History Main / TheCape

SubTrope to IdealHero. Note that while there is significant overlap between the two archetypes, they can best be differentiated by their subtle expressions: an Ideal Hero is someone with an iron-clad understanding of right and wrong that's always aligned with what helps the most people.

Meanwhile, The Cape is more accurately described as "The People's Hero," with a more wholesome and approachable demeanor, who inspires others, and tries to get them to believe in themselves.

Capes are contrasted with the UsefulNotes/TheDarkAgeOfComicBooks which saw the emergence of vigilantes and {{Anti Hero}}es who have become more extreme (sometimes to ludicrous effect), mainly as a response to the perception of comic books as "kid stuff." Nearly all SuperHero series eventually address the idea that Capes and {{Badass Normal}}s have unspoken issues: Capes can impose their morality because they have the power to back them up. In a setting where Capes and Anti-Heroes coexist, the former usually consider the latter to be unstable, amoral {{Smug Super}}s. In more [[SlidingScaleOfIdealismVersusCynicism cynical]] universes, the SmugSuper might consider himself to be a Cape, but very much isn't.

* All Might of ''Manga/MyHeroAcademia'' is an AffectionateParody of this trope while also managing to play it straight. He is a typical [[UsefulNotes/TheSilverAgeOfComicBooks Silver Age]] SuperHero who also happens to be the world's most powerful hero as well as being considered the "symbol of peace" and the main source of inspiration not only for the main character, but also several other ones. Also somewhat of a DeconstructedCharacterArchetype since a critical wound has left him unable to maintain his powers or appearance for more than a short time, which is a secret to the general populace so he has to limit his power usage for the sake of keeping up his image. Adding to the {{Deconstruction}} is the fact that InUniverse he has set the bar for being a hero so outrageously high that numerous characters develop inferiority complexes from not being able to measure up. And then [[spoiler: he retires, due to [[DePower losing his powers entirely]] in the process of defeating the most powerful villain in the world, prompting all sort of other villains who were previously too afraid to act to come out of the woodwork]].

* The unashamedly corny and [[UsefulNotes/TheSilverAgeOfComicBooks Silver-Agey]] Lady Spectra of ''Webcomic/LadySpectraAndSparky''.

** In ''Comicbook/SupermanBrainiac'', Jonathan Kent explains that his son's real and greatest power is not being mightier than a locomotive or faster than a speeding bullet.

* ''Comicbook/{{Supergirl}}'' is traditionally very much a Cape.

** Kara died a hero in the ''Comicbook/CrisisOnInfiniteEarths''. When the Anti-Monitor attempted to destroy TheMultiverse, she sacrificed her own life so that her cousin might live. In so doing, however, she severely set back the Anti-Monitor's plans, making victory possible for the heroes of the surviving Earths. The greatest tragedy of all, however, was that with the destruction of the Multiverse and changes to the timestream, Kara was erased from history, and no one at all remembered her heroic life and death. And still she accepted this, though, because she accomplished her goal: save them all.

** New 52 Supergirl didn't want to hurt anyone and was willing to help people, but her obsession with bringing Krypton back and her anger and loneliness issues were holding her back. During the ''Comicbook/RedDaughterOfKrypton'' arc she finally faced her inner demons and outgrew her angst and anger. When ''Comicbook/SupergirlRebirth'' starts out, she has become the kind of hero who will punch criminals and monsters but also try to reach out to them.

* [[ComicBook/{{Batgirl 2000}} Batgirl II Cassandra Cain]] is a very surprising example of a Cape. If you only read her ''very'' troubled backstory, you'd think she'd be an AntiHeroSubstitute for Barbara Gordon as ''Comicbook/{{Batgirl}}''. But her experiences shaped her into being a very idealistic character instead of an anti-hero. This is mostly because she views Batman more as a ''symbol'' than a person, and in many ways upholds Batman's edicts better than the man himself. Even with her communication problems, she has enough charisma she can inspire others around her simply by being a hero.

