What makes a Hero?

Heroes do heroic things of course, but what makes a great hero? Going up against great odds, of course, like I talked about before. But a hero is not only remembered for the heroic deeds, but also for WHY he or she does them.

We remember King Leonidas and King David thousands of years after their heroic acts. The name of George Washington will never be forgotten. But they didn’t do it for personal gain. They did it for the preservation of freedom. That’s a reason that can't be topped. Of course there are several great motivations that spawn heroism. Fighting for a loved one or loved ones is a usual one. Saving someone who needs saving is up there.

In fiction, who are the greatest heroes, what were the odds they faced, and why did they do it?

Well, most cop stories and the like are related to a battle against crime. James Bond did his thing for his country. War stories offer the obvious: Kill or be killed.

In some stories, the protagonist wants riches and adventure. Like treasure seekers, say. I would question the term hero applied to them. But if monetary gain is the main objective, the protagonist better have a compelling back story that makes him or her appealing to an audience. Otherwise, why should a reader care?

Trent Smith, in Killer of Killers and Killer Eyes, fights for one reason. Justice. He wants no money, he wants no fame, and he doesn’t’ even care to be recognized for his trouble. In fact, he prefers to keep a low profile. With today’s cell phone cameras and videos, it's not so easy, and he is starting to get recognized. That makes him an easier target for the bad guys. But these bad guys better be up to the task. Trent Smith is not so easy a target.

Right now, things are cracking in Killer Eyes. I have found the solution to my mid-story bog, and it’s time to pay the piper. And that means for everyone in the story. Let the fireworks begin.