  Action/Adventure
This week: A Different Kind of Hero Edited by: NaNoKit  
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One Man. Sassy Heroine. Inept or moody Anti-Hero. I'm sure that you can picture them, as they are everywhere. They are all over our big screens, and it's getting tiresome.
This week's Action/Adventure Newsletter is about the need for unique characters.
kittiara |
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The end of the world is near. Some horrible injustice is taking place. Everything seems lost, but there is One Man who stands between the innocent and their destruction. He's a strong man, with a square jaw and, quite often, a tortured past. As soon as we meet him, we know everything will be alright.
Alternatively, there is the female heroine. People underestimate her, but she is cheeky, and sassy, and smarter than she's given credit for. She might team up with a handy male. We grow to admire her along her journey, and, depending on her circumstances, are pleased when she and the man get together, or feel satisfied when she rejects him.
The anti-hero has grown in popularity, and it's easy to see why. He may not be as likable or admirable as our One Man, he may have some annoying characteristics, or frustrating tendencies, but he may also have some traits we recognize in ourselves, and is therefore easier to identify with.
These types of characters have proven their worth in the Action/Adventure genre. They're all a bit samey, though, aren't they? When I watch a movie trailer and hear that deep, serious, mildly dramatic voice setting the scene, I know when One Man is going to appear, and I know exactly what to expect. Too much of a good thing isn't that good a thing at all.
I don't know about you, but I want a different type of hero or heroine. I want to see some creativity. Let's throw up some wild ideas like... I don't know... a butterfly. A butterfly is a small, delicate creature in a big, dangerous world. All sorts of bad things can happen to it. And what if a butterfly decided it wasn't content with fluttering from flower to flower? What if it wanted to explore, and have a different purpose in life? It could have all kinds of adventures!
If you want to stick with humans, what about a woman who looks just like your average person? Why should the Lara Crofts get all the action? And why should she need a man to help her along the way? Who says she is even interested in romance?
She could be in her thirties, or forties, or fifties, or even 102 years old. She could be thin or plump, and be not at all interested in designer labels unlike so many fictional ladies these days. She doesn't need to have long, beautiful hair, a high-flying career, and a fancy apartment in the city. She doesn't need to have a university degree, or a wealthy background. Then again, she can have all that if you want her to. All I am saying is, please, make her different than the stereotype.
If you're drawn to One Man, why does he have to be tall and handsome? If you like your anti-heroes, why do they have to be inept, or moody and unsociable?
I always think it's worthwhile to study the people around you. You'll no doubt know quite a few ordinary, everyday people who would never aspire to grand adventures, yet they might have interesting traits that can be used to shape a heroic character for a thrilling tale.
As much as I dislike the "think outside the box" phrase, that is exactly what I feel authors should do. I doubt I'm the only one who feels that Hollywood has run out of fresh ideas, and good movies originate from good stories. Good stories require interesting characters. That is where you can make a difference.
Don't ever be afraid to experiment. Writing.Com is a wonderful place for authors to try out different ideas. If you want to write about the adventures of a pink umbrella, go for it. Readers will no doubt let you know whether or not you're on to something.
Who knows, one day you might be signing your novel at bookstores around the globe, or walk the red carpet when your story has hit the big screens. It's worth a try.
Just please... let your One Man be Really Original Man, and not like all the other Ones out there already.
kittiara
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For this week's Action/Adventure Newsletter I have chosen some of the latest additions to the genre. I hope that you'll enjoy them  .
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Action/Adventure: April 25, 2012 Issue [#5014]
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