How is Manfred a Romantic hero?

Manfred is almost the epitome of a Byronic hero. He scorns society's rules, showing utter contempt for the mores and social codes that respectable people impose on individuals of great character like himself. Manfred lives by his own moral code, his own standards. And so he stands apart from society, leading a life of great loneliness, but one in which at least he can feel free. A Byronic hero like Manfred may not be the...

Manfred is almost the epitome of a Byronic hero. He scorns society's rules, showing utter contempt for the mores and social codes that respectable people impose on individuals of great character like himself. Manfred lives by his own moral code, his own standards. And so he stands apart from society, leading a life of great loneliness, but one in which at least he can feel free. A Byronic hero like Manfred may not be the most likable person you will ever come across but he is clearly an intelligent, charismatic, and deeply fascinating personality.

But beneath the heroic self-image, Manfred, like his progenitor, is still human. Manfred broods extensively over his sister's death and the part he may have played in it due to his having an incestuous relationship with her. Beneath all the posturing bluster, he really does have a conscience after all. But what he does not yet have is the ability to take responsibility for his actions. So he tries to avoid his sins and their ruinous consequences by wandering desolate mountaintops, summoning spirits, and shutting himself off in his castle. He does not want to deal with his profound guilt; he wants to forget about it completely.

He ultimately comes to recognize the good within himself. But it is his own inner good, the product of his nature as a unique individual set apart by genius from others, not the outer good conferred upon him by the approbation of society. He dies on his own terms without the comfort of the church or the aid of any other human authority. This man bows before no power, earthly or supernatural. In other words, Manfred remains a true Byronic hero right to the very end.