Everyman

For other uses, see Everyman (disambiguation)}}}.

In literature and drama, the term everyman has come to mean an ordinary individual, with whom the audience or reader is supposed to be able to identify, and who is often placed in extraordinary circumstances. The name derives from a 16th century English morality play called Everyman.

Particularly, in adventure type stories, the hero or main character is often an idealistic personality who possesses charm, charisma, exceptional intelligence, sex appeal, and a multitude of talents (for example James Bond) that help them through their adventures. Such characters are expected to and usually do win at every scenario they encounter. The everyman character, however, is written so that the reader or audience can imagine themselves in the same situation without having to possess knowledge, skills, and abilities outside their everyday experience. Also, such characters react realistically in situations that are often taken for granted with traditional heroes. For example, an everyman character (unless he happens to be a pugilist) who gets into a fight is likely to hurt his hand if he punches someone in the face.

Everyman

See also