Reading about prefect people is really boring. Characters that do everything right aren’t “real” and they get monotonous because they don’t change. They’re perfect to start with. So, that means we need not-perfect characters and that’s the problem. How not-perfect do we want them? Especially the hero! The hero has to be the hero from the get go, right? Yet, he can’t be totally a hero or there’s no place for him to grow.
Look at Darcy in P and P. The only thing that keeps him from being a total ass at the beginning of the book is his friendship with Bingley, a really nice guy. We figure that Darcy can’t be totally a jerk with a friend like that. ‘Course then Darcy changes into a really yummy hero at the end. We forgive him for being a total jerk at the beginning.
But when is the hero too big of a jerk to ever forgive him? In my opinion anytime a man ever lays a hand on a woman he falls into the forever unforgiven category. In the last episode of Sex In The City, “the Russian” accidentally slaps Carrie. Accident or no, that guy is totally off my hero list. ‘Course when Big goes after him to defend Carries honor he is forever on my hero list and I forgive him for being an ass for the last five years.
What exactly makes a hero anyway? Have you ever read a book where you thought… No way would I take his creep back? Is there anything you can’t forgive the hero? And have you ever read a book or seen a movie where the hero isn’t really a hero at all? The Farmer Astronaut was that way for me. He was all about fulfilling his dream, period. His rocket went up but is that really a hero?
What do you think makes a guy a real hero?
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You made the perfect example with the Sex in the City episode with the Russian. A guy that would lay a hand on a woman is never a hero, more often a coward. Big was wonderful, his action to go after the Russian made up for all his past sins. That is how it would be in really life. You can tell so much about a man by his actions and that makes the biggest impact on hero status to me. I love a guy who is a guy, I don’t need a guy who is not in touch with his feelings but I don’t want him slubbering on himself either. A hero is the man that you fall for even though you know he has flaws and can be a jerk. My husband can drive me crazy, but he will always be a hero to me. :grin:
by Patty L.
on March 15th, 2007 at 3:51 pm
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Oh, Patty, I so agree. A hero is someone who looks out for others first. I guess that’s why McSteamy in Gray’s Anatomy is not a hero…yet. He needs to do something for someone else and not just to impress but becasue it’s the right thing to do.
In Boston Legal, Alan Shore does all the wrong things for all the right reasons. I would not call him hunky handsome but he’s got the hero quality nailed!
by Dianne Castell
on March 15th, 2007 at 4:52 pm
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I agree - any man who hits a woman is never going to be a hero to me. Nor is a man who verbally abuses her, calling her a liar and a slut until the very end.
A hero needs to respect women - not just the heroine but any woman he interacts with. He can’t be overly jealous and possessive and suspicious. He needs to trust women, believe they can take care of themselves (though sometimes those alpha heroes like to take matters into their own hands that’s rather irresistible LOL) and knows they are intelligent human beings.
Of course he can still be a jerk while doing all of this - then he can be redeemed :grin:
by Stacy ~
on March 16th, 2007 at 5:52 am
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The respect thing is huge. I cannot understand why a woman would ever put up with a man calling her a degrading name or why a woman would do that to a man. I watch bits of Dr.Phil once in a while and how husbands and wives treat each other and think, Why are you married to this person? No one should have to put up with that.
by Dianne Castell
on March 16th, 2007 at 7:09 am
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Hi Dianne,
I think a hero embodies a man when he exudes love, respect, kindness, generous heart, and goes out of his way to protect a stranger, those sort of things. I have read some wonderful books by you Dianne that have true hero material in them.
Have a wonderful and an amazing day Dianne! Spring is on its way!
Hugs,
Michele
by Michele
on March 19th, 2007 at 10:44 am
