I Want A Hero
What makes a good one?
If you want your readers to like your book, the single most important thing, according to Blake Snyder of Save The Cat!, is that the reader bond with your hero and heroine. If they don't, there's a good chance they won't finish the book. What does a likable hero or heroine look like? Hint: they most likely look like us, only a better version. I'm not saying you can't be a hero or heroine; maybe you've done heroic things too. If you have, kudos!
"The perfect hero is the one who offers the most conflict in the situation, has the longest emotional journey, and has a primal goal we can all root for…" —Blake Snyder.
Who are they? They are the main characters of our story who have to overcome tests, trials, and conflict. We, the authors, send them on a journey that makes them use their talents and skills to overcome problems from their messy past and grow as a people.
Much debate exists on what traits a character needs to become a hero. Singer, Bonnie Tyler has thoughts on what she wants her hero to be, If you want to listen. The song has enough good points for me to go along with it.
Now, I will take issue with some of what I've read about what constitutes a good hero. Just like beauty, heroic qualities can be debated. Some don't leave enough room for flaws at all. Personally, I feel those rough spots make a hero more appealing. We are all familiar with the anti-hero, and I love those, so I leave my door open for them. Here are some qualities I like to see in a hero, but I don't think a hero needs to have all of them at the beginning of the book. By the end of the book, your hero or heroine would display many of them. Still, depending on the book you are writing, your character could show fewer (in a comedy, for instance), or you could play against type and have someone who doesn't want to be a hero and fights it. There aren't any hard and fast rules; these are just some loose suggestions on what characteristics your hero/heroine might look like in full-blown puffed-out hero form:
Courageous
Rises to the occasion.
Brave and determined, willing to fight and face dangers others won't.
Disregards personal safety but not a complete knucklehead; if they didn't protect themselves, they'd wind up dead unable to save anyone.
Conviction
They believe they have something important to contribute to the world.
Idealistic in some ways
Believing that even though the world might be wrong, some things are worth fighting for. They are willing to put their lives on the line for their beliefs and want to benefit others in some way.
Honest
Seeing the situation clearly for what it is. Even if your heroes are criminals like mine, they live by their own set of morals, and in that way, they are honest.
Responsible
Feel compelled to take things on and act.
Does not accept being helpless. The story's heroine has to help herself and be strong and brave somehow.
Intelligent
Resourceful and good problem solvers.
Determined
They seldom give up.
Physical Prowess
Most are strong and physically capable but you can use your mind to save people too. Maybe this could be a new way to have fun!
Resilient
Having the ability to deal with setbacks, betrayals, and defeats and keep going.
Humble, "I just did what needed to be done," and grounded.
Compassionate and empathetic
Having a soft heart somewhere inside.
Even my hero, who seems to be oblivious to the feelings of others, has a soft heart for the heroine and children.
Selflessness
They put others' needs before their own
At some point, they will be willing to lay down their life.
Integrity
Full of integrity and morals Even anti-heroes are shown to have their own sense of integrity and morality. Because of this, they will, in the end, recognize their mistakes, change course, and/or apologize. If they can't do this, they might not be hero material.
Skilled
They are going to be good at something and in the end save the day.
They feel chosen
Destiny plays a role.
Wounded and Flawed
Every hero will be flawed and carry a wound, emotionally and possibly physically.
It might be fun to share our heroes or heroines in the comments sections. Who are you writing about, or who have you written about? Do they have some of the traits I've mentioned or any I've missed?
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I like your list. I think a hero or heroine is especially strong if the reader witnesses an epiphany where the character shows a strength or overcomes a flaw right before their eyes. I would add that they aren't always the best looking person in the room! Thanks for another thoughtful post!
Many thanks, @Kay Freeman. I think you have assembled a remarkably complete and valid catalogue of heroic traits. The author whose hero can "check off most of the boxes" -- including the wounds and flaws -- has probably created a strong character.