjoys fighting]], and is always looking for a challenge. The only way to actually anger this kind of Idiot Hero will be inevitably to hurt [[{{Protectorate}} one of their friends]], or {{Innocent Bystander}}s. In some cases, their idiocy may become the best weapon to [[SpannerInTheWorks ruin an evil plan inadvertently]].

Tends to overlap with SmallStepsHero (or [[SmallStepsHeroine Heroine]]), being too lacking in ambition or easily distracted to plan anything truly long-term. In their early stages, they may be little more than an InvincibleIncompetent; however, with CharacterDevelopment, the Idiot Hero may [[MessiahCreep mature into]] a MessianicArchetype. The Idiot Hero is usually opposed or rivaled by TheStoic or the AloofBigBrother (or [[AloofBigSister Sister]]). If the Idiot Hero is [[CrouchingMoronHiddenBadass not nearly as aloof when things get serious]], then their stupidity is actually an ObfuscatingStupidity.

TheLancer to the Idiot Hero takes two common forms: either they are a HeroWorshipper willing to look past their obvious drawbacks, or a SourSupporter who acts as his {{Foil}}. In either case, they often act as MrExposition (or MsExposition), [[AsYouKnow explaining the hero/heroine things they really ought to already know]]. Their other TrueCompanions will usually get annoyed or even outright be embarrassed by their presence. But deep down, they know they are the one whom they can depend on to protect them from the evils of the world.

Compare AllLovingHero (or [[AllLovingHeroine Heroine]]), FailureHero (or [[FailureHeroine Heroine]]), NiceJobBreakingItHero, HeroWithAnFInGood, GoodIsDumb, StupidGood, ButtMonkey. Contrast PragmaticHero, GuileHero (or [[GuileHeroine Heroine]]) and ByronicHero (or [[ByronicHeroine Heroine]]). Will frequently be a ManChild (or WomanChild) -- or even a PsychopathicManchild (or [[PsychopathicWomanchild Womanchild]]) if crossed with SociopathicHero. However, that would border on an outright {{Deconstruction}} of the archetype. Can also result in the Idiot Hero being UnintentionallyKarmic to the villain if the villainous plans are foiled because of the ill-fated results of their attempts to give the bad guy friendship or UnwantedAssistance. Genuine competency ''over'' standing idiocy makes a BunnyEarsLawyer.

Could naturally emerge in {{Tabletop RPG}}s as a form of MinMaxing, where the hero/heroine sacrifices intelligence (or at least its [[DumpStat non-combat related aspects]]) for [[SacrificedBasicSkillForAwesomeTraining better ability to fight]].

Compare with AllLovingHero (or [[AllLovingHeroine Heroine]]), FailureHero (or [[FailureHeroine Heroine]]), NiceJobBreakingItHero, HeroWithAnFInGood, GoodIsDumb, StupidGood, and ButtMonkey. Contrast with PragmaticHero, GuileHero (or [[GuileHeroine Heroine]]), and ByronicHero (or [[ByronicHeroine Heroine]]). Will frequently be a ManChild (or WomanChild) -- or even a PsychopathicManchild (or [[PsychopathicWomanchild Womanchild]]) if crossed with SociopathicHero. However, that would border on an outright {{Deconstruction}} of the archetype. Can also result in the Idiot Hero being UnintentionallyKarmic to the villain if the villainous plans are foiled because of the ill-fated results of their attempts to give the bad guy friendship or UnwantedAssistance. Genuine competency ''over'' standing idiocy makes a BunnyEarsLawyer.

The Idiot Hero is a common character in action series. Often, they are both TheProtagonist and the central character of the narrative. They will frequently use the IndyPloy, will be [[FearlessFool too stupid to be afraid of imminent peril]], and will often have a [[AttentionDeficitOohShiny short memory span]]. Despite all of this, they are the [[CrouchingMoronHiddenBadass most effective member of the cast at fighting]]. They will also usually be the [[TheHero leader]] of a [[TheTeam tight-knit group of characters]], despite the fact they don't have the brains to lead a cat out of a paper bag. This is because they are [[TooDumbToFool so stupid as to be incorruptible]], and has the ability to maintain a [[ChildrenAreInnocent childlike innocence]] and faith in people that [[EasyEvangelism inspires those around them]].

