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V
is for Vulnerability.
Margaret talks about vulnerable heroes
It’s
important when we’re creating heroes that we don’t make them too
perfect. They need to have the fears and vulnerabilities we all have. If not,
readers will struggle to find them believable.
It
could be because of past hurts. Maybe they’ve been let down badly and find it
hard to trust again. Or maybe they’ve been misinformed about the other person
which again makes them wonder whether they can be trusted. All sorts of
scenarios come to mind but the one thing that remains clear is we need flawed
characters.
It’s
hard to believe a hero, usually someone very successful, would have these flaws, but vulnerability is part of everyone’s make up and the fun
part in writing is giving our fictional characters these same fears. Not that
they’ll ever admit it, even on paper! But the reader needs to know. As writers
we must show their unguarded moments and their quiet introspection.
It’s
actually quite fun creating such heroes, but I have sometimes said that
they’re not the sort of person I’d like to meet in real life. How about you,
would you like to meet fictional heroes, or do you think it’s best they remain
paper?
Great post, Margaret. If our heroes did everything 'right' all the time, they wouldn't be human. I must admit I'd quite like to meet all my heroes in real life - but not all at once!
ReplyDeleteExactly, Paula. I don't think they'd get on if they met. On the other hand it would be a very interesting conversation!
DeleteI'd love to meet my heroes in real life. They have to prove their love to win the heroine's heart.
ReplyDeleteDo you put yourself in the place of your heroines? Do you live every moment? I know I do, so I imagine it's the same for all writers, and yes it would be good to meet them, although there are some of mine I'd like to meet more than others. Some of them would be too overpowering for me.
DeleteI love vulnerable heroes, Margaret, but I find them usually to be too needy in real life.
ReplyDeleteI've had no experience of that, Jennifer. My own private hero, the man I married, is very strong.
DeleteI tend to make my heroes too perfect I think. They do have vulnerable qualities, but I guess it's a fantasy kind of thing...everyone wants to find the 'perfect' guy...which of course is different for everyone.
ReplyDeleteI hope my hero has enough vulnerability to make him realistic but not needy. Yes, I'd like to meet him in real life.
ReplyDelete