Genres
Chosen one
The trope in which one character, usually the protagonist, is framed as the inevitable hero by destiny, unique gifts or special lineage.
The Chosen One is a narrative trope in which one character, usually the protagonist, is framed as the inevitable hero of the story as a result of destiny, unique gifts or special lineage. It is similar to the hero's journey template; the stated difference is that the chosen one usually does not have a choice, because destiny. The trope is rooted in religion, mythology and folklore, appears most often in speculative fiction such as fantasy, and is comparable to the religious concept of a messiah. The character's gifts, lineage or destiny are often unknown at the start of the plot or presented to the audience as dramatic irony, and such narratives often incorporate a bildungsroman. Examples run from Star Wars' Luke Skywalker to Dune's Paul Atreides and Harry Potter.
For a novelist the trope sets its own trap: a hero chosen by destiny risks passivity, since the plot is doing the choosing. The prophecy is also a promise to the reader, so once stated it is canon a long story has to keep.