You know the scene. He’s been around before and everyone wonders where he’s been. He’s a little shady, wears his hat low. He’s covered in trail dust. Even his horse has a swagger.
He’s the kind of hero who says things like, “Come here, darlin’,” and women swoon.
We all know that hero
That’s what writing a good hero is all about, right?
We want the guy who says just enough to seem like a man and those few words make our hearts melt or race.
He must be an upright man, or at least want to be.
He must possess some level of confidence. Confidence is attractive.
He must be skilled. Never will you see a hero who does nothing with the skills and talents God has given him. Even a man down on his luck will work in some way to prove his worth.
This is the gold standard for a hero.
So what is a ‘new’ old hero?
When you flip the script and an old hero returns changed.
I’m currently writing the final book in the Belle Fourche Chronicles. It’s set to release in about a month. In it, I’m tackling this sort of hero. He’s a man who once had swagger and zest. He was physical and brash. He would’ve made women swoon.
But after a serious injury to the side of his face, he fears the only swooning going on, will be in fear. He certainly doesn’t want to force the woman he loves to look at his face every day. He doesn’t even want to.
Unfortunately, he already promised her he’d marry her and now he’s broken that promise.
So, does he fit the criteria? Let’s see.
Does he talk little, but what he says is good? Check, he’s very much a grump and doesn’t talk but he has some sweet words for Alice.
Must be an upright man? He will do whatever it takes to save an animal or to rescue Alice. So, check!
He must possess some level of confidence. While he has lost confidence in his ability to be a good husband, he has an abundance of confidence in his ability to be an animal doctor. Check!
He must be skilled. Kent is both skilled at ranching and veterinary medicine. So, despite the reaction of the general female population towards him, he is most certainly a hero and–I think–he’ll end up being one of my readers’ favorites.
What do you think makes a great hero?
Where western meets happily ever after.
Kari writes swoony heroes and places that become characters with detail and heart.
Her favorite place to write about is the place her heart lives, (even if she doesn't) South Dakota.
Kari loves reading, listening to contemporary Christian music, singing when no one's listening, and curling up near the wood stove when winter hits. She makes her home in central Minnesota, land of frigid toes and mosquitoes the size of compact cars, with her husband of over twenty years. They have two daughters, two sons, one cat, and one hungry wood stove.
Integrity. It covers a lot of different individual attributes.
Absolutely! In my thinking, that was part of being upright. Integrity is a must.
Being a man of his word. If he says it, you can count on it!
Yes, definitely. I filed that, too, under being upright (along with faith, honesty, self-control) as a general term. But being a man of his word is very, very important.
Honesty, loyalty, integrity, honor, faithful, and more.
Yes! All those things make a fantastic hero.
Even with a rough exterior, he has a soft heart and strong faith.
Agreed, those are necessary.
GREAT descriptions of the heroes we love to love, Kari! I especially loved that his horse even has a swagger. LOL!
Well, the horse is a very important part. LOL
I think it is more about actions than words!
I agree. He needs to be genuine and intentional.
what makes a good hero? wants to follow God or is willing to learn to try, integrity. character, romantic, listens, honest, humble to start with.
So many great qualities!
My hubby is absolutely the perfect hero in my eyes. When we first met, he was painfully shy, ducked his head and looked up with his huge bluish-green eyes, mostly green, and would talk softly and his voice was smooth and beautiful. He wore jeans and cowboy boots, but he didn’t have a horse. He worked hard every day. His Dad made them start working in their orchard when he was 5 years old, picking blackberries, so he had to be up at daylight so the berries wouldn’t get too hot and burst. That’s hard work! All those thorns in the berry patch! Anyway, this man cares for others, but he cares mostly for his children and me. Now, you can add grandchildren to that! He never missed work! What a man of integrity! Took his family to church every week, and served as deacon in our church. Taught Sunday School with me. Plays the guitar and banjo, just about every stringed instrument! We had a gospel bluegrass band for many years. He is what a hero looks like!
Aw, what a great description of a hero!
Caring, loyal, and brave.
I love those!
Integrity, character, how he treats others, how he talks to others. He needs to speak truth, doesn’t exaggerate much, and most of all, has to love the Lord!
Very good examples!
Integrity, character, honesty both in actions and words, kindness, and loving God.
Exactly, completely.
Honesty and integrity.
Absolutely. Those things are imperative.
Honesty, compassion, and a sense of humor. Must love kids and animals.
Exactly, all those things make a great hero.
Compassion and a pleasant personality, but not a woose