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.
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.
Mr. Darcy from 'Pride and Prejudice' is also a vulnerable hero. His pride initially masks his vulnerability. But as he falls in love with Elizabeth, his true feelings are exposed. He is vulnerable to her rejection because of his social status and his own insecurities about his personality. He fears that she will not return his love due to his perceived haughtiness.
The hero who is from a lower social class can also be vulnerable. In some period - piece romance novels, a poor man in love with a wealthy woman. He may be vulnerable because he constantly worries about not being able to provide for her or fit into her world, and is always at risk of losing her due to the social gap.
The appeal lies in their potential for growth. Readers like to see them overcome their past hurts.
Well, they often have a troubled past. Maybe they've been betrayed or lost someone dear. This makes them seem guarded yet yearning for love at the same time. For example, a hero who was abandoned by his family might be cold on the outside but secretly hopes for a real connection.
Because they're relatable. Most people have been through tough times and can identify with their pain. Readers can see themselves in these heroes and that draws them into the story.
They are often shown as having a guarded heart. For example, a hero who was betrayed in the past might be hesitant to open up to the heroine. He may seem cold at first but as the story progresses, his vulnerability shows through his actions, like being overly protective because he's afraid to lose again.
In fanfiction, Will Byers' vulnerability can stem from his emotional sensitivity, his isolation during certain events, or the lingering effects of his encounters with the Upside Down. These factors make him an easy target for various challenges and perils.
One popular example is 'Pride and Prejudice'. Elizabeth Bennet can be seen as a somewhat vulnerable heroine in a sense. She has to navigate the social norms and expectations of her time while dealing with her own pride and prejudices. Another is 'Jane Eyre'. Jane is an orphan and has to endure a lot of hardships, yet she remains strong in her search for love and a place in the world.
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.