Protagonist vs hero

[Monica]

Is there a difference between these two words when referring to the main character in a work of fiction? I can't find any. Thank you.

[Jamie (K)]

A protagonist is just a leading character. A hero is a real person, or a character in a story, who is admirable for his courage or outstanding achievements.

Little Nell could be the protagonist of an old silent movie. She is the central character. The villain of the story, Black Bart (because he dresses all in black), has raised the rent on her home and she can't pay it. He gives her a choice between paying the rent, becoming homeless or marrying him. Sweet, virtuous Nell would rather die than marry such an evil man, so she refuses. This makes Bart so angry that he kidnaps her, ties her to some railroad tracks, and leaves her there to die. Just as a speeding train is coming, Dandy Dan arrives, and at great risk to his life, he unties her, picks her up and takes her off the tracks with only one second to spare. The train zooms by, but Nell is safe. She looks at Dan and says, "My HERO!"

[Manitshah]

Ha ha.. nice one, Jamie.