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As I plan my next book I was just thinking about what kind of qualities make up a memorable hero. I was wondering if you’d help me out. ..
Care to tell me either what qualities a hero absolutely must have for you to fall in love with him….or…what qualities absolutely turn you off?
I’ll start with one that caused me to recently put down a book I’d been reading. The hero (now divorced) had cheated on his ex-wife. For me, that was all it took.
I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Thanks (in advance)
Filed in: Writers and Writing
Dec 31st
2005
10:24 am
Shana Said:
The hero has to be protective of the heroine. He can’t let her run off into a burning building alone. He can argue with her or go with her, but he has to be somewhat protective.
The hero has to know (or at least think he knows) who he is and what he wants. Heroes know who they are; they aren’t searching for themselves or out there doing stupid stuff because one of their friends tells them to. I like it when the heroine comes in and messes up the hero’s “perfect world.”
Other good qualities…intelligent, funny, talented, brave, a go-getter, ambitious, powerful
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Dec 31st
2005
1:15 pm
Eve Said:
Hello! I thought I’d come here and wish you ladies a happy 2006!
Hm. That’s a toughie, Cindy. The alpha males in current romances have qualities that appeal to readers, but it would be nice to have something else as well (though I’m not sure what!)
Good: Confidence. And arrogance, if it’s done properly.
Bad: I agree, infidelity is a big no-no!
I think that the problem with creating a believable fictional character may be WHERE you draw the line. E.g. you want the hero to be so in love with the heroine that he’s slightly overprotective – but if he’s TOO overprotective, it gets annoying.
Let’s just say that I don’t envy you authors when it comes to characterisation – it sounds like a tough job! Thank you all for that!
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Dec 31st
2005
1:17 pm
Eve Said:
Oh, and I agree with Shana. A sense of humour is great, too – especially if the hero is reluctantly funny.
Great topic!
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Dec 31st
2005
4:46 pm
Mary Said:
Cindy, Excellent question!
My heroes are powerful in mind, body, and the world in which they live. They are loyal, romantic, good husbands/fathers/brothers/sons, and completely in love with the heroine (demonstrating this with passionate, caring, protective behavior towards her) and they must, must, must have a good sense of humor.
The hero can not be a liar or a cheater or mean. He can not play mind games or disrespect women in general or his lady love in particular. And, he can not be a failure. (I know I’m shallow but this is fantasy not reality and I want my hero to be a huge success!)
This was great fun, can we do heroines next?
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Jan 1st
2006
3:13 pm
Haven Rich Said:
Strong-minded, witty, loyal, sexy(no god referance please lol).
Ok thats a good start for me. Depending on the type of story I like to go with the guys that are gentle but dont show it.
The guys I keep in mind are Scarlet, Interview with a Vampire(only Brad, he was sexy back then and Antonio)
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