Compare with AllLovingHero (or [[AllLovingHeroine Heroine]]), FailureHero (or [[FailureHeroine Heroine]]), NiceJobBreakingItHero, HeroWithAnFInGood, GoodIsDumb, StupidGood, and ButtMonkey. Contrast with PragmaticHero, GuileHero (or [[GuileHeroine Heroine]]), and ByronicHero (or [[ByronicHeroine Heroine]]). Will frequently be a ManChild (or WomanChild) -- or even a PsychopathicManchild (or [[PsychopathicWomanchild Womanchild]]) if crossed with SociopathicHero. However, that would border on an outright {{Deconstruction}} of the archetype. Can also result in the Idiot Hero being UnintentionallyKarmic to the villain if the villainous plans are foiled because of the ill-fated results of their attempts to give the bad guy friendship or UnwantedAssistance.

* The main protagonists of ''Fanfic/MyBravePonyStarfleetMagic''. [[WhatAnIdiot/MyBravePonyStarfleetMagic There's an entire page dedicated to listing every example of their (and other character's) stupidity]].

Compare with AllLovingHero (or [[AllLovingHeroine Heroine]]), FailureHero (or [[FailureHeroine Heroine]]), NiceJobBreakingItHero, HeroWithAnFInGood, GoodIsDumb, StupidGood, and ButtMonkey. Contrast with PragmaticHero, GuileHero (or [[GuileHeroine Heroine]]), and ByronicHero (or [[ByronicHeroine Heroine]]). Will frequently be a ManChild (or WomanChild) -- or even a PsychopathicManchild (or [[PsychopathicWomanchild Womanchild]]) if crossed with SociopathicHero. However, that would border on an outright {{Deconstruction}} of the archetype.

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* ''ComicStrip/{{Bananaman}}'' is the SuperPoweredAlterEgo of schoolboy Eric Wimp. He's a FlyingBrick with "the muscles of twenty men" but also "the brains of twenty mussels".

-->'''Spider-Man:''' "Yeah, guess I should have figured that out - for myself!"

* Lord Vidar in ''Radio/ElvenQuest''.

* LetsPlay/TacoMan has served as a superhero in both his world and the video game world, despite suffering from a lack of focus and poor video game skills.

* Sparadrap from ''Franchise/{{Noob}}'' moves from TheFool to this over the course of the story. The earliest signs appear in the webseries when he gets angry over enemies threatening to hurt his friends and his idealistic goal emerges when [[spoiler:some of the friends in question leave the guild and he gets obsessed with Putting The Band Back Together. The power vaccum caused by the departures has also made him master of what's left of the guild]].
* Tobuscus in the Wizards Game. In fact, if he animated it, you can be reasonably sure of this.
* Wayne from ''WebVideo/{{Vigilant}}'' is a failure in every aspect of his life, repeatedly testing fate. And yet, he is the central protagonist of the show.

* Deconstructed in-universe in ''Fanfic/StallionOfTheLine'': [[Manga/RanmaOneHalf Ranma Saotome]] is recruited by [[Manga/AhMyGoddess Urd and Belldandy]] to replace [[Manga/OnePiece Monkey D. Luffy's]] original soul. This is because Luffy's inability to use his brain and his fists invariably led to him failing and bringing great calamity to the world.

* IdiotHero/{{Comics}}

Tends to overlap with SmallStepsHero, being too lacking in ambition or easily distracted to plan anything truly long-term. In their early stages, they may be little more than an InvincibleIncompetent; however, with CharacterDevelopment, the Idiot Hero may [[MessiahCreep mature into]] a MessianicArchetype. The Idiot Hero is usually opposed or rivaled by TheStoic or the AloofBigBrother (or [[AloofBigSister sister]]). If the Idiot Hero is [[CrouchingMoronHiddenBadass not nearly as aloof when things get serious]], then their stupidity is actually an ObfuscatingStupidity.

* Deconstructed in-universe in ''Fanfic/StallionOfTheLine'': [[Manga/RanmaOneHalf Ranma Saotome]] is recruited by [[Manga/AhMyGoddess Urd and Belldandy]] to replace [[Manga/OnePiece Monkey D. Luffy's]] original soul because Luffy's inability to use his brain as well as his fists invariably led to him failing and bringing great calamity to the world.

[[caption-width-right:198:[[TooDumbToLive Hopefully, he'll]] [[TitleDrop get smart]].]]

