Sunday, October 16, 2011

A Hero—He Either Has It or He Doesn’t

My post is going to piggy-back ride on Casea's Oct 14 post about knights in shining armor. As a romance writer, I spend a lot of time thinking about what makes the perfect hero.

When I’m reading for pleasure, either a hero ‘has it’ or falls way short. It’s not always a quality—or three—I can define. But I do know I want that character to thrill me, make me sigh. Basically, I need a hero who can make me feel. And yes, that includes the lows, as well as the highs. If he can take me on that rollercoaster ride of falling in love, I’m his.

When I’m writing my heroes, they do change according to the book and the heroine involved. But one thing remains—he’s crazy in love with her. This means he’ll do what’s in her best interest, no matter the cost to him, at least toward the end of the story. Heroes who can’t make that kind of sacrifice just don’t cut it in my eyes.

What makes or breaks a hero in your book? When a hero ‘has it’, what’re the qualities that shape the almost mythic vibe that our dream heroes emit?


Photo: Image: photostock / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Wonderful post! I've been told my heroes are protectors, men with rough edges and soft inside. Never realized I had a favorite until others read my work :)

Sheri Fredricks said...

Hi Lisa ~ I fall for the alpha man every time. So he has to be a take-charge masculine man, or I'm snoozin' on the sidelines. I'm not saying the girl has to be weak and defenseless, heck no! There aren't too many romances written where the roles are reversed. Hmm, interesting concept...

Brenda said...

I'm with you, Lisa. I need a hero that will do what is best for the heroine, no matter the cost to himself. I NEED that sort of sacrifice--not sure why. I guess for me it speaks volumes on how much he loves her. More so than if he bought her a huge diamond ring.

Lisa Kumar said...

Thanks for commenting, guys! I agree with you all. Give me a strong hero anytime:)