Because, by failing, he's become a hero.
I was going to write about how boring tennis has got. We had the reign of Pete Sampras, then Roger Federer. They were super-successful, which we're supposed to like, but actually they were super-boring. Polite on court, even-tempered, fantastic athletes, invincible tennis machines. Not heroes.
Because heroes need to display our best qualities, but also some of our worst. Scarlett O'Hara is brave and resourceful, but is also a bitch. Hannibal Lecter is intelligent, cultured and witty, but also eats people. James Bond in the books is always vulnerable, and it's interesting that the film franchise faltered when it made him invincible, but with the return of the more fallible hero the films have taken off again.
Our heroes - main characters - need to have some great qualities, but they need to be tempered with failings or, like Roger Federer, they become boring. Until now.
At last! I've got my finger out and have committed to running some day courses:
Writing a Novel - 31st July in Bath and 18th September in Truro
Getting a Novel Published - 1st August in Bath and 19th September in Truro
Contact me on sarah@sarahduncan.co.uk for more info...
2 comments:
Hey Sarah, you're forgetting Rafa and his wonky knees! Playing through the pain barrier makes heroes, don't you think? and there's always the doubt that he'll finish a match...
Jen
Oh, yes, he doesn't have the same invincible air that Federer has, which makes him so much more attractive. As a character, I mean of course...
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