Tankman,...a simple common man holding up a column of tanks with nothing but grocieries. Especially, after the Chinese government massacres the night before. That is a real life hero who's image is a rallying cry for freedom and individualisim.
Other good non-fiction hero's; Lord George Byron, who argued in Parliment for peoples rights against inhuman tide of the industrial revolution and died fighting for Greek independence from Turks.
Monica Seles for her indomitable will and grace after a brutal attack and unfair insensitive treatment from her peers.
Founders of the United States, Ben, George, Alexander, John, Thomas and the rest of the crew of much maligned, "dead white guys" who had the courage to challange a tyrant against what seemed insurmountable odds to create a country that gives the freedom to individuals to have heroes.
Some great fictional heroes for me....
Tom from Uncle Tom's Cabin.
Huck Finn from Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.
Cyrano De Bergerac.
Odysseus and Diomedes
and Captain James T. Kirk...as portrayed by the ONLY man who can play him,...Bill "the thrill" Shatner.