Summary of "How to Write Morally Good Heroes (Writing Advice)"
In the video "How to Write morally good heroes," Brandon McNulty discusses the characteristics and challenges of creating classic, morally upright heroes in storytelling. He outlines key traits that distinguish these heroes from anti-heroes and regular protagonists, as well as strategies for making them compelling.
Key Traits of morally good heroes
- Strong Values: They embody values such as honesty, humility, sincerity, responsibility, and selflessness.
- Adherence to Values: They maintain their values even in challenging situations.
- Unselfish Flaws: Their flaws are typically not selfish; they may struggle with impatience or lack of confidence, but not greed or arrogance.
Challenges in Writing morally good heroes
- Simplicity and Predictability: Their consistent moral choices can make them feel predictable.
- One-dimensionality: They may come across as overly good, lacking depth if their values aren't tested.
- Unrealism: Their idealized nature can make them feel preachy or unrealistic if not portrayed authentically.
Tips for Making morally good heroes Compelling
- Create Sympathy: Put heroes through suffering and challenges to evoke empathy from the audience.
- Test Their Morals: Present them with difficult dilemmas that force them to make tough choices.
- Highlight Admirable Qualities: Showcase their persistence, courage, and selflessness to make their good traits stand out.
- Allow Failure: Let them experience setbacks and question their beliefs, emphasizing their humanity.
- Embrace Cheesy Sincerity: Allow heroes to express sincere emotions and actions, even if they seem cheesy, as this can resonate deeply with the audience.
Brandon McNulty encourages writers to take their heroes seriously and to portray their journeys authentically, regardless of the challenges they face.
Contributors
- Brandon McNulty (Author of "Entry Wounds")
Category
Art and Creativity
