What makes a character one of the best heroes in romance novels?

A great hero in fiction often has noble qualities. For example, selflessness. A hero like Superman is always ready to sacrifice his own interests to save the world. They also possess great courage. Frodo in 'The Lord of the Rings' shows incredible courage as he faces the terrors of Mordor. And they usually have a strong sense of justice. Batman fights for justice in the corrupt Gotham City.

The appeal of best scarred heroes romance novels lies in the redemption aspect. We love to see a hero who has been through tough times, whether it's a physical injury or an emotional trauma, find love and heal. It gives a sense of hope. For example, in a war - based romance novel, the hero who is scarred from battle finds love with a kind - hearted heroine. It's like his scar is a mark of his past strength and now his journey to new happiness.

Relatability is key. Holden Caulfield from 'The Catcher in the Rye' is a great example. Many readers can identify with his sense of alienation and confusion as he transitions from adolescence to adulthood. His raw and honest voice makes him seem like a real person that readers can connect with on an emotional level.

The hero's dreams and desires can also make him vulnerable. If he has a big dream, like starting a new business or achieving a certain career goal in a modern - day romance, and the relationship with the heroine might interfere with that, he is in a vulnerable position. He has to balance his love and his personal ambitions, and the fear of losing either one makes him vulnerable.

Past traumas make them vulnerable. For example, if a hero has witnessed the death of a loved one, it can create deep - seated fears and insecurities. He may be afraid of losing his new love in the same way.

A great villain in a novel often has strong motives. For example, Iago in 'Othello' is motivated by jealousy and a desire for revenge. His devious plots drive the whole tragedy forward. Another aspect is their ability to create conflict. A villain like Sauron in 'The Lord of the Rings' creates a huge, world - spanning conflict that the heroes must overcome.

A great plot is key. For example, in 'The Hating Game' by Sally Thorne, the enemies - to - lovers plot is well - executed. The constant banter and the slow - burn of their relationship make it engaging. Good character development is also important. In 'Jane Eyre' by Charlotte Bronte, Jane is a strong and complex character, and her relationship with Mr. Rochester is full of depth.

The exploration of complex relationships. A cheating hero often has a more complex backstory and set of relationships. This allows the author to delve deeper into themes like forgiveness, trust, and second chances. It also makes the relationship between the hero and the heroine more multi - faceted as they have to overcome not only external obstacles but also the hero's past mistakes. It can be a very engaging and thought - provoking aspect of a romance novel.

The writing style also matters a great deal. A good author can create a sensual atmosphere with words. In 'Nine and a Half Weeks' (the novel that inspired the movie), the author uses a very descriptive and evocative writing style to bring out the erotic and romantic elements, making it a memorable read.

The ability to build tension is crucial. Take Emily Henry's novels. She slowly builds the relationship between the characters, making the readers eager to see how the love story will unfold. Also, a unique setting can enhance the story. Like Sarah J. Maas who sometimes sets her romances in fantastical worlds.