Term for a hero who always lands in the middle of events.

[Nim Folkor]

I have been trying to find a formal term for this but have been unsuccessful. I figured I would turn to the broad knowledge base that is the Paizo message boards.

In stories, there are frequently heroes that end up in the middle of any major event that occurs. If there is a bank robbery, the hero is there cashing a check. If aliens show up and abduct people, the hero is one of them. If an eco-terrorist is taking over the local state park, the hero is there having a picnic. John McLane of the Die Hard films seems to be one of these types.

I assumed that there would be a literary term for this but I haven't been able to locate anything. I am working on some RPG traits and I want a "proper" term for a hero with this trait.

[Eyebite]

Interesting question. I'm not certain what the actual term would be (or even if there is one).

Personally, I might call the trait something like "Ubiquitous Hero."

[Jeff Erwin]

Accidental Hero.

[Orthos]

Danger magnet?

[Spanky the Leprechaun]

right man in the wrong place

or maybe

heroic bystander?

I'll bop around tvtropes; see if anything else comes to mind..

[Sissyl]

Hmmm... take the chance: Folkoresque hero.

[Smarnil le couard]

Player Character?

[Aaron Bitman]

I once heard someone describe a TV hero like that as a "Johnny-on-the-spot".