The Idiot Hero is a common character in action series. Often, he or she is both TheProtagonist and the central character of the narrative. He will frequently use the IndyPloy, will be [[FearlessFool too stupid to be afraid of imminent peril]], and will often have a [[TheDitz short memory span]]. Despite all of this, he is the [[CrouchingMoronHiddenBadass most effective member of the cast at fighting]]. He will also usually be the [[TheHero leader]] of a [[TheTeam tight-knit group of characters]], despite the fact that he doesn't have the brains to lead a cat out of a paper bag. This is because he's [[TooDumbToFool so stupid as to be incorruptible]], and has the ability to maintain a [[ChildrenAreInnocent childlike innocence]] and faith in people that [[EasyEvangelism inspires those around him]].

The Idiot Hero comes in many breeds, such as TheFool. The most common variation, known as the StockShonenHero, usually has some idealistic goal in mind, usually becoming the "[[ToBeAMaster best warrior ever]]", and is usually much more aggressive when irked. Such a hero [[InHarmsWay usually enjoys fighting]], and is always looking for a challenge. The only way to actually anger this kind of Idiot Hero will be inevitably to hurt [[{{Protectorate}} one of their friends]], or {{Innocent Bystander}}s. In some cases, his idiocy may become the best weapon to [[SpannerInTheWorks ruin an evil plan inadvertently]].

Tends to overlap with SmallStepsHero, being too lacking in ambition or easily distracted to plan anything truly long-term. In his early stages, he may be little more than an InvincibleIncompetent; however, with CharacterDevelopment, the Idiot Hero may [[MessiahCreep mature into]] a MessianicArchetype. The Idiot Hero is usually opposed or rivaled by TheStoic or the AloofBigBrother. If the Idiot Hero is [[CrouchingMoronHiddenBadass not nearly as aloof when things get serious]], then his stupidity is actually an ObfuscatingStupidity.

TheLancer to the Idiot Hero takes two common forms: either they are a HeroWorshipper willing to look past his obvious drawbacks, or a SourSupporter who acts as his {{Foil}}. In either case, they often act as MrExposition, [[AsYouKnow explaining the hero things he really ought to already know]]. His other TrueCompanions will usually get annoyed or [[AllOfTheOtherReindeer even outright be embarrassed by his presence]], but deep down, they know he is the one whom they can depend on to protect them from the evils of the world.

Compare with AllLovingHero, FailureHero, NiceJobBreakingItHero, HeroWithAnFInGood, GoodIsDumb, StupidGood and ButtMonkey. Contrast with PragmaticHero, GuileHero and ByronicHero. Will frequently be a ManChild -- or even a PsychopathicManchild if crossed with SociopathicHero, although that would border on an outright {{Deconstruction}} of the archetype.

Could naturally emerge in {{Tabletop RPG}}s as a form of MinMaxing, where the hero sacrifices intelligence (or at least its [[DumpStat non-combat related aspects]]) for [[SacrificedBasicSkillForAwesomeTraining better ability to kick ass.]]

* Franchise/SpiderMan's [[ComicStrip/SpiderMan newspaper incarnation]] is most generously described as a bumbling slapstick character who isn't very good at his job. One memorable arc with [[ComicBook/AntMan Ant Man]] has him shrunk down to bug-size. When a tarantula about ten times his size shows up, [[https://i.imgur.com/TIi6L7A.gif Spidey charges ahead because he's "got the proportional strength of a spider."]] It takes another character to point out that the spider also has the proportional strength of a spider and so because it's bigger it's "got a lot more of it." [[TooDumbToLive By this time Spider-Man is pretty much in the tarantula's chompers]].

* For the most part, this trope tends to be averted when possible in fanfiction for a variety of reasons DependingOnTheWriter.

* The main protagonists of ''Fanfic/MyBravePonyStarfleetMagic''. [[WhatAnIdiot/MyBravePonyStarfleetMagic There's an entire page dedicated to listing every example of their complete ineptitude.]]

* Stinkoman, from the ''WebAnimation/HomestarRunner 20X6'' setting, can be seen as a parody of this character type.
** It's entirely possible that Homestar Runner himself started off as one of these when he was first created. However, character development exaggerated the idiot part while diminishing the "hero" part. He's still a well-meaning guy, if thoughtless.

* ''WebVideo/DragonBallZAbridged'' turned Goku into a ''major'' idiot hero. It's implied that Goku's status was caused by brain damage from his fights coupled by moments of Goku being unable to breathe (Freeza trying to drown him and Goku's inability to stop screaming in abject pain when the heart disease hits).

Not to be confused with IdiotHair, though the two may overlap.

!!Examples

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* IdiotHero/WebComics