Writing Fantasy Heroes

1. Heroes are essential to storytelling and culture

"There is no human culture that does not value stories of heroes."

Cultural significance. Heroes embody the virtues and ideals that societies hold dear. They serve as role models, inspiring people to strive for greatness and overcome adversity. Even in supposedly "post-heroic" or "anti-heroic" literature, there is always an admirable figure, whether it's the protagonist or the author themselves.

Evolving archetypes. The concept of heroism has evolved over time, from the glory-seeking warriors of ancient epics to the reluctant heroes of modern fantasy. This evolution reflects changing societal values and expectations. However, the core elements of heroism - courage, sacrifice, and the pursuit of a greater good - remain constant across cultures and time periods.

Psychological need. Stories of heroes fulfill a deep psychological need in humans. They provide:

• Models for behavior in difficult situations
• Hope in the face of adversity
• A sense of meaning and purpose
• Catharsis through vicarious experiences

2. Tropes can be powerful tools for character development

"Tropes are just another tool in the writer's toolkit. Like any tool, you want to avoid them when they aren't right for the job, but you absolutely want to make full use of them when they are."

Efficient communication. Tropes serve as a shorthand language between author and reader. They allow writers to quickly establish character archetypes, settings, and plot elements without extensive exposition. This efficiency can be particularly useful in fantasy and science fiction, where complex worlds need to be built quickly.

Subversion and innovation. While tropes can be overused, skilled writers can subvert expectations by playing with familiar elements in new ways. This can lead to fresh, exciting stories that still resonate with readers' expectations and desires. Examples include:

• The "dark lord" who turns out to be misunderstood
• The "chosen one" who rejects their destiny
• The "damsel in distress" who saves herself

Balance is key. The art of using tropes effectively lies in finding the right balance between familiarity and originality. Relying too heavily on tropes can lead to cliché, but avoiding them entirely can make a story feel disconnected from its genre and audience expectations.

3. Unexpected events drive compelling narratives

"Shit happens in the creation of story, including unexpected deaths, with ample digressions and curious asides."

Unpredictability creates tension. Introducing unexpected events, particularly negative ones, keeps readers engaged and invested in the story. These moments of surprise mirror real life, where unforeseen circumstances can dramatically alter our paths.

Character revelation. How characters respond to unexpected events reveals their true nature and drives character development. This is particularly effective when:

• A hero faces an unforeseen challenge
• A villain shows an unexpected moment of humanity
• A supporting character rises to the occasion in a crisis

Narrative flexibility. Embracing the unexpected in storytelling allows writers to:

• Break out of formulaic plots
• Create organic, believable story arcs
• Introduce new conflicts and subplots
• Keep themselves engaged and excited about the writing process

4. Reluctant heroes resonate deeply with readers

"The essence of the true reluctant hero is that he is not acting primarily to save himself or those closest to him. He is acting to save a larger community—even the entire human race or the whole world—from a dire threat."

Relatable struggle. Reluctant heroes embody the internal conflict many people face when called to act beyond their comfort zone. This inner turmoil makes them more relatable and human than traditional, eager heroes.

Moral complexity. The reluctant hero's journey often involves:

• Grappling with personal desires vs. societal needs
• Overcoming self-doubt and fear
• Learning to accept responsibility and leadership
• Making difficult choices with far-reaching consequences

Character growth. The transformation from reluctance to acceptance creates a compelling character arc. Readers witness the hero's evolution from ordinary person to extraordinary figure, making their eventual heroism all the more satisfying.

5. Side characters provide depth and perspective

"NPCs are people too."

World-building through interaction. Non-Player Characters (NPCs) or side characters help flesh out the world by providing different perspectives and experiences. They can:

• Offer information about the setting and culture
• Reflect societal attitudes and norms
• Provide contrast to the main characters

Emotional anchors. Side characters often serve as emotional touchstones for the protagonist and readers. They can:

• Offer support or challenge the hero
• Provide comic relief or moments of levity
• Represent the stakes of the hero's actions

Narrative flexibility. Well-developed side characters can:

• Take on unexpected roles as the story progresses
• Provide alternative viewpoints on key events
• Carry subplots that enrich the overall narrative

6. Crafting cinematic fight scenes requires finesse

"When you write, each few lines should try to do something innovative, attempt something slightly out of the ordinary."

