What Makes a Hero, Part 4: A Hero Should be Heroic

[stacia_kane]

Since I started this little series I've been lucky enough to have some very interesting discussions about the qualities of a hero, and what people look for, and how characters you might not think of as being a hero or posessing heroic qualities still do have them.

But the essence of a hero is, he is heroic. Above all.

Comments

[patricemichelle]

Can you think of a heroic act performed by a character that was heroic for them, but perhaps not by others?

Absolutely! Though it's probably more like...

Can you think of a heroic act performed by a character that was heroic for them, but perhaps not PERCEIVED as heroic others?

This can be true if the hero is painted as an especially dark, tortured, "to himself" kind of person. It may not matter at that point that the characters around him know what he's doing is for the "ultimate good", but it's important for the reader to know (maybe not everything up front...unveiling in layers is a lot more fun!), but at least show snippets of "motivation" behind his actions as the story progresses, even if they are only in his head (ie, the reader KNOWS). <--- This kind of goes back to showing GMC (goal, motivation, conflict) stuff well all learn about. Revealing bits and pieces creates an intimate (and sympathetic) understanding of the hero for the reader. Later on in the story, the characters can learn his true nature and motivations

[patricemichelle]

Oy! Ignore the typos!

Patrice *who REALLY wants to know how to edit in comments. I don't have an edit button!. Is this a Firefox LJ upgrade issue?*

[stacia_kane]

Lol. I don't think my comments have ever had an edit button. I've just had to delete them and start over.

Totally agree about hidden motivations. I love that, especially when it provides a twist to the ending. And yes, you have to reveal things in bits and pieces or it's no fun at all.

Do you think that's one of the biggest mistakes beginning writers make? Revealing too much too soon? I've always suspected it was.

[patricemichelle]

Do you think that's one of the biggest mistakes beginning writers make? Revealing too much too soon?

I've certainly made my share of MANY other mistakes along the way, not just this one. LOL!

Just like when I learned what "HOT" meant for the first time as a kid (touched the stove once just to be sure I "knew" what Mom meant), most of us learn (and retain) best from experience. The more books we write, the better we understand how to strengthen our weaknesses.

Patrice

[stacia_kane]

I love that too, especially when they're uncomfortable with it. It's fun to have them fighting with themselves to do good.

[thegreatmissjj]

I think in essence (for me, anyway), being "heroic" (for anyone: protagonists and supporting characters alike) means doing something that is outside his/her comfort zone, especially if s/he doesn't want to do it because s/he fears it, because s/he knows it is the right thing to do.

[stacia_kane]

*nods* Once again, we agree. :-)