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Kimberly Lang | Hero Characteristics
April 22, 2009
One year at the RWA National Conference, I had coffee with an editor (not my
editor) who told me that if you read an author’s books closely, you’ll be able
to see that all of her heroes will share some common characteristics. Maybe
it’s a core value or just their sense of humor, but it’s often unique to that
author’s heroes and it shows up over and over again. And, she says, if you get
to meet the author’s husband, you’ll often see that same quality in him. It makes sense – after all, the author has to fall in love with her hero before
the heroine or the reader can. The same qualities the author loves in her real-
life hero are going to be what she wants her fictional heroes to have as well. When I told my husband this, he got a cute little worried look on his face. He
quickly ran down a list of common characteristics my heroes have: insanely
rich, powerful, successful, tall, muscular, athletic. He figured he could
claim “tall.” I had to remind him those were only external characteristics. When I look at
what my heroes have in common, I see their even-keeled personalities, their
logic-driven thought processes, and their willingness to accept -- and even
love – the heroine’s quirks and neuroses. These qualities are important to me
because I’m often illogical and irrational, I spin out of control on a regular
basis, and I’m loaded with enough neuroses to keep a team of therapists busy
for a while. Hubby thinks all of that is part of my charm. And guess who is so even-keeled
and logical he makes Star Trek’s Mr. Spock look like a complete spaz? You can meet the first of my even-keeled, logical heroes in The Secret Mistress
Arrangement (out this month from Harlequin Presents). In the meantime, tell
me what characteristic you love most in a hero – real or fictional. Kimberly www.booksybykimberly.com
Comments
12 comments posted.
Re: Kimberly Lang | Hero Characteristics
I responded at the blog :)
(Stacy Ahlgren 6:41am April 22, 2009)
I love a hero who's sensitive and kind, but most of all a great listener who doesn't have hissy fits if he can't get his way. A sense of humor softens everything and offers relief from everyday disasters.
(Alyson Widen 12:18pm April 22, 2009)
I like the type of hero who is there for you - even when you don't realize that you need him. But, at the same time, he doesn't try to control you.
(Karin Tillotson 1:25pm April 22, 2009)
Strong and sensitive. Has a sense of humor helps too!
(JoAnn White 3:30pm April 22, 2009)
The qualities you include are good! Plus I like integrity (which would include faitfulness) and a sense of humor - how else would he put up with my quirks?
(Martha Eskuchen 3:31pm April 22, 2009)
Silent strength:you just KNOW this guy is going to get out of any trouble...
(Dawn Raymer 4:18pm April 22, 2009)
Umm, yummy heroes here! Sense of humor is very important -- especially when he's able to laugh with the heroine, not at her (or her quirks!).
And, oh, the strong silent type. Gotta love those!
(Kimberly Lang 4:58pm April 22, 2009)
The one thing that makes a character NOT a hero in my book is someone who is bossy and too domineering. A little respect and class goes a long way!
(LuAnn Morgan 5:23pm April 22, 2009)
I haven't met my prince charming yet so who knows...
(Shannon Scott 5:45pm April 22, 2009)
Someone who is understanding and kind
(in his own way). Integrity is very
important. Strength of character and
purpose.
(Patricia Barraclough 9:16pm April 22, 2009)
I meet my prince I been married to him for 22 1/2 years! Your book sounds great.
Penney
(Penney Wilfort 10:51pm April 22, 2009)
I love a hero who knows when to listen to your problems. But he also has to be intuitive enough to understand you don't want him to solve the problem, but just be someone you can unload on.
(Robin McKay 3:31pm April 23, 2009)
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