What is a hero? Is it an astronaut who gets a big parade when they come home? Is it a firefighter who risks their life to save a child from a burning building? Is it a social worker who helps people put their lives together? All three could be considered heroes because they do difficult things, often in dangerous situations. The dictionary says that a hero is a person who is admired because they did something great. Heroes are people who show strength, courage, and grace under fire.