Guest Post: 5 Reasons why we Love a Tortured Hero
Posted at the lovely Long and Short of it Reviews.
There is something genuinely captivating about a damaged hero or heroine. Here are some possible reasons as to why our love for the Heathcliffs of the world remains so strong and sure:
1) Redemption and the beauty of hope.
Redemption is a beautiful, powerful force. It reminds us that change is possible and nurtures the prospect of hope. We all yearn to better ourselves, to grow as individuals, to overcome seemingly impossible odds … and the tortured hero’s journey symbolizes this concept.
2) Stories that feature a tortured hero often lend themselves to a more dynamic read.
Stories that focus on the trials and tribulations of a tortured hero/heroine often bear higher emotional stakes. More pages are dedicated to characterization. These stories tend to delve further into backstories, have greater obstacles, and contain profound character arcs. Consequently, the subject matter, themes, and overall tone are typically deeper and more complex than that of a “casual read.” This is simply a phenomenon that comes with exploring the darker territories of the human psyche.
3) For the love of the “bad boy.”
Tortured heroes commonly boast “bad boy” behaviors. They are ruthless, gruff, and naughty rule breakers. Stories (especially romance novels) are a form of fantasy escapism—and who wouldn’t want to escape into the arms of a man who’s ready to rock your world?
4) Genuine love.
Romances that feature a tortured hero truly probe the boundaries of compassion, sensitivity, and unconditional love. Because of the hero’s (or heroine’s) imperfections, the love interest must learn to love and accept him in spite of discovering these things. And when you truly know and love someone . . . well, there’s the magic of romance.
5) The tortured hero is just plain sexy.
Low, sardonic whispers. Dark secrets. Penetrating eyes. Mesmerizing stares. Mystery, danger, and intrigue = sexy in one deliciously masculine package.
Finding Gabriel truly embodies my passion for the tortured hero. I had yearned to create a pair of imperfect, emotionally and physically scarred protagonists whose deep affection for each other could triumph over seemingly impossible odds. And Colonel Gabriel de Laurent is very much a haunted soul. His twisted past has hardened his heart and driven him to the brink of desperation. Ariah’s gentle nature and ability to persevere presents the ideal counterpoint to his darkness. Though, like Gabriel, she also suffers from a tragic past.
Thank you for reading! ♥
There is something genuinely captivating about a damaged hero or heroine. Here are some possible reasons as to why our love for the Heathcliffs of the world remains so strong and sure:
1) Redemption and the beauty of hope.
Redemption is a beautiful, powerful force. It reminds us that change is possible and nurtures the prospect of hope. We all yearn to better ourselves, to grow as individuals, to overcome seemingly impossible odds … and the tortured hero’s journey symbolizes this concept.
2) Stories that feature a tortured hero often lend themselves to a more dynamic read.
Stories that focus on the trials and tribulations of a tortured hero/heroine often bear higher emotional stakes. More pages are dedicated to characterization. These stories tend to delve further into backstories, have greater obstacles, and contain profound character arcs. Consequently, the subject matter, themes, and overall tone are typically deeper and more complex than that of a “casual read.” This is simply a phenomenon that comes with exploring the darker territories of the human psyche.
3) For the love of the “bad boy.”
Tortured heroes commonly boast “bad boy” behaviors. They are ruthless, gruff, and naughty rule breakers. Stories (especially romance novels) are a form of fantasy escapism—and who wouldn’t want to escape into the arms of a man who’s ready to rock your world?
4) Genuine love.
Romances that feature a tortured hero truly probe the boundaries of compassion, sensitivity, and unconditional love. Because of the hero’s (or heroine’s) imperfections, the love interest must learn to love and accept him in spite of discovering these things. And when you truly know and love someone . . . well, there’s the magic of romance.
5) The tortured hero is just plain sexy.
Low, sardonic whispers. Dark secrets. Penetrating eyes. Mesmerizing stares. Mystery, danger, and intrigue = sexy in one deliciously masculine package.
Finding Gabriel truly embodies my passion for the tortured hero. I had yearned to create a pair of imperfect, emotionally and physically scarred protagonists whose deep affection for each other could triumph over seemingly impossible odds. And Colonel Gabriel de Laurent is very much a haunted soul. His twisted past has hardened his heart and driven him to the brink of desperation. Ariah’s gentle nature and ability to persevere presents the ideal counterpoint to his darkness. Though, like Gabriel, she also suffers from a tragic past.
Thank you for reading! ♥
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