The heroes of Tales are as distinct as the games they come from, but if you search deep enough similarities can be found. None of the heroes are perfect knights in shining armor. They are often common people and all of them have their fair share of faults and weaknesses. They start off their journeys ignorant about their wide worlds and learn through mistakes and hardships how to grow, letting their determination, bravery, and heart shine through.

Stahn Aileron of Tales of Destiny wants nothing more than to escape his mundane country life. One day, Stahn decides to take a leap and run away from his hometown. He begins his voyage as a captured stowaway on the airship, Draconis. Stahn display a less than impressive display of intelligence, a trait found in many Tales heroes, and is often the object of jokes and pranks, especially from his traveling companions. But what he lacks in academic smarts, he more than makes up in courage and passion. Still, it is his simplistic mental wavelength that wins a partnership with the legendary elemental weapon Dymlos. With Dymlos at his side, Stahn leaves his isolated country life behind and he adventures across the world in pursuit of a powerful war relic that could destroy the world.

Tales of Symphonia's Lloyd Irving is an excellent example of a hero who goes through a notable personal growth. Like Stahn, Lloyd may not be the brightest hero in the Tales series, but has street smarts, fierce loyalty, strong will, and expert dual sword-wielding skills. When he discovers his close friend, Colette Brunel, is the Chosen One of Sylvarant, he decides to accompany her while she undergoes the Journey of World Regeneration. At the start of the journey, Lloyd is rash and possesses a very limited understanding of the world's conflict, which causes him to make a regrettable mistake. It is only after experiencing his adventure that he establishes himself as a more thoughtful person and understands the world around him.

Another hero who has a noticeable transformation is Tales of the Abyss's very own amnesiac, Luke fon Fabre. Luke begins his tale as a selfish, sword-obsessed only child who can't remember the first ten years of his childhood. Luke's sheltered life takes a drastic turn when he protects his mentor, Van, from an assassination attempt by Tear Grants; the blocked attack triggers a hyper-resonance between Luke and Tear, teleporting them to another country, the Malkuth Empire. During his accidental journey guided by Tear, Luke discovers himself and his raison d'etre, turning away from his selfish past and strengthening his resolve to save the world from destruction, twice.

Perhaps the character that most captures the essence of a Tales hero is Emil Castagnier of Tales of Symphonia: Dawn of the New World. Two years after Lloyd Irving's success, Emil is orphaned when Lloyd kills his parents in an event known as the Purge of Blood. Sent to live with his aunt and uncle, he beings the tale as a coward, shying away from any argument. Emil sheds his timid ways to protect a young girl in distress named Marta Lualdi. The girl bears the Ratatosk Core, which stores the dormant spirit of Ratatosk, the Demon Lord. With Ratatosk asleep, the world is thrown into chaos as drastic elemental changes morph the land. It's up to Emil to discover his full potential and restore balance to the world.

While beginnings and experiences vary from hero to hero, all the characters covered here embody what it takes to be the leading character of a Tales series. None of the heroes are ideal beings, but that is what allows players to connect with each character. As these protagonists travel on their individual adventures, they find what it takes to be a true hero, becoming the beloved leaders of the Tales universe.