What’s Your Hero Type?
Every writer has their "type"—that specific kind of hero who makes our hearts race and our fingers fly across the keyboard. For romance authors, especially, identifying your hero type can be the secret to writing stories that feel fresh, fun, and deeply personal. That’s where the Hero Inventory comes in.
What Is a Hero Inventory?
A Hero Inventory is your writer’s cheat sheet. It’s a deep dive into the heroes you love most in fiction, focusing on the traits, themes, and dynamics that draw you in and keep you coming back. Think of it as the Kama Sutra of your favorite hero archetypes: you’re finding new positions and ways to present him, challenge him, and make him irresistible across different stories.
When you know what kind of hero makes your heart flutter, you can confidently build stories around characters you’ll love writing. For me, the heroes I adore share certain traits: they’re larger-than-life, crave love but don’t feel worthy of it, and are hopelessly devoted to their heroines—even if -no, especially if- that obsessive love destroys them and makes them brand new.
Why Should Writers Do a Hero Inventory?
The best stories come from passion. When you understand what kind of hero excites you as a writer, that excitement spills onto the page.
Start by listing your favorite heroes from books, movies, or shows. Then, look for patterns in their personalities, actions, and dynamics. Here’s a peek at my Hero Inventory to give you an idea.
Hero Inventory: My Favorite Hero Types
Winterbourne (from Marrying Winterbourne by Lisa Kleypas)
Craves love and attention but doesn’t think he’s worthy of it.
Showers the heroine with gifts and affection.
Has a raw, emotional vulnerability that the heroine brings out.
Adheres to a devilish moral code but saves the day when it counts.
Dragos (from Dragon Bound by Thea Harrison)
Will do anything to possess the heroine.
Exudes possessiveness with the “Touch her and die” trope.
Hoards treasure, and the heroine becomes his ultimate prize.
The heroine’s love transforms him; without her, he’d be lost.
Vlad (from Jeaniene Frost’s Night Prince series)
Once loved another woman, but she betrayed him—now his heart is on lock down.
Commands respect and reverence as a master/maker of his kind.
Provides everything the heroine needs, from protection to emotional support, despite his reluctance to open his heart fully.
Can you see my patterns? I love a combination of vulnerability, devotion, and power.
How to Use Your Hero Inventory
Once you’ve identified your hero type(s), use this information to craft new stories or refine existing characters.
Spot Your Themes: Do your heroes often crave love but feel unworthy? Do they thrive on protecting the heroine? Lean into those traits and build stories where these characteristics shine.
Experiment with Tropes: Place your hero type in different tropes—grumpy/sunshine, enemies-to-lovers, or second chances—to find fresh dynamics.
Challenge Them: Give your hero obstacles that push their core traits to the limit. For example, if your hero is possessive, what happens when he has to let the heroine take the lead?
Balance Familiarity with Surprise: Readers love consistency, but they also crave new twists. Use your inventory to meet expectations while keeping your stories exciting by subverting a trope or expectation.
What’s Your Hero Type? Let’s Find Out Together.
You might see that a Hero Inventory is less about the hero and more about you, the writer. It's about understanding the traits, tropes, and dynamics that inspire you to keep writing and make your stories binge-worthy. By taking stock of your favorite heroes in fiction, you’ll uncover patterns that resonate with your creativity and find ways to put your unique spin on beloved archetypes.
The Hero Inventory isn't a part of my Page Turner Pacing Kickstarter or nonfiction book. It's honestly just something I love to talk to other authors about. If you know you're inventory, I'd love for you to tell me about it and recommend those books! My TBR won't mind. It knows it's getting buried with me when I pass onto that big library in the sky!
If you want more insights into creating unforgettable characters, building gripping storylines, and crafting unputdownable novels? Follow my P
age Turner Pacing Kickstarter campaign, which launches very soon!
FOLLOW THE KICKSTARTER CAMPAIGN
This is so good! Thank you for sharing. Going to have to make a spreadsheet now....