Back on Wednesday we had a lot of comments from some great writers and avid readers about what makes a hero.
You are very welcome to go read them, because they articulate better than I can sum up the gist of what makes a great hero (in our estimation).
Seb took notes.
Then he came into my office and stood there staring down at me after they were gone. The silence went on for ages. I figured it was up to him to break it.
Finally he said to me, “So . . .” thirty second pause at least ” . . . you’re saying you want me to change.”
It wasn’t a question. But he didn’t look convinced, either. He was tapping the edge of his design sketch book against the palm of his hand. His jaw was tight.
“Well,” I said slowly, trying not to be confrontational just yet, “I think you’ll want to change by the end of the book.”
“Why?”
He didn’t mind being confrontational. I could see that.
“Because things aren’t exactly the way you think they are.”
“Says who?”
“Well, I do. And I have information you don’t.”
“And you’re not going to tell me.” That wasn’t a question, either. He knows me pretty well.
“It wouldn’t be fair if I did,” I explained. “Having a hero is like having a teenager — you can’t tell them anything. They have to go through a learning process. Go on a journey if you will. Start out one place and end up somewhere else. And they have to figure things out for themselves.”
“A teenager? You’re saying I’m not grown up.”
“I’m saying you’re just a little bit blind to certain things. And, um, maybe a little opinionated.”
“It’s not an opinion when you’re right.”
“Which is why we need to get you through chapter one. So you won’t be quite so cocksure of yourself.”
A dark brow lifted. “Nothing wrong with self-confidence.”
“Nothing at all,” I agreed. “And it’s because you have it in abundance that I know you’ll weather this and come out the other side a better man.”
He narrowed his gaze at me and gave me the cool appraisal that got him the nickname “Iceman.”
“Nothing wrong with me the way I am.”
“Indeed not,” I said. “You’re almost perfect.”
“Almost?” Now he was offended.
“You only need the love of a good woman.”
He crossed his arms over his chest. “Not going to happen.”
I just smiled. “That’s what you think.”
“What are you up to?” He glowered at me.
I shrugged. “Show up for work tomorrow and find out.”
More steely-eyed gaze. Just a hint of grinding teeth. A little stubborn edge to his jaw. “We’ see,” he said. Then he turned on his heel and walked out.
What do you guys think? Will he be back? Does Seb have it in him? (God, I hope so! I don’t know what I’m going to write if he doesn’t. But for heaven’s sake, don’t tell him that!)
If you’re a writer, what about the guy you’re writing about now? Does he ever make you wonder if he’s got it in him? Is he so hard-edged you wonder if he’ll find the gentleness he needs? Or is he so mellow you wonder if he’ll even bother? Do you audition your heroes or do they just show up and take over?
And if you’re a reader, who are some of your favorite heroes? In books? In plays? In films? In real life?
If you’re into family history, what about all those dead ancestors? Any heroes among them? Favorite characters?
Hey, ideas are everywhere.
