Currently working on: Book 2
Mood: Contemplative
Mmmm. Dark heroes. I love ‘em.
Jessa’s description of them—compelling, aloof, dangerous, potent, enigmatic, guarded, fierce, deep, passionate—really resonated. Just reading those words make me shiver.
I confess, though, I don’t start off with a description in mind when I write a book and I don’t go looking for certain words in the blurbs on the back of the books I pick up at the store. But I do seek out dark heroes. All the time.
So, what am I looking for? How do my dark heroes evolve?
For me, there are three common elements: a troubled past that lingers in the back of his mind, an unshakable competency gained the hard way, and a willingness to do whatever must be done, even if it’s very unpleasant. These are not guys to whom life has been kind. They’ve seen hardship—plenty of it—and they’ve not only endured, they’ve thrived. You can see it in those compelling eyes, sense it behind that guarded expression, and witness it in their passionate defense of the people they care about.
For me a prime example of what makes a dark hero dark has recently played out in the character James Bond. Jessa had a great reference to him in her comments yesterday. I was never a fan of the old James Bond movies—yes, there were elements I liked—his savoir faire, his skills, and his darkly charming looks. But in my opinion the movies were very forgettable. That changed when I went to see Casino Royale. I LOVED the new Bond, even though I wasn’t excited about the blond hair. Why? Because up there on the screen was my beloved dark hero.
This Bond has secrets behind those baby blues. Those lines on his face were carved by bitter experience. He could have ended up on the wrong side of the law—indeed he dances along that line when circumstances demand it—but he stands for justice. With everything he’s got. He kicks ass, makes no apology for doing it, and sometimes things get messy and ugly. Yet, he has a soft spot for women. No, wait. I loved Jessa’s description of a quiet hole inside him that can only be filled by a woman. It’s perfect. You just have to look at him to know that hole is there, and you desperately want to be the woman who can fill it.
That scene when he gets in the shower fully clothed to hold the shaken and shivering heroine melts my heart every time.
Have you seen the movie? What do you think? Based on what attracts you to a dark hero, does Bond have the right stuff? If you haven’t seen the movie, how do you know a dark hero when you see one?
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Hi Annette;
Great new blog site!
I agree with you that James Bond finally became a true character, rather than a caricature, in Casino Royale. Loved him. So much more depth than in the old Bond movies. Daniel Craig is such a good actor.
There is something so compelling about a hero with a past, with a hole that only the heroine can fill, someone who will defend those he loves against all odds. Very romantic.
Great blog!
by Mary Bray November 4th, 2008 at 8:25 amMary
I agree, he was a great character. I love dark heroes. Can’t wait for his newest movie!
by Theresa November 4th, 2008 at 8:50 amDaniel Craig is absolutely my favorite Bond! The man just oozes danger and intensity and sexuality. For me, the most poignant moment is near the end, when he learns how the heroine has betrayed him yet he still can’t deny loving her. His mind knows one thing, but his heart is convinced otherwise, and he’s willing to risk everything to try to save her. That’s a true hero.
by Allison Chase November 4th, 2008 at 8:51 amTheresa, I can’t wait for the new movie, either. Quantum of Solace. Great name.
I hope they succeed in keeping his nature intriguing and dark…and like Mary said, avoid the caricature of the past.
by annettemc November 4th, 2008 at 9:19 amAllison, that scene is great, I agree. And we can’t help but feel his pain when he… Hmmm, I better not give that away.
Daniel Craig has called his character an antihero…does anyone else agree with that ?
by annettemc November 4th, 2008 at 9:25 amCasino Royale was excellent! Like some of you, I wasn’t a Daniel Craig fan until I saw that movie. Now just try and stop me from seeing Quantum of Solace. I hate to speak blasphemy here, but before that movie, Sean Connery WAS 007 for me, but DC replaced him 100%.
by Kim Lenox November 4th, 2008 at 9:31 amI think anithero is the wrong term. He’s a rogue hero, doing things on his own terms according to his own standards of right and wrong, which don’t necessarily coincide with what he’s been ordered to do. A tiger who’s been civilized but not entirely tamed. And that’s why M is always so annoyed.
by Allison Chase November 4th, 2008 at 10:14 amWhen I watched the Bond movies as a kid, I never really grokked to the fact that he’s basically an assassin. An assassin working for the good guys, in theory, but still. However, like Allison, I’d not classify him as an anti-hero. I like “rogue hero” too.
My favorite Bond movie quote:
by Jessa Slade November 4th, 2008 at 11:52 amBond (tied up): What do you expect me to do? Talk?
Villain: No, Mr. Bond. I expect you to die.
I haven’t see Daniel Craig in either of the Bond films but I fully intend to now! I LOVE a dark hero. And the analysis you have posted on this blog is right on the money!
The hero of my current mess in progress is definitely the dark type. After all society believes he murdered his wife. His child hasn’t spoken in four years and won’t come near him. Accidents happen all around him and he is filthy rich because of his ruthless business savvy.
What do you think?
by Louisa Cornell November 4th, 2008 at 12:13 pmJessa, you have the best quotes! I love that!
by annettemc November 4th, 2008 at 12:33 pmLouisa, assuming he’s got all the heroic qualities, too, like desperately wanting to reach his mute child, I think your guy qualifies as one of the dark ones. Is your story a gothic?
by annettemc November 4th, 2008 at 12:41 pmAnd the hero fighting a constant battle inside with dark and light. As you’ve said it’s so easy for him to cross the line but he stands firm, exhibiting true heroism. Yes, he has his moments but you have faith that no matter the odds he’ll verify you trust in him.
by Judith November 4th, 2008 at 1:06 pmJudith, you’re so right about the battle of dark and light within the dark hero. That’s probably the key to his allure. I mean, it’s easy to be good if you’re good, you know? But how many of us are truly good? (Not including my mom, who truly should be beatified.) Watching the dark hero battle his demons (literally or figuratively or both) and come out the winner gives us hope that we too can overcome.
Sing it with me! We shall overcome!
Sorry. Voting fever
by Jessa Slade November 4th, 2008 at 6:06 pmHi and congrats on your new blogs, ladies!
Annette, great post. I love dark heroes!
I love how they take us, the reader, to the edge.
I always think ‘dark heroes’ are ‘dark’ and, well, ‘heroes’
b/c they’re capable of so much BAD, but in the end, they choose something good. They’re not simple, so they can’t make simple decisions when faced with a meaningful choice. There’s an inner compass.
I love heroes who have so much fury and power, but they restrain it for the good of others, or a set of values, or some greater societal good.
Happy blogging!
by Kris Kennedy November 4th, 2008 at 7:06 pmKris
My guilty pleasure would have to be Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. Especially the Pumpkins, Xmas Trees, Hearts and Eggs. Those are so much better because they’re FILLED with peanut butter!!! Peanut butter a good source of protein and fat!
by Jessica S. September 23rd, 2009 at 12:38 pm