The word “heretic” is perhaps used by many people in inexact manners. It is originally derived from Greek that merely meant “to choose” or “to select.” While it is regularly applied to religious matters, the term more generally means “one who has chosen one doctrine to the exclusion of others.” Such a person holds an opinion that is outside the norms and beliefs of a given group. An “apostate” is one who has abandoned a set of views—often religious, though not always. Among the options provided, this is the closest to “heretic.”

A "paragon" is an exemplary example of something, so "epitome," which means or embodiment, archetype, or model, is the correct answer. As for the other answer choices, a “prodigy” is a young person who is especially gifted; an “impasse” is a situation that cannot be passed, a deadlock, or a stalemate; a “nomad” is a person who wanders from place to place without a permanent home; and a “decree” means an official order, often given by a monarch.

A "recluse" is a person who lives alone and avoids all contact with people. This is very similar in meaning to a "hermit." To provide further help, a "protagonist" is the hero of a story; an "antagonist" is the villian of a story.

A "peer" is a contemporary, an equal, someone of the same social grouping as you. To provide further help, a "juror" is someone who sits on a jury; an "outlaw" is a bandit, someone who operates outside the law; a "legislator" is a lawmaker. 

An "insurgent" is a rebel, someone seeking to overthrow the existing political order. While "insurgents" may, in fact, act as "soldiers," not all insurgents are directly involved with warfare, nor are any insurgents members of an official state-sanctioned army, so the two words are not synonymous.

A "mendicant" is a vagabond or a beggar. An "iconoclast" is someone who goes against established traditions or beliefs. A "harbinger" is an omen or portent. A "contaminant" is an impurity or pollutant. A "proclivity" is a tendency or a habit.

"Dross" and "dregs" both mean remains or refuse. "Nonchalance" means apathy or indifference. "Contusion" means a bruise or injury. "Referendum" means a popular vote on an issue. "Sybarite" means a hedonist or someone who loves luxury. 

"Precipice" and "crag" both mean a cliff or bluff. "Deference" means obedience or compliance. "Misanthrope" means someone who hates people. "Plethora" means excess or overabundance. "Precursor" means something that indicates an outcome or event beforehand. 

"Pyre" and "bonfire" are both synonyms. "Stratagem" means a trick or gimmick. "Quarry" means goal or aim. "Gambol" means to tumble playfully. "Galleon" means a large sailing ship. 

A "hovel" is a shanty or a small and run-down cabin, so "shanty" is the correct answer. None of the other answer choices are close in meaning to "hovel": "infection" means disease or the process of being infected with a disease; a "prodigy" is a young person with extraordinary abilities or skills; "prophesy" is a foretelling about what will happen in the future; and "residue" is whatever remains or is left.