* In ''ComicBook/{{Irredeemable}}'', the Plutonian was seen as one of these until his FaceHeelTurn. The comic book series is essentially exploring what would happen both if Comicbook/{{Superman}} went bad and, by extension, what would happen if someone who ultimately did not have the moral fibre to be The Cape was given this role.
* Bright, Cheery, Mentally-Sound Man from ''WebComic/DarkBroodingMentallyDisturbedMan''. An "evil" counterpart to DBMD Man (even though they are both vaguely good-ish), BCMS Man is trusting and gentle to a fault. In that he believes violence is not the answer when dealing with armed lunatics and gives mad scientists a stern talking to before escorting them back to their hidden volcano bases to think about what they have done.
* The eponymous ''Comicbook/{{Empowered}}'' might well qualify. For all her faults and frailties, she knows what is right, and will go to tremendous lengths to do just that. [[spoiler:In the last story in volume 5, she is willing to very probably die to save Mindf*** , and she only slightly knows the other woman. Mindf*** had to resort to using ''mind control'' to force Empowered to save herself instead.]]

* Comicbook/{{X 23}} is increasingly showing aspects of this, as opposed to her [[Comicbook/{{Wolverine}} genetic father's]] [[TheCowl cowl]]. This has become especially noticeable in the aftermath of ''The Death of Wolverine'', first in her issue of self-reflection of ''The Logan Legacy'', and particularly during ''Comicbook/{{Wolverines}}''; Laura rescues Fantomelle from Siphon because it is the ''right'' thing to do, not just because the group needs her. [[spoiler: And when she later realizes that Siphon is as much a victim as the rest of the Paradise experiments, she manages to talk both Comicbook/{{Blade}} ''and'' Comicbook/{{Daken}} out of killing him in order to try and ''help'' him, even though she would be fully justified putting him down due to the immense threat he presents.]] Notably, when Laura [[Comicbook/AllNewXMen visits the Ultimate Universe]] and learns the origin of mutants in that reality, she actually starts to ''break down'' in frustration that no matter where she goes because she cannot find something ''noble'' to aspire to.

* In an age when so many of Marvel's old guard heroes are being depicted as [[Comicbook/TheIlluminati morally compromised]] [[Comicbook/CivilWar2006 for the sake of drama,]] Kamala Khan, the new [[Comicbook/MsMarvel2014 Ms. Marvel,]] is one of the most stand-up and earnest heroes around, and the citizens of Jersey City are generally very proud of their hometown hero in a way that's rare in the Marvel Universe.
* The Creator/{{Wildstorm}} universe has ComicBook/MrMajestic, who is basically that universe's equivalent of Superman, except that he's a former alien warlord, and thus takes a more militaristic approach to fighting injustice.

* ''Fanfic/SOE2LoneHeirOfKrypton'': The real point of this story is Asuka donning the ''Comicbook/{{Supergirl}}'' identity and growing out of being an immature kid and into this trope and as well as an IdealHero.

** Son Goku of ''Manga/DragonBall'', especially in later stories. He flies on a cloud that only supports the pure of heart; he is a firm believer that RousseauWasRight, always sparing his enemies and often [[DefeatMeansFriendship turning them into friends]]. He respects the pride of an individual, yet draws the line when that pride would hurt others; he always keeps his promise, no matter how little he understood when making it; and, above all, he never demands recognition or fame, instead preferring to live quietly and discreetly with his wife and sons, and then emerge from nothingness when the world—or even the universe—needs saving once more.

* ''Manga/FireForce'': Shinra looks like a central casting choice for, at best, an AntiHero: [[RedEyesTakeWarning red eyes]], [[MoreTeethThanTheOsmondFamily a shark-like grin]] (with a tendency to come out at inappropriate times), and [[PlayingWithFire a power]] literally named [[NamesToRunAwayFromReallyFast "The Devil's Footprints"]]. However, he is very much this trope, with a selfless desire to help and protect those around him.

* In an age when so many of Marvel's old guard heroes are being depicted as [[Comicbook/TheIlluminati morally compromised]] [[Comicbook/CivilWar for the sake of drama,]] Kamala Khan, the new [[Comicbook/MsMarvel2014 Ms. Marvel,]] is one of the most stand-up and earnest heroes around, and the citizens of Jersey City are generally very proud of their hometown hero in a way that's rare in the Marvel Universe.

