Monday, March 21, 2011

Beta male Vs Alpha male: The Romance Stakes.


I blame the romance industry (publishing) for their unbidden constancy of inflicting Alpha males upon readers of romance. What’s wrong with a Beta male?  To be honest, I always fancied Dandini rather than Prince Charming. The latter too vain in every way: Dandini the charmer of the two. Hee hee, and a man on his knees placing glass slipper on feet far more to my liking!




As we know, in the animal kingdom Alpha’s rule by appearance, strength and overall dominance, their reign subject to no sign of weakness! But, often that is not the case within the species Homo sapiens. Ha, you say, no because we have brains that enable us to think for ourselves, plus we’re not driven by instinct alone. The latter, unfortunately, is not strictly true, because if a stunningly good-looking bloke is walking amidst a crowd of average guys he stands out, does he not? And, it’s a likely bet you noticed him!  So, let’s not deny instinct plays a huge part in our lives. Thing is though, that gorgeous hunk could well be a Beta male and his eyes no less predatory than an Alpha male: if a little more subtle in execution of sighting object of interest.


Think of light romance and actors who’ve played stunning Beta Male roles, time and time again, within movies. Cary Grant, as we all know was a good-looking guy who had natural presence, unassuming chocolate voice, and although a hero in his own right and his getting the girl in the end, he avoided confrontation and usually talked himself out of sticky situations.  Hugh Grant has also portrayed similar qualities of bungling along, getting into pickles and talking (lying) his way out of awkward and embarrassing moments. So what is it about the Beta male character that can win over the girl?  

Instinct is more noticeable among the Alpha’s (not always stunningly gorgeous guys): notice their sense of presence, predatory eyes, and desire to be noticed. They often have loud/powerful voices that carry to willing ears, they make eye contact with willing subjects, and they play new object of desire much the same as a fiddler bows his strings. The Alpha male usually acquires powerful status business/career wise and thereby leads while expecting devotees to follow, and mostly they do.



On the other hand there are Alpha Homo sapiens who become bullies in every aspect of their lives (gang culture), in the main because they lack the necessary to be anything other than a macho bully, the same goes for some Alpha females. Inevitably, their lifestyles are more akin to the animal kingdom, though much less interesting because animals have no concept of right from wrong. 

  

So, whom do you prefer, a Beta or Alpha male hero for romantic reading?   

12 comments:

  1. Alpha primarily. I agree with Debra that the best heroes are complex. Strong, sexy, protective, quick-thinking and acting. But they need a tender side, backstory, a weakness, some facet that changes as a result of being with, and wanting to be with, the heroine.
    Pure alphas are as boring as old bodice rippers.

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  2. I'll let you know my choice when it's my turn on Wednesday!
    Good analysis of alphas, Francine.

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  3. A blend of alpha and beta, I think. Power and strength and intelligence are always attractive in a man, but they need to be combined with sensitivity and a caring nature.

    I must admit that the man I most admire in my latest novel is a beta. He isn't the hero, but I snuck him in because I wanted to write about someone like him, and I love him dearly. There are many different kinds of courage, and my beta is the bravest man in the story.

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  4. Hi Ana,

    That's it, the true Alpha attracts/demands attention but is not always right for the heroine? Often I've thought when reading romance novels, I'm really rooting for number 2 (beta)to lure her away from under the arrogant hero's nose.

    I hate stereotyped characters, and we see too many Alpha heroes so-called miraculously enchanted by a sweet winsome creature and so-called falling head over heels in love: a changed man! Yeah, like that's gonna happen. Failing that, an author will go the route of Alpha male besotted by strong-willed chick, and her breaking him as one might a stallion: HEA - I give it a few months!

    Of course Alpha's tend toward protection of what they believe belongs to them, inclusive their woman, but it's as much about power of control as that of love. So yeah, an Alpha exterior with Beta heart is a sure bet!

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  5. Hi Paula,

    Such secrecy! Mind you I had to go some on a brainstorming exercise to come up with anything relating to Beta Vs Alpha after Ana's fantastic post.

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  6. Hi Margaret,

    I'm so with you on the "blend" factor!

    best
    F

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  7. Hmnnnn? I think I need a little bit of both as well, so I'm going to jump on the 'blend' wagon here so to speak. I do love the strong, powerful alpha hero, however I do so love when he is 'tamed' to a certain degree by the heroine. A good woman is always able to find the beta lurking within the alpha, don't you think?

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  8. Hi Debra,

    It seems "blend" has the edge! ;)

    best
    F

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  9. I prefer an alpha, but some of the most bawlworthy romance books I've read featured a beta hero so there's something to be said for them, as well.

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  10. I have to say the majority of women seem to strongly favor alpha males over beta. You always see women in crappy relationships and then refuse to leave their abusive bf's because they want to change the guy.

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  11. I always go for the Beta, something to do with liking the underdog, althought I love me a bit of Russell Crowe just like the next gal. Great discussion.

    Denise<3

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