Posted on February 21, 2013 - by Regina
HOLDING OUT FOR A HERO
Heroes.
There’s just something about a hero that makes you feel safe. Secure. Sometimes even a little twitter-pated?
My first fictional hero was Daniel Boone. He was right up there with the Cartwright boys on Bonanza. Dan’l was larger than life. The strong, silent type – at least according to Fess Parker’s portrayal. Honestly, I’ve never wanted to learn much about the REAL Daniel Boone, because I hear he wasn’t exactly the upright citizen that inspired confidence in all those who called Boonsboro “home.”
When I started reading romance, as a teen, I was drawn, once again, to the “strong, silent type.” Grace Livingston Hill, Essie Summers . . . they always featured a hero that was above reproach. Whenever they faltered, there was a REALLY GOOD REASON for it! They will climb they highest mountain in the fiercest blizzard to deliver medicine to a dying stranger. They will risk all to save the family farm. You get the idea.
More recently I have found more variety in my hero crushes. Laura Frantz’ “Ian,” in The Frontiersman’s Daughter, literally made me swoon. Not only is he a doctor, and so to be respected, but he is also Scottish, with piercing blue eyes and thick dark hair. He teaches Lael so much about grace, and ultimately, about love.
Kaye Dacus’ series “The Brides of Bonneterre” feature three amazing heroes, but my favorite was in the third book, and the one I least expected to like – “Forbes Guidry.” In A Case for Love, we focus on Forbes ,et al, and it’s not like we’ve not met him before. He’s the “glue” that holds the family together. Oldest son, successful lawyer, “most eligible bachelor,” always there to keep the peace. That’s Forbes. He’s even a neat freak. But we see a different side of him in his book. He’s still all of the above, but we learn that Forbes is human after all. He worries about strife in the family. He has panic attacks. But when all is said and done, he does the right thing and you find yourself literally CHEERING when that happens!
Somehow, I think ALL these heroes would climb that mountain to deliver that medicine. ALL of them would risk everything to save the family farm – and more importantly, the family.
So, my kind of hero? He may be good-looking, but more importantly, he’s good to those around him.
Hmmmm . . . could I just write a BOOK about my favorite heroes? It would take that long to list them all!
What trait is YOUR favorite in a fictional character?
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February 21, 2013
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Brenda Anderson said:
Good choice in heroes. I loved Daniel Boone & the Cartwrights & the Big Valley brothers. All of Laura Frantz’s heroes are standouts. And I’ll agree that Forbes was my favorite hero in Kaye’s series.
My favorite trait? After reading this post, I have to agree with your statement: “He may be good-looking, but more importantly, he’s good to those around him.” Well said, Regina.
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February 21, 2013
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Dawn Ford said:
I love your heroes. And Laura’s are definitely swoon-worthy ones.
Dan’l Boone, huh? Interesting.
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February 21, 2013
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Stacy said:
I’ve heard that about Dan’l too, Regina.
I love a hero with a sense of humor. Not stupid 3 Stooges humor, however.
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February 21, 2013
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Regina said:
The 3 Stooges can take a hike as far as I’m concerned! LOL My TV comedy hero is Robert Petrie, on “The Dick Van Dyke Show.” I love him.
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February 21, 2013
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Kav said:
Can you believe that I have never read a Grace Livingston Hill book? Does that make me a bad reader?
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February 22, 2013
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Lorna Seilstad said:
Great choices, Regina! I love the idea of a man who is good to those around him and would do anything for them. I think that is the true heroic quality that we all admire.
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February 23, 2013
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Kim said:
I have to agree. Ian certainly made me a little weak in the knees. But I’m a little more partial to George in Stand-In Groom. And no, it isn’t just because he’s English, thank you very much! Although the accent doesn’t hurt, it’s the way he’s willing to sacrifice his desire to stay in America to prove to Anne just how much he loves her for her.