What is a hero?

When most people think about heroes, they think about people with extra attributes including cool costumes, extraordinary abilities, and saviors of the town or world. Don't get me wrong. I used to think that too. I still do. I really enjoy reading comics and watching movies about these "heroes"; however, what people don't understand is that the term, "Hero", is a very broad topic. I say this because growing up, there have been real-life heroes all around and they don't need to wear a mask or costume to say otherwise. I'm talking about firemen, police, doctors, activists, high school principals, etc. Why are these people, heroes? Because they each serve a certain purpose of making their communities safer for people to live in. Real heroes trust their guts when something isn't right around them. Real heroes put others before themselves when it is most necessary. Real heroes demonstrate courage and are not afraid to do the right thing, even if others don't agree with them. These are only a few of the details that make a hero what he or she is. In short, I believe a hero requires specific attributes and traits to make them what they are.