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Heroes To Jump Start Your Muse
by Melissa Lopez
What do
- Gary Cooper & Humphrey Bogart of the 1940's
- James Dean & Charlton Heston of the 1950's
- Sean Connery, Sidney Poitier & John Wayne of the 1960's
- Clint Eastwood, Al Pacino & Robert Redford of the 1970's
- Harrison Ford, Mel Gibson & Sly Stallone of the 1980's
- Samuel L. Jackson, Will Smith & Denzel Washington of the 1990's
- (And let's not forget new millenium heroes) Vin Diesel, Hugh Jackman & Antonio Banderas
have in common?
These men, throughout the decades, have all portrayed heroes on the big screen. We've all set back engrossed while they've made our hearts pound with anticipation. And these men - or more so, their characters - have been a muse for the fertile imagination of a romance writer.
What is it about their characters that inspire such devotion? What characteristics do all these men never fail to portray?
I'm sure some are thinking good looks is the most important aspect to a hero, but it goes deeper than skin. Sexy is attitude. Hot is the tone of voice. A disfigured or imperfect hero will wind up on many keeper shelves if he has the right attitude. While many of us escape for an hour or two watching a movie, reading offers so much more. Delving into a romance, or any novel, offers more details. The depth allows readers to really get to know the characters.
In today's world, many women with active lives crave stronger males. While the heroines of our stories are just as important - after all, many readers step into that role - it's the hero that has to capture the heart. The hero has to fulfill a fantasy for the romance reader.
Unlike on the screen where we can clearly see the actions that might show a sensitive side to the heroes, it's our job in stories to share skillfully what makes them tick, without making them too tough. Actors are taught how to "act subtext" to show that they're lying or hiding something. This is especially so when it comes to showing simultaneous and contradictory attitudes or feelings while we have to be particularly creative in expressing it.
Two characteristics in our heroes that must always stand out? Bravery. And protectiveness. Whether our heroes are facing an adversary or coming to terms with their own hidden fears, they are brave. How often do we see one of the leading actors listed above play a coward? How often do they place a loved one in danger? Normally they're racing to save someone. Our heroes protect their loved ones at the cost of their own lives. In fact, it's a sure bet our heroes will protect anyone weaker than themselves - even if they do so gruffly.
Need a crash course in heroes? Rent a few action adventures or dramas with the men listed above. Like the heroes that come to life in our minds, they will offer something wholly their own. Sean Connery is always charismatic. Al Pacino is always rough around the edges. Samuel L. Jackson is always masterful. All make hearts pound and thighs quiver. And remember, heroes who lack bravery and protectiveness will never land on a keeper shelf.
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