What kind of male protagonists (heros) do you like? A cynical...amiable...?

Question

I'm writing a book set in the early Victorian era, but I'm having trouble with my hero. I want him to be humorous and amiable to the heroine, and yet, I prefer my heros cynical...or should I mix the two traits up?

Anyways, what kind of heros do you like? And why?

Answer 1

Well .... let's see .. Rochester's OK , but a bit too emotional ? while none of the ones in 'Wuthering...' can be called 'heroes!'
Darcy is a bit too ... proud? You'd better do a mix of them .
By the way , Early Victorian , did you say ? Whoever heard of Early victorian males being " humourous & amiable to women ! !"
Better change to Modern.

Answer 2

I can only answer by naming a few movie protagonists. Maybe that will suffice for your character.
Jack Nicholson, Tom Cruise, Paul Newman, Robert Redford, Nicholas Cage, Kevin Costner, Clint Eastwood, Val Kilmer, John Travolta, Tim Robbins, Morgan Freeman, Tom Hanks, Denzel Washington, Jim Carrey, Steve Martin, Harrison Ford, Gene Hackman and I could go on all day. Probably left out some of my favorite actors but you can get the "picture." I don't know how these actors would fit into the early Victorian era but they could easily do so because they're actors. Sometimes humorous, amiable and cynical but they could all make a good hero. Throw in some of your own ideas of what a good male protagonist should be. It's your book. Look forward to reading it.
Oh yeah, Bruce Willis, Sean Connery, ...

Answer 3

The cynical guys are attractive. An amiable and humorous guy seems like the supporting character instead of the hero.

Answer 4

Your character still sounds pretty shallow. How about a former nice guy that got jaded because women didn't treat him with respect - including the heroine. He went away because he couldn't stand how people treated him and now he is still friendly and can be kind, but when people act like sh** he can spin the situation on his seemingly out of character cynical jokes about human nature which indirectly defaces the image snobs, biggots, and other bullies. Also, (since martial arts would be unusual) he can box despite being not terribly buff with enough speed and finesse to take down a larger man - a demonstration that brains beats brawn if you know the tender spots to hit. I personally like the idea of a knuckle strike and the comment, "Oh, I know, it's not your fault, but that your fist slipped. Do you think it learned its lesson now?"

One of my favorite heroes is Han Solo from Star Wars. I like how he talks back to Leia: "Well, excuse me, your highness." He also strikes me as amiable, humorous, and cynical.

Answer 5

I like Superman! Oh oh and Batman. So pretty much I like superheros. Another "real" hero of mine is my grandfather. He was in War World 2 which included D-Day, Invasion of Italy. He was under General Patton, also stationed in Africa. He was almost 83 when he died two months ago. He is my hero because he worked hard in the service and in life. He owned his own business, and had 6 kids to raise with his wife, and 21 great grandkids. He was a nice man, and well respected.

Answer 6

I can't think of the name of the character right now, but Robert Parker has a series of books about a detective, and his character shares many of the traits you described. Maybe if you get a chance to you could read a book or two of his to see. I really enjoy the series, it would be worth your time. Good luck with your book, that's awesome!!

Answer 7

i like those dark heroes like a bad guy but a good guy. like in sin sity that guy who sure kills a whole lot of people but people like him. it may not be morally right but he is still the portagonist. he kills bad guys.