Heroes are often described as physically attractive, strong and intelligent characters, with a flair for grand gestures and an eloquent talent for stringing words together. The fundamental aspects of what defines a hero are conveniently glossed over. People forget that heroes often lead lives of quiet determination. When they have an idea, a goal that they want to achieve, they ignite a spark within them that turns into an uncontrollable fire, which only success can tame. The manufactured image of the hero is so deeply ingrained in society that quiet heroes of literature, like Jefferson in A Lesson Before Dying, are often forgotten, or the misdeeds of cowards like Frankenstein are overlooked. Jefferson is the literary flagship of Victor Frankenstein, because he has a solid morality that allows him to become a hero, while Victor Frankenstein is a weak and indecisive character. A hero is defined by his ability to complete a task despite the obstacles that stand in his way, as well as his courage and, ultimately, he accepts any responsibility that may come his way. Jefferson is a hero to the black community because he perseveres and takes a stand for them in his final moments, while Victor Frankenstein immediately abandons the creature he worked for for years, due to its unsightly appearance. Jefferson's sacrifice for the black community is heroic because he has no emotional connection to the majority of them. However, he realizes that his death has the power to unleash hope; a great force with unstoppable momentum. By rejecting the “pig” label imposed on him by a white lawyer, he can give people hope. If he, the lowest of the low, can throw off the chains imposed on him by the medium of paper, the sense of duty is so mutilated by fear that it is practically non-existent. Jefferson is the epitome of a hero, for the harmonious blend of his Unfortunately, Victor Frankenstein is the exact opposite. He must take care of the creature as much as he can; he unknowingly accepted this responsibility the moment he began his foray into galvanism. However, his cowardice taints any semblance of perseverance and responsibility. Heroism is not so much about battling external challenges as it is about battling personal demons. Heroism is about fighting the inner beast within oneself; fighting the natural human desire to take the easy way out. Jefferson succeeds in overcoming his basic condition, where Victor Frankenstein succumbs to it entirely. True heroes are rare, because heroism goes beyond the limits of personal glory and gain, which are the very embodiment of being human..