Today, to continue the release party, I'm going to talk about unlikable heroes that we know and love.
Of course, there's the bad boy types that we know we shouldn't like, but do. Most of them have been played by Sean Bean at one point or another. Or will be. But by unlikable heroes, I really mean guys who have something wrong with them in the beginning.
I would consider, for instance, Jack from Romancing the Stone. Jack T. Colton. He's not a good guy. Sure, he has some redeeming qualities, but he mostly wants to lie, steal, cheat, and kill his way through life. He meets Joan Wilder and she changes him. He quite literally goes on a journey with her that changes him--makes him want to be a better man. In the beginning of the movie, he's not a man I would hang out with, let alone want to date my friends. He's got a wry sense of humor, so I like to watch him. But I don't like him as a person.
Another Jack. Jack Sparrow. He has no morals, his compass points in the direction of his will. He lies, steals, cheats... you get the idea. Granted, he doesn't have a "heroine" necessarily. But he definitely has friends on his journey. He's unlikable, yet likable. Why? Mostly because he's funny. Maybe we identify with him a little. But I don't know.
I could name a few romance novel heroes, of course, but we've probably not read a lot of the same books. The unlikable hero was very popular in the 90s, but until recently, I hadn't read a lot of him. Apparently, he's making a come-back. He made at least one come-back--to my novel, His Wounded Heart. Sean is definitely a wounded hero. In the beginning, you may not like him. But I hope that you like him in the end!
What about you? What makes you like an unlikable hero? Does he have to change for you to like him? Do you have criteria like I'd have to want him to date one of my friends or I have to want to be around him?
12 comments:
Hello Becca,
Unlikable heroes... Doesn't Bruce Willis start out this way? Usually a drunk, who's failed at love and hates the whole world. At the end of each of the Die-hard movies, he always reaches out to Holly, which ends worse than before. I think it is the alpha-male thing going on. Kind of because he has cool one-liners, and is still fighting the good fight. Gerard Butler does this in The Ugly Truth, as does Jason O'Mara's Joe Morelli in One For the Money. Both of the men face-off with Katherine Heigl, who does an awesome job. Harrison Ford in Six Days and Seven Nights is another example. The actors playing these roles make me want to hit them, but by the end of the movie, I'm kind of stuck on each of them. Guess I like the tough guy!
Oh, yes! I completely forgot Gerard Butler in the Ugly Truth. That's completely what I mean! And I totally get it about the "stuck on them" part. It's really true. :)
Thanks so much for stopping by!
Hi Rebecca - It's Amy popping over here from CHRWA. Sounds like you have a great character arc for your dark hero! Good luck with your book launch!
First of all, Congratulations on your release!!! I'm so happy for you. I have a bad boy who manages to anger everyone including the readers. When I was posting to my critique group, one CP said, "Your not suppose to make the reader hate your hero." Needless to say all turns out well in the end.
HI Rebecca,
I love your blog! And everyone loves bad boys! Congrations on your release!
Love your new blog and want to buy your book. So happy you are having this spotlight reading in Bozeman. People will love you because you are adorable and your parents are just being supportive. My father reads my work and has become supportive.
I suggest you let them read the section you will do in advance. If they are uncomfortable, they can elect to stay home. Nah, I don't see them missing out on this huge first. I'd love to hear you.
Unlikable Heroes is a good first topic. You are a natural at this.
I'll think of your reading this weekend. jean maxwell
Bad boys are a writer's dream - so much easier to show the character arc from bad to good. Can't wait to read your book and see how Sean redeems himself. Congrats on the release!
Hi Rebecca,
It's hard for lots of women not to like a bad boy. Maybe we think we can tame him.
Congratulations on you release. I'm hapy for you.
Let's face it, all men start out this way, until they meet THE WOMAN who can see through the facade, repair the damage, redeem the sinner. Love them all!
Congratulations, Rebecca. There's no better moment and reward for a writer. So happy for you!
I'm popping over from my Release Day party on FB to say congratulations! Isn't release day fun!?!
I'm late to this party, Becca, but my CONGRATULATIONS are no less heartfelt!
~Cate
Becca, I so look forward to reading your book.
I think bad boys always have some enticement about them, but they can also make you feel very uncomfortable.
You wonder if you go with them if you can be the one to change them, but most of the time you can't and you are better off leaving them alone.
It is easy to get "stuck on them" as you say, and I think part of that is them being a challenge and then the curiosity of the unknown.
I am glad I ended up with a good guy though.
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