Although Romero is not one of the main character of the book, but Hemingway gave him great qualities that other characters in the book don't have. Even though he's only nineteen years old, he is one of the greatest matador during the Fiesta. In the rink, Romero is not afraid of the bull, he allows the bull to come close to him but still be able to handle it. He stay calm in front of danger and hide his emotions. He doesn't let it affect his thinking. He's still young but a true man because he's not afraid to face the challenge whether to the bull or to Cohn.
Cohn have Romero a big beating but Romero never back down. He always stand back up and find away to return the favor. It seems impossible against Cohn - a professional boxer - yet Romero never give up.
Romero knows how to live a life. He is also a drinker but never lets himself be drunk. He knows how to live in moderation whereas other always use alcohol to forget their miseries.
Also, he did slept with Lady Brett Ashley and started to love her, but he never allows himself to be destroyed by Brett, in contrast to Cohn, Mike, and Jake.
In the book, Hemingway only give heroic qualities to Romero because only Romero understand the values of life. He enjoys drinking and smoking, but not to forget the sad memories. He never give up even if he's hurt, and he doesn't rely on other like Brett does. Other characters give up when they have a hard time. They get tight and forget their misery and rely on other.
In modern days, we also hold similar view for a heroic traits. Almost everyone has their favorite hero. Hero like superman, spiderman, or batman are all made beliefs yet widely known. They were created to give people something to believe in or a little entertainment. Although these heros aren't exactly the same as Hemingway's hero, but they're someone that people look up to.Every hero has a weak side, like Superman is weak against kryptonite or batman that always bothered by Joker, but they never give up and always try to help the world from destruction.
Superman is a stoic person, he doesn't talk about his problems whatsoever. Also, he doesn't really show up unless there is danger. When he being exposed to kryptonite - although hurt- but he never show fear instead bravely faced it, just like Romero.
Similar with batman, he doesn't have super power like superman but he knows how to work with the items he has. He always there to help people when they're in danger and most of the time it's the Joker's work. Batman is not afraid of the Joker and his face never show fear.
Like Hemingway's hero, these heroes also doesn't let pressure affect their outcome. They stay calm and concentrate on how to destroy the bad guys. These heroes always come out on top and save the world.
These heroes are made belief, but they also have a normal human side. Beside from saving the world, they live a normal life. Hanging out with friends, going to work, etc... They also have friends as well as lovers, but they never rely on anyone for help and they never get drunk to get away from their problems.
These heroes have serve their purpose of making people feel safe even just a little.
