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Allie Pleiter | The Reluctant Hero
April 25, 2012
We love a reluctant hero. We're quick to praise a man who won't praise himself,
who is blind to the attributes that others see in him. I think we trust a man
(or woman) like that because his command is authentic. It's not grabbed or
sought, it's earned or even thrust upon him. It's the old saying that the man
who ought to be king is the one who least wants to be king. Captain John Gallows is a reluctant hero, but with an arrogant side. He makes a
big deal of himself because he knows he's really no big deal. It's
compensation. He wears his medal of honor well, but doesn't think it belongs on
his chest. He knows how to use his silver tongue to get what he wants, but what
he wants most of all is to feel he's worthy of the accolades that are laid at
his feet. I love to write complex characters like that--heroes and heroines who
take the archetypes and turn them on their ear. The perfect foil for a man like that is a woman who hasn't yet realized her
worth. Leanne Sample is far stronger than she knows. John's outward arrogance
annoys her to no end, but it won't eclipse his inner pain that she clearly
sees. She'll stand up to his cocky behavior because she knows it's an act, and
she's drawn to the true man behind the medal. When an epic crisis brings out both of their true characters, it is John who
surrenders and Leanne who goes into battle. In short, they bring out the best
in each other. Of course, there are dozens of bumps in that road to
happiness--no good love story lacks those--but the chance to bring these two
together was great fun. The fact that I got to fold in my passion for knitting?
To force a cocky war hero to take up the yarn and needles? Well, that was just
too much fun. What about you? Do you like the reluctant heroes? The dashing masters of their
own fate? The brooding recluse? Chime in with your favorite types of heroes
and why.
Comments
27 comments posted.
Re: Allie Pleiter | The Reluctant Hero
I like a hero that steps up when the need arises. He doesn't have to brag because others will proclaim him a hero. He feels that he is just doing his job but he does it well. However to make a story interesting, he will have to have some faults also.
(Kathleen Yohanna 1:54am April 25, 2012)
My favorite hero must be a protector of the wounded in heart without anyone asking him to be. The key of the hero must be that he was wounded in the past, so he wants to save others in pain.
(Laurie Murray 4:13am April 25, 2012)
When reading I enjoy all types of heros. My favorite would have to be the subtle hero that needs no praise, he's just an all around good hearted person. Can't wait to read Homefront Hero!
(Britney Barlow 4:39am April 25, 2012)
I like a hero with the strengh of his own convictions. No wishy washy spineless heros for me!
(Karen Gervasi 7:38am April 25, 2012)
I like the reluctant heroes the most because they are not necessarily seeking out the spotlight.
(Julie Parrish 8:33am April 25, 2012)
i love a man that is not boostful or brag all the time but i do love books that we have a hero in. it doesnt really matter what type of hero big or small either we are wish to find someone like that
(Denise Smith 8:38am April 25, 2012)
A nice, kind hero is one that I would like. I like the book cover and it sounds like an interesting story.
(Michelle Fidler 12:20pm April 25, 2012)
I have several heros in my family...my son and brother was/is a Marine, my nephew an active Marine, my husband in the Navy...I could go on and on...I'm so proud of them all.
(Bonnie Capuano 12:30pm April 25, 2012)
Thanks for the contest. Sounds like an interesting book.
(Becky Darmogray 12:41pm April 25, 2012)
Each of these has great qualities. Laurie, I love your idea of "a protector of the
wounded in heart,"--that's a perfect way to put it. Karen, I agree; no spineless
heroes for me, either. Strength and character (and yes, it helps if he's easy on
the eyes) seem to be everyone's touchpoints for a good hero.
(Allie Pleiter 1:29pm April 25, 2012)
A hero has no expectation of reward, knows there is a personal risk in
performing a voluntary action of morality, and has courage to act on his beliefs. I
don't believe in so-called sport heroes, entertainment heroes, or hero
sandwiches!
(Suzanne Gonneville 2:12pm April 25, 2012)
I think many people who do an heroic act are surprised at the
attention they get afterward. It is actually a very
attractive feature.
(Diane Sallans 2:25pm April 25, 2012)
I like the reluctant hero. The ones who do what needs to be done without fanfare. They do not think of themselves as heroes, just ordinary men who did what they had to. I find this is what draws me to them.
(Maude Allen 4:56pm April 25, 2012)
I love the reluctant heroes. Can't wait to read this book!
(Stephanie Briggs 5:43pm April 25, 2012)
I think heroes take on personal risk and unexplainable challenges when circumstances arise, showing unbelievable courage. They act on instinct without second guessing themselves, and by no means expect reward for their heroism and bravery. We all enjoy reading about ordinary people and
their heroic acts in every day life and stories involving fictional characters in books. It's uplifting!
(Linda Luinstra 6:35pm April 25, 2012)
I love a reluctant hero. One who does good deeds without expecting people to praise him and tell him how great he is. Just does deed out of the goodness of his/her heart
(Shirley Younger 7:17pm April 25, 2012)
I really don't care for the hero that is too overbearing or take charge. I like the gentle soul who knows when to take charge and knows how to treat a woman. The hero who knows when it's proper to bring out his strong side. This type of hero can make a love story blossom live a flower, not turn it into a commando-type story. A love story is fragile, and the hero should have his fragilities as well.
(Peggy Roberson 9:53pm April 25, 2012)
The reluctant hero is my favorite because it makes him that much more a hero because he does what needs to be done.
(Leni Kaye 10:06pm April 25, 2012)
I enjoy Beta males as heroes. They tend to be the strong silent type. :)
(Molly Wilsbacher 10:48pm April 25, 2012)
Wow...we're a diverse bunch when it comes to heroes. Great comments!
(Allie Pleiter 10:54pm April 25, 2012)
I like nice quiet heroes,that has respect for other people.Thanks for giving me a chance to win your book.
(Linda Hall 11:11pm April 25, 2012)
There is something sweet & genuine about reluctant heroes.
(Mary Preston 8:36am April 26, 2012)
Although I like both the reluctant heroes as well as the ones who just jump right in and take over - I seem to lean a teensy bit more towards the reluctant ones who can work behind the scenes!
(Felicia Ciaudelli 11:15am April 26, 2012)
A person (or animal) that comes forward when the need strikes is a real hero.
No bragging. No boasting. No "Look At ME!". That's my kind of hero. Kike
many in our military who are "just doing their job"!
(Sandra Spilecki 11:27am April 26, 2012)
Reluctant heroes are my favourite kind of heroes because they seem to me to be "more real".
(Roxana Perez 11:57am April 26, 2012)
I like all kinds of heroes, except maybe, the aggressive ones. I always want to shout at the book, "Who do you think you are? King of the world?" :)
(Penny Mettert 2:18am April 27, 2012)
I like a reluctant hero because he holds something back and seems more human.
(Alyson Widen 9:35pm April 29, 2012)
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