“The real problem with being around James was that he was always the hero. And what did that make you? Either the sidekick or the villain.”
Source: The Magicians
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Lev Grossman 45
American novelist, journalist 1969Related quotes
“You either die a hero or live long enough to see yourself become the villain.”
Character Harvey Dent
Source: "Why Are They Laughing In Those Cages?", in Travels in Hyperreality : Essays (1986), Ch. III : The Gods of the Underworld, p. 122
Context: The real hero is always a hero by mistake; he dreams of being an honest coward like everybody else. If it had been possible he would have settled the matter otherwise, and without bloodshed.
Context: The real hero is always a hero by mistake; he dreams of being an honest coward like everybody else. If it had been possible he would have settled the matter otherwise, and without bloodshed. He doesn't boast of his own death or of others'. But he does not repent. He suffers and keeps his mouth shut; if anything, others then exploit him, making him a myth, while he, the man worthy of esteem, was only a poor creature who reacted with dignity and courage in an event bigger than he was.
“Wars, conflict, it's all business. "One murder makes a villain. Millions a hero."”
Numbers sanctify.
Monsieur Verdoux (1947); Chaplin in this line is quoting an older statement of Bishop Beilby Porteus: "One murder makes a villain. Millions a hero."
“Live as a villain, die as a hero”
Source: Wall and Piece
TV appearances
“Why did he get himself killed for us?" "Because he was a hero. And that is what heroes do.”
Source: Drenai series, The King Beyond the Gate, Ch. 20
Context: "We irritated him, he told me. Why did he get himself killed for us?" "Because he was a hero. And that is what heroes do. You understand?"
“Where there are villains, there will be heroes. Just wait. They will come.”
Source: Steelheart