Clarity is crucial. Effective fight scenes require clear setup and blocking. Writers should:

• Establish the spatial relationships between characters
• Describe the environment and any relevant obstacles
• Use specific, concrete language to convey actions

Pacing and rhythm. Vary sentence structure and length to control pacing:

• Short, punchy sentences for intense moments
• Longer, flowing sentences for slower, more strategic movements
• Use paragraph breaks strategically to create pauses and emphasis

Character focus. Fight scenes should reveal character through:

• Fighting styles that reflect personality and background
• Emotional responses to the violence and danger
• Strategic choices that demonstrate intelligence or desperation

7. Monsters embody our deepest fears and fascinations

"A well conceived monster can propel any story from the mundane into the mysterious."

Psychological impact. Monsters in fantasy literature tap into primal human fears and desires. They can represent:

• The unknown and unknowable
• Repressed aspects of human nature
• Societal anxieties and taboos

Narrative catalysts. Monsters drive plots by:

• Creating immediate, visceral threats
• Forcing characters to confront their limitations
• Challenging societal norms and expectations

Symbolic potential. Well-crafted monsters can serve as powerful metaphors for:

• Natural disasters or environmental concerns
• Political or social injustices
• Personal or collective trauma

8. Historical context enriches fantasy worldbuilding

"If a fantasy world does not have a serried assortment of races, creeds, philosophies and polities, then it's little more than an over-large ant farm."

Authenticity through detail. Drawing inspiration from real historical events and societies adds depth and believability to fantasy worlds. Consider:

• Economic systems and trade routes
• Religious and cultural conflicts
• Technological advancements and their impacts

Logistics matter. Realistic considerations of warfare and travel create more immersive narratives:

• Supply chains and food sources for armies
• Time required for communication and movement
• Impact of weather and terrain on campaigns

Cultural complexity. Rich fantasy worlds reflect the diversity and complexity of real human societies:

• Multiple languages and dialects
• Varied systems of government and law
• Distinct artistic and cultural traditions

9. Balancing character flaws and virtues creates authenticity

"Because somehow—again without forethought on my part—I find a way for the reluctant hero to remain heroic."

Moral complexity. Well-rounded characters possess both virtues and flaws, creating internal conflicts that drive character development. This balance makes them:

• More relatable to readers
• Capable of surprising yet believable actions
• Able to grow and change throughout the story

Avoiding perfection. Perfect heroes or irredeemable villains often feel flat and uninteresting. Instead, aim for:

• Heroes with significant weaknesses or blind spots
• Villains with understandable motivations or redeeming qualities
• Supporting characters with their own complex moral landscapes

Consistency in change. As characters evolve, ensure that their core traits remain recognizable:

• Show gradual shifts in perspective or behavior
• Allow for moments of backsliding or doubt
• Tie character growth to pivotal plot events

10. The hero's journey reflects universal human experiences

"Only the true believer in the heroic myth, unconscious of how that belief is controlling his story choices, can find his way to a satisfactory—and, on rare occasions, a perfect—balance."

Archetypal resonance. The hero's journey, as described by Joseph Campbell, taps into deep-seated human experiences and desires:

• The call to adventure (facing life's challenges)
• Mentorship and guidance
• Confronting fears and overcoming obstacles
• Personal transformation and growth
• Return with newfound wisdom or power

Flexibility within structure. While the hero's journey provides a framework, successful stories adapt and subvert these elements to create fresh narratives:

• Unexpected mentors or adversaries
• Refusal of the return or inability to share the "elixir"
• Multiple, intertwining hero's journeys within a single story

Psychological truth. The enduring power of the hero's journey lies in its reflection of real psychological processes:

• Individuation and self-discovery
• Confronting the shadow self
• Integration of conscious and unconscious aspects of personality
• Finding one's place within society and the cosmos

Last updated: August 20, 2024