Start with a discontented hero, put him through trials and tribulations that unnerve him to the point that he gives up all the little lies or fallacies that hold him back (moment of truth), and rises to the occasion
Topgun (1984) to my mind is the most perfect story told ... Maverick has ghosts of the past, loses Goose, but must give up all these fallacies to transform to a true hero to save a good man (Iceman)
It's the transformation that thrills the reader and gives her goosebumps
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