My favorite stories are those with a flawed hero. As a genuinely flawed individual I find them relatable. This means I inadvertently fall in love with protagonists that have some serious issues. They may have issues with their fathers, they may struggle with a curse, they may even be so gifted with brilliance that they can’t seem to have normal human relationships. Yep, sign me up, these are the strange, difficult heroes I am here for.
Table of Contents
Flawed Hero Jarron, The False Prince
I just want to go on the record as saying that no one writes complicated heroes like Jennifer A. Neilsen. Seriously, she is the best when it comes to showing you all the challenges and never smoothing them over. She lets each hero explain himself, but only after you want to smack him a dozen times or so. Then you think, “Oh! That’s why you are the way you are!” And, yes, that’s why her deeply flawed characters are some of my favorites, because they are real people.
Take, for example, Sage/Jarron from The Ascendence trilogy. Based on two of Neilsen’s real-life students, this complicated orphan/prince is constantly in trouble, causing trouble, and getting hurt. His mind never rests and as he strategizes several moves ahead of each foe he encounters, he keeps us flipping pages. If all heroes were as frustrating and as fun as Jarron, we might never go to bed but stay up all night reading.
Flawed Hero Prince Edmund, Under the Curse
To say that Prince Edmund is deeply flawed would be putting things mildly. When he first appeared in the middle of my story about Rapunzel, I really didn’t know what to do with him. Even though he and Rapunzel kept parting ways, he always managed to reappear when I least expected him. I finally got the point, he wanted a chance to tell his own story. So after writing the first three books that tell the story from Rapunzel’s point of view, Under the Curse begins where we left Edmund and finally we get some answers.
Unlike Rapunzel’s beloved, Prince Edmund has a dark side, has been cursed by a sorceress, and struggles with some deep-seated anger towards his father. His backstory is messy, his intentions unclear, but his potential is evident. One might say that what he really needs is a good woman who can help him find his way. More about her in my next blog.
To receive the Rapunzel’s free origin novella, you can sign up for my newsletter here. Of course, you can skip ahead in the series and order your copy of Under the Curse to learn more about this unlikely hero.
Flawed Hero Prince Ren, A Curse so Dark and Lonely
Despite some of my misgivings about the inconsistent heroine in this book, the complicated hero won me over. A fairy tale retelling of Beauty and the Beast, Ren has been the beast caught in a curse that causes him to repeat the same season over and over until he can find a maiden to love him. But this season will be his last chance, the curse is coming to an end.
What Ren doesn’t plan for is a maid who comes not just from another world, but from another way of thinking. The best part of this book was not just how Ren related to the lady in question, but to his man-at-arms, Grey. The brotherhood between these two humanized Ren and caused me to long for him to be released from the curse. The agony that Ren went through knowing he had caused so much devastation each time he transformed into a beast also turned my heart towards him.
What do you think?
So, what’s your take on any of these? Do deeply flawed heroes make you snap a book shut, or turn the pages faster? Are you someone who longs to know more about their motivations and backstories? Share your thoughts in the comments or on social media and tag me!
About JacQueline
As the author of The Journey series, a young adult fantasy retelling Rapunzel’s misadventures, JacQueline also wrote Memoirs of a Headcase: Held by the God of Hope, to share hope in the battle against chronic pain and depression. Currently she lives in North Alabama with her karate husband and three book-crazy kids. All opinions expressed on this website come from her own experience. Do not substitute it for professional therapy or medical advice. Any affiliate links used on this website will provide additional income to JacQueline’s family at no additional cost to you.
If you are a reader wanting to connect with JacQueline, you can get a free book here. Each month you will receive book recommendations and other booknerd fun.
Are you a writer or an author looking for help? JacQueline has been writing all her life and loves meeting others who think writing is living. As an author coach, helping other writers on their journey gives her joy. Schedule your free coaching call to learn what steps you should take next now.
Photography: Kyle Johnson, Nicole Wolf, Ian, Hunter Newton, Joey Nicotra.
Social media images: JacQueline Vaughn Roe
