I don't know that there is only one, but read through the several good articles here and maybe you'll be able to decide on one!
http://www.google.com/search?q=heroic+ideal+of+romantic+period+&rls=com.microsoft:en-us&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&startIndex=&startPage=1&rlz=1I7GGIE_en
who is the heroic ideal of the romantic period
4 answers
In British literature, it would probably be King Arthur. Check the criteria at this site.
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This is an extremely interesting site on the journey of the classic "hero".
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monomyth
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monomyth
If you include heroes in folklore, Robin Hood will stand very tall.