Cowards are heroes who are more prone to run away from a fight or confrontation or even their own problems, or who pick on those who they know are weaker. Sometimes, these heroes try to face their fears in order to protect their allies and families from harm or even certain death, while other times, it serves as comic relief and can be considered weak in people's eyes (and sometimes other heroes as well). These examples include Courage the Cowardly Dog, The Cowardly Lion, SpongeBob SquarePants, Chuckie Finster, Scooby-Doo and Gumball Watterson.

Also, they will not hesistate to use cheap or sneaky tactics to escape from their greatest foes.

Due to the fact most Cowards will try to run away if they are in danger or even surrender entirely they are rarely the leading protagonist (though exceptions do exist), tending instead to be bumbling henchmen or sidekicks.