A great example is 'Wuthering Heights' by Emily Bronte. Heathcliff can be seen as a damaged hero. His difficult past and tortured soul play a major role in his complex relationship with Catherine. The intense passion and turmoil between them is what makes this a classic in the realm of damaged hero romance. Also, 'Pride and Prejudice' to some extent. Mr. Darcy has his own emotional wounds from his past experiences and his relationship with Elizabeth Bennet is a journey of healing and falling in love.
The damaged hero often has trust issues in these novels. Due to their past experiences, they find it hard to open up to the heroine. This creates a lot of tension and conflict in the story. The historical elements like social norms and cultural values of the time also play a role. For instance, in a Victorian - era novel, the damaged hero may be restricted by the society's expectations while trying to pursue a relationship with the heroine. And the way the author resolves these issues makes the story interesting.
In romance novels, damaged hero characters bring a lot to the plot. Their damaged state can lead to unique character development. They might start off as closed - off or bitter, but as the story progresses, they open up because of the love interest. This transformation is not only interesting but also gives the plot a sense of progression. Also, their damage can be the source of external conflicts. For example, if a hero has a reputation due to his past, it can cause problems for the relationship. All these elements combined make the plot more complex, multi - layered and ultimately more appealing to readers.
The 'Scarlett' series can also be considered. Scarlett O'Hara is a complex character, and Rhett Butler, the male lead, has his own share of emotional damage. Set during the American Civil War, their tumultuous relationship is full of passion and historical context.
'A Walk to Remember' features a heroine, Jamie Sullivan, who is seen as different and has her own set of challenges. She is a religious girl in a small town, and her relationship with the popular but troubled Landon Carter is a beautiful and heart - wrenching romance. It's a story of how love can transform and heal in the face of a 'damaged' heroine.
They usually start off as broken or closed - off. For example, in many novels, a damaged heroine might be dealing with past trauma like loss or abuse. As the story progresses, the romance she gets into acts as a catalyst. The love interest might be patient and understanding, which gradually helps her open up and start to heal. She begins to trust again and becomes more confident in herself.
Well, hero romance novels typically center around a dashing hero. He might be a knight, a warrior, or a modern - day action - hero type. These novels are all about the relationship between the hero and the love interest. The hero is often in a position of power or has special abilities. The storylines usually involve the hero protecting the heroine from various threats, and through that, their love blossoms. For example, in many such novels, the hero might fight off villains to keep the heroine safe, and during this process, their feelings for each other grow deeper.