Hot Headed Heroes
post by Michelle Griep
Rage. Everyone blows a gasket now and then . . . or at least feels like it. Like today when I flew Frontier Airlines. No wonder I scored such a sweet deal because they charge for extras. Lest you misunderstand, I'm not talking some frivolous perk like a cashmere blankie to snuggle up with in your seat. Nope. I'm talking the dang freaking seat itself.
Here's how it works on Frontier (though they don't tell you this up front) -- you choose where to sit, and each seating zone is a different price. The cheapest is $11 and goes up to $25. Sitting on the toilet or the captain's lap isn't an option. I checked. I already paid for the flight, so remind me again why I must pay to park my royal heinie? That ticked me off.
Oh yeah, and my carry on? That will be $30. As in extra. As in these cheap seats just got real expensive. I'm surprised I didn't have to run my credit card to open the restroom door. Frontier Airlines just lost a customer. Sheesh.
But anger can be constructive, especially to a writer. It helps create real characters because characters need to feel and express anger as well as real people. Everyone expects the villain to grump and growl and stomp around, but heroes must roar now and then as well.
3 REASONS TO ANGER YOUR HERO
INJUSTICE
The best and most obvious reason for a hero to snarl is when the little guy is getting beaten to a pulp by a bully. That's when a hero can shine by getting all indignant, swooping in, and dishing it right back to the bully.
This doesn't have to be used in only violent situations. An injustice can be a legal matter, a matter of the heart, or simply righting some wrong.
SHORTCOMINGS
Who isn't frustrated with their own shortcomings? Your hero needs to have flaws, and those flaws need to annoy him. In the long run, he can either overcome them or adapt, but while those flaws are present, he needs to be irritated by them. Think about it . . . what kind of hero is content to be less than perfect?
LOT IN LIFE
Not every hero is born with a cape, pearly white teeth, and so much gold he can buy a ticket on an airline other than Frontier (yes, I'm still bitter). It's okay for a hero to be angry about his lot in life because that gives him the motivation to change his situation. Or he could also accept that lot. Either way gives you a great character arc.
Note, however, that you don't have to inflame your hero over all these situations. In fact, don't. Be judicious. Readers don't love a hothead. But do go ahead and have your hero get annoyed with things now and then to make him more believable.
Disclaimer: To those of my lovely readers who may happen to work for Frontier, don't worry. I still love you.
Here's how it works on Frontier (though they don't tell you this up front) -- you choose where to sit, and each seating zone is a different price. The cheapest is $11 and goes up to $25. Sitting on the toilet or the captain's lap isn't an option. I checked. I already paid for the flight, so remind me again why I must pay to park my royal heinie? That ticked me off.
Oh yeah, and my carry on? That will be $30. As in extra. As in these cheap seats just got real expensive. I'm surprised I didn't have to run my credit card to open the restroom door. Frontier Airlines just lost a customer. Sheesh.
But anger can be constructive, especially to a writer. It helps create real characters because characters need to feel and express anger as well as real people. Everyone expects the villain to grump and growl and stomp around, but heroes must roar now and then as well.
3 REASONS TO ANGER YOUR HERO
INJUSTICE
The best and most obvious reason for a hero to snarl is when the little guy is getting beaten to a pulp by a bully. That's when a hero can shine by getting all indignant, swooping in, and dishing it right back to the bully.
This doesn't have to be used in only violent situations. An injustice can be a legal matter, a matter of the heart, or simply righting some wrong.
SHORTCOMINGS
Who isn't frustrated with their own shortcomings? Your hero needs to have flaws, and those flaws need to annoy him. In the long run, he can either overcome them or adapt, but while those flaws are present, he needs to be irritated by them. Think about it . . . what kind of hero is content to be less than perfect?
LOT IN LIFE
Not every hero is born with a cape, pearly white teeth, and so much gold he can buy a ticket on an airline other than Frontier (yes, I'm still bitter). It's okay for a hero to be angry about his lot in life because that gives him the motivation to change his situation. Or he could also accept that lot. Either way gives you a great character arc.
Note, however, that you don't have to inflame your hero over all these situations. In fact, don't. Be judicious. Readers don't love a hothead. But do go ahead and have your hero get annoyed with things now and then to make him more believable.
Disclaimer: To those of my lovely readers who may happen to work for Frontier, don't worry. I still love you.