Meanwhile, the Cape is more accurately described as "The People's Hero," with a more wholesome and approachable demeanor, who inspires others, and tries to get them to believe in themselves.

SubTrope to IdealHero. Notes that while there is significant overlap between the two archetypes, they can best be differentiated by their subtle expressions: an Ideal Hero is someone with an iron-clad understanding of right and wrong that's always aligned with what helps the most people.

* ''Franchise/{{Superman}}'':

** In the {{Novelization}} of ''ComicBook/KingdomCome'', Franchise/WonderWoman probes his reasons for being so visible. He easily could have done all of his superhero work anonymously instead of "showing off like Apollo". Superman replied that he felt that "an ounce of prevention" would do more good preventing crime. She counters that that was the source of all of the other metahumans' desire to do good—through ''his'' example.

* Oddly enough, the classic Cape on ''WesternAnimation/JusticeLeagueUnlimited'' is not Franchise/{{Superman}}, but Golden-Age boy scout [[ComicBook/{{Shazam}} Captain Marvel]]. The series also frequently has subplots involving Superman's motivations and temptations despite being The Cape everyone looks up to.

* Franchise/TheFlash Barry Allen. A CSI with SuperSpeed powers, a trained police officer, and founding member of the ComicBook/JusticeLeague, he sacrificed himself to save the multiverse in a last ditch attempt to defeat the Anti-Monitor, this was one of the longest lasting comicbook hero deaths until he came back in ''ComicBook/FinalCrisis''.
* Franchise/{{Batman}} holds himself to enough standards that he is often closer to this than an AntiHero, just more on the pragmatic side. But regardless, there's a reason his comics are the TropeNamer for JokerImmunity.

* Franchise/SpiderMan is Marvel's second greatest Capeless Cape after Captain America; he radiates the ideals of responsibility and hope for others. He once was originally a young man whose goal was just to get into university and study science, but while on an excursion to a museum he was bitten by a radioactive spider, giving him super-powers. After he discovers the responsibility that comes with the power he now possesses, he protects his city and loved ones from whatever may threaten them. Like Cap, Spidey is one of the most trusted and beloved heroes in the franchise, and one of the friendliest and most selfless of the entire heroic roster. Many heroes, including Cap, enjoy his presence, along with his heroism, determination and lightheartedness, due to the fact he is [[TheHeart the heart]] of the Marvel Universe.

* Franchise/WonderWoman, up until that business with Max Lord was used to make her DarkerAndEdgier, has always been an ideal loving hero who strives to help everyone, even her own villains.

* ''Fanfic/LastChildOfKrypton'': [[spoiler:''[[Franchise/{{Superman}} Jor-El]]'' sends the rocket to Earth hoping helping them and guiding them this way.]] As he grows up Shinji aspires to be a good person and help people as much as he can. This mindset helps him to overcome some of his childhood traumas and become Superman. When someone says he can not fight fate, he replies "You watch me".

** Of course, Atlas did start out as, and remained, pretty much the closest thing they had to The Cape. This was even lampshaded when Astra comments you could have put a [[Franchise/{{Superman}} big S on his chest]] and dared someone to claim it wasn't appropriate. However, it's subtly deconstructed by implying that Atlas feels a great amount of pressure to live up to people's expectations of the Cape and would have become rather burnt-out if not for [[MoralityPet Astra]].

* Wrestling/{{WWE}} wrestler The Hurricane is, essentially, Franchise/{{Superman}} meets the Franchise/GreenLantern by way of [[Series/Batman1966 Adam West]].

** A much less publicized character called Countdown is, if possible, even more so. He's no more powerful than Optimus (though his recent Ultra-class figure gives ridiculous statistics for him), but in attitude, morality, determination, intelligence, and so on, he's sort of a cross between [[Series/StarTrekTheNextGeneration Captain Picard]], Franchise/{{Superman}}, Thor (from ''Series/StargateSG1''), and Carl Sagan.

