Epic stories often have a heroic figure at their center. Regardless of culture, these characters tend to embody the traits seen as most desirable in their respective societies. For example, in the medieval epic Beowulf, heroism is associated with the Anglo-Saxon virtues of physical daring and loyalty. Coming from Heian-period Japan, The Tale of Genji has quite a different view of heroism, one associated more with aesthetics, wisdom, and grace.

The protagonist Genji is more of a lover than a fighter. He is artistically gifted, suave, clever, and strikingly handsome. Though his behavior often strikes modern readers as uncouth at best (and predatory at worst), he is in many ways an idealized Heian figure, particularly in his appreciation for the Japanese concept of mono no aware. Mono no aware is essentially an appreciation of the transitory nature of life. Nothing lasts, not even beauty. This can be seen in Genji's many relationships with women or in the aging process conveyed through many characters in the tale. The fleetingness of life is emphasized continually, particularly when Genji experiences loss. So ultimately, Heian heroism in The Tale of Genji comes in the form of Genji's growing wisdom and his aesthetic excellence compared to the other characters.