The romantic hero possesses a self awareness, an observation of inner thoughts and conscious desires. Introspection involves the hero contemplating and examining his self and his soul. By contemplating and becoming conscious of inner thoughts and feelings, the hero starts to understand himself, while learning more about his purpose and nature.
Often as a result of self-contemplation, the romantic hero will always be willing to identify and criticize his own thoughts, actions and behavior. Regret for his own actions is common. This quality is part of the hero's learning and development throughout the story.
The hero will always have a strong desire to travel, wander and explore the world. Every Romantic hero in literature is portrayed as adventurous, exploratory and hungry for world travel.
Usually, due to a hatred of human norms and conventions, and as a character who faces rejection and craves isolation, the romantic hero will be depicted as quite the "misanthrope": a person who dislikes and distrusts the human being and all human nature.
The romantic hero is often the subject of social estrangement and isolation from his world, a feeling of estrangement between himself and the objective world around him. The alienation of the hero comes from intense feelings of separation and a sense of not belonging.
Fitzwilliam Darcy is one of the two main characters in Jane Austen's novel, "Pride and Prejudice." As a man seemingly alienated and above those around him, he is critical of others and of himself while appearing as a reserved, mysterious introvert. Darcy is a classic literary example of the Romantic hero.
Edmond Dantes from Alexander Dumas' classic work, "The Count of Monte Cristo," is the central figure in the story. Dumas' portrayal of Dantes is of an adventurous and intelligent introvert, who explores himself deeply throughout the novel. Here, we are exposed to a rebellious and deeply Romantic hero.