*** He tends to come off when well written as something of a JerkWithAHeartOfGold. Though he is basically an {{Expy}} fusion of Franchise/{{Superman}} and ComicBook/CaptainAmerica (backstory by the way of Captain Marvel) after all.

* The Franchise/{{Pokemon}} Palafin introduced in ''VideoGame/PokemonScarletAndViolet'' is essentially a dolphin version of Superman, complete with mild-mannered secret identity, which has pathetic stats and looks near-identical to its pre-evolved form, Finizen. [[SecretIdentityChangeTrick You must switch it out mid-battle and then switch it back in to give it time to change into costume]], at which point it will have stats on par with or even ''exceeding'' that of most legendary Pokémon.

* Samaritan in ''ComicBook/AstroCity''.

-->-- '''Creator/GrantMorrison''' on Franchise/{{Superman}}

* While it is possible that all of the superheroes displayed in ''WesternAnimation/TheIncredibles'' can qualify as this, Mr. Incredible and Syndrome's dynamic can qualify as a deconstruction of this trope. Mr. Incredible is shown to be a popular and inspiring hero, having many flattering articles of his super heroics, a fan club and even a key to the city of Metroville given to him by the mayor. This leads to him inspiring his "number one fan" Buddy to want to become a superhero just like him and trying to be his sidekick "Incrediboy." Because Mr. Incredible only wants to work alone (or, maybe more importantly, had just had a long day "at the office" which Buddy [[UnwantedAssistance did not make any easier]]), he inadvertently crushes the boy's dreams in an attempt to keep him safe, leading to him to becoming a sociopathic super''villain'' whose plot is to become a superhero in the eyes of the public. This involves killing off various veteran heroes, unleashing a giant robot into populated areas and then "stopping it", as a bastardization of The Cape.

* While it is possible that all of the superheroes displayed in ''WesternAnimation/TheIncredibles'' can qualify as this, Mr. Incredible and Syndrome's dynamic can qualify as a deconstruction of this trope. Mr. Incredible is shown to be a popular and inspiring hero, having many flattering articles of his super heroics, a fan club and even a key to the city of Metroville given to him by the mayor. This leads to him inspiring his "number one fan" Buddy to want to become a superhero just like him and trying to be his sidekick "Incrediboy." Because Mr. Incredible only wants to work alone (or, maybe more importantly, had just had a long day "at the office" which Buddy [[StopHelpingMe did not make any easier]]), he inadvertently crushes the boy's dreams in an attempt to keep him safe, leading to him to becoming a sociopathic super''villain'' who's plot is to become a superhero in the eyes of the public involves killing off various veteran heroes, unleashing a giant robot into populated areas and then "stopping it", become a bastardization of The Cape.

[[folder:Film -- Animation]]
* While it is possible that all of the superheroes displayed in ''WesternAnimation/TheIncredibles'' can qualify as this, Mr. Incredible and Syndrome's dynamic can qualify as a deconstruction of this trope. Mr. Incredible is shown to be a popular and inspiring hero, having many flattering articles of his super heroics, a fan club and even a key to the city of Metroville given to him by the mayor. This leads to him inspiring his "number one fan" Buddy to want to become a superhero just like him and trying to be his sidekick "Incrediboy." Because Mr. Incredible only wants to work alone (or, maybe more importantly, had just had a long day "at the office" which Buddy [[StopHelpingMe did not make any easier]]), he inadvertently crushes the boy's dreams in an attempt to keep him safe, leading to him to becoming a sociopathic super''villain'' who's plot is to become a superhero in the eyes of the public involves killing off various veteran heroes, unleashing a giant robot into populated areas and then "stopping it", become a bastardization of The Cape.
[[/folder]]

Capes don't need to actually ''wear'' capes (especially if [[WesternAnimation/TheIncredibles Edna Mode]] has anything to say about it), although a distinct outfit and some kind of special ability is part of the image. The most important feature is these heroes [[TheFettered adhere]] to [[IncorruptiblePurePureness a strict moral code]] and [[LawfulGood sense of authority]]; capes can be [[BlackAndWhiteMorality notoriously inflexible and perceive things in black and white]], and even be [[HonestyIsTheBestPolicy painfully straightforward]] and [[SamaritanSyndrome selfless]]. They often [[ThinkNothingOfIt downplay their own heroism]] and will [[WhatYouAreInTheDark act heroically even when no one will know]]. They almost universally subscribe to ThouShaltNotKill. Capes usually have [[SecretIdentity secret identities]], but make public appearances in costume and actively try to keep a good public image. While they’ll likely be [[HundredPercentAdorationRating adored by the public]] and a FriendToAllChildren with a reassuring sense of charisma, they're also extremely likely to be a HumbleHero, pointing out others they say are TheRealHeroes.

