Every person that has ever read a classic sword and sorcery story knows that there is a specific definition of a hero. Chivalrous, brave, and male only begin to scratch the surface of what a hero should be. Is it possible to not possess the characteristics of responsibility and selflessness and still be a hero? Perhaps it is. Bilbo Baggins, a not so modest hobbit, could quite possibly be the hero that isn't really a hero, the anti-hero; someone that others think possesses these qualities, but beyond those opinions, really does not. There are instances throughout the text of The Hobbit where Bilbo does appear to support the argument of his heroism. However, a few pages or sentences later his faults as a hero become apparent, although he is still perceived as heroic. Upon examination of such instances, it becomes much easier to see Bilbo's strengths and weaknesses as a hero.
What is a hero? According to a standard Webster's dictionary definition a hero is "a person noted for feats of courage or nobility of purpose, especially one who has risked or sacrificed his or her life." Although most general in nature, this definition encompasses other characteristics not directly described including, but not limited to, honesty, respectful (and respected), modest, selfless, responsible, independent and adventurous. On a rather obvious opposite hand, there is the anti-hero, defined by the Concise Oxford Dictionary as "a central character in a story, film, or drama who lacks conventional heroic attributes." .
At first glance, Bilbo does not appear to fill the shoes of the hero in the least. His first impression is of a disrespectful, adventure-hating hobbit. While greeting Gandalf at his door, he does not display the sort of respect a man such as Gandalf deserves, let alone the respect a hero would assume any person worthy of receiving. ""Good morning," he said at last. "We don't want any adventures here, thank you!".
