How does Casablanca's Rick Blaine the epitome of a Romantic Hero?

Question

What are his qualities?
Why is he a hero?Romantic hero?

"How is" is what I meant.

Answer 1

Nobody knew His background, nor after the first meeting, really cared. He was an "expatriate", but never said from where. He was the "strong, silent, brooding type of Man that Women threw Their hearts and panties at. He had the roguish good looks of a romance novel swashbuckler, and the suave and debonair carriage of a movie idol. When He entered a room Women looked at Their husbands with disdain, and regretted Their vows. Men were proud to call Him "Pal", and sort to share His lime light. His hand shake, or a slap on the back was a mush valued badge of honor. He drank, to ease the sorry, smoked, out of habit, and gambled, for the 'heck' of it. When called upon, He fought with bare knuckles, and a grin on His face. His conquests were legion, but Their names never revealed. He was a real "Man's Man".
He had been places and done things that would have made Hemmingway perch on the edge of His seat......

But, alas I digress from My story.......

The character of "Rick Blaine" was based, rather loosely, on a real life American former WW I fighter pilot who helped smuggle vital military secrets out of France, through Spain and on to England at the beginning of WW II, all the while being hunted by the German Military and the Gestapo.

Answer 2

An epitome (Greek epitemnein—to cut short) is a summary or miniature form, also used as a synonym for embodiment.

He sacrificed love for the greater good of the resistance.

Answer 3

He lets the girl he loves go for her best interest. He lost her once before and now he lets her leave for good. He is also mysterious, rugged and handsome (supposedly), land he listens to his favorite love song over and over.