** The Vision in ''Film/AvengersAgeOfUltron''. He has a great respect for humanity and even has some sympathy for [[BigBad Ultron]]. Notably, [[spoiler:he's the only Avenger besides Thor who is [[OnlyTheChosenMayWield worthy enough to wield Mjölnir]].]]

* A ''Series/DoctorWho'' Christmas special introduces one to the show. The Ghost is clearly a ComicBook/{{Superman}} {{Expy}} (justified, since Grant was a huge fan of Superman as a kid), protecting New York, while also working as a babysitter for his crush (who, as befits a Lois Lane {{Expy}}, has no idea that her babysitter and the Ghost are one and the same).

*** He tends to come off when well written as something of a JerkWithAHeartOfGold. Though he is basically an {{Expy}} fusion of {{Superman}} and ComicBook/CaptainAmerica (backstory by the way of Captain Marvel) after all.

** In ''[[Film/Shazam2019 SHAZAM!]]'', Billy Batson doesn't quite start out as an all-loving boyscout. When he initially gains his powers, Billy is more interested in abusing his powers to skip school, buy alcohol, and making money. However, after getting called out for his selfishness and realizing that he needs to own up to his shortcomings, Billy matures into an inspirational hero.

Capes don't need to actually ''wear'' capes (especially if [[WesternAnimation/TheIncredibles Edna Mode]] has anything to say about it), although a distinct outfit and some kind of special ability is part of the image. The most important feature is these heroes [[TheFettered adhere]] to [[IncorruptiblePurePureness a strict code of honor]] and [[LawfulGood sense of authority]]; capes can be [[KnightTemplar notoriously inflexible and perceive things in black and white]], and even be painfully straightforward and [[SamaritanSyndrome selfless]]. They often [[ThinkNothingOfIt downplay their own heroism]] and will [[WhatYouAreInTheDark act heroically even when no one will know]]. They almost universally subscribe to ThouShaltNotKill. Capes usually have [[SecretIdentity secret identities]], but make public appearances in costume and actively try to keep a good public image. While they’ll likely be [[HundredPercentAdorationRating adored by the public]] and a FriendToAllChildren with a reassuring sense of charisma, they're also extremely likely to be a HumbleHero, pointing out others they say are TheRealHeroes.

The superhero as an ideally good person. Generally associated with [[GoodOldWays older protagonists]] and often invokes elements of the MessianicArchetype. Has now become nigh-synonymous with the "classic" SuperHero. This trope is used to evoke admiration amongst other good guys in certain ways.

* Captain Galhardo of [[Literature/{{Galactiquest}}]] wears one. [[spoiler: Notably, he only wears it on his ship, and it's implied that no other captain does this.]] In one episode, it's revealed that [[spoiler: he keeps a collection of them in the engine room]].

* Unlike his Franchise/MarvelUniverse counterpart, the Sentry of ''Roleplay/MarvelsRPG'' is very much this trope. Other heroes might also qualify, but he stands out.

** Spider-Man is naturally this and it extents to all of his variants in ''Film/SpiderManNoWayHome''. Notably, only Raimi-Verse Spidey takes this a step further and is an Ideal Hero.

* More recently, Wrestling/JohnCena doesn't actually have a SuperHero gimmick, but nonetheless has earned the FanNickname "Super Cena" both from his resemblance to this trope and his tendency to never lose cleanly.

* In ''Literature/TheRulesOfSupervillainy'', Ultragod is this to the entirety of the superhero world. His daughter Gabrielle is viewed as this but is actually more of a PragmaticHero.