Samuel Ayomide APATA

African countries during 18-19th centuries have been challenged by the problem of colonisation. During this period the need for heroes that can lead the African societies to freedom from the colonizers is the people's goal. Hence this essay draws a comparative analysis of different models of heroism portrayed by Ngugi wa Thiong'o to show and prove the standard model that actually leads people to liberation and freedom. This research uses the lens of postcolonial theory to reveal the standard model which Ngugi portrayed in his plays namely The Trial of Dedan kimathi and The Black Hermit. He argued that the standard model for a hero should be that of Kimathi who is selfless, fused, revolutionary and ready to sacrifice, not the alienated, tragic, selfish, and paralyzed model of heroism that Remi embodies. More also he showed us that heroism is not found in an individualistic effort (The Black Hermit) but found in a collective effort (The Trial of Dedan kimathi).