All Hail the Reluctant Hero!

What Makes an Unwilling Hero Work in Story?

When it comes to fictional heroes, the usual suspects are the brave, the bold, and the eager to save the day. When on page one we see a motivation to act, we’re hardly surprised when, on page seven, we hear our hero shout “I volunteer as tribute!”

But there's another type of hero – the one who resists the call to action, battling their own doubts and fears. This character may in fact give us a more relatable and complex portrayal of heroism.

I was playing with this concept recently while trying on an idea for a young adult story with a reluctant hero – one who refuses to step up, wants to hide her head in the sand, but is unwillingly forced into action.

Could I make her feel convincing? Could her actions contribute to story tension, and would she still possess the agency required of a main character? Are the emotional drivers necessary to a strong character clearly on the page?

The Characteristics of Our Reluctant Hero

Possibly one of the most memorable of reluctant literary heroes is Frodo Baggins (Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings). No way does he want to carry that ring into Mordor, dodging orcs and that all-consuming eye, climbing a volcano, tossing that sucker into the lava. No way.

But he does. And even more to the point, Sam (who is, perhaps, even more heroic than Frodo) goes along for the not-so-pleasant journey only because he must, not because he thinks it’s a grand holiday. (Well, except for the elves and the oliphants.)

And, more recently, Starr Carter (Angie Thomas’s The Hate U Give) becomes an unwitting and very reluctant hero, hiding her identity until the failure of justice pushes her forward, forcing her to take a stand.

The reluctant hero possesses all the necessary skills and qualities to make a difference, but this is not the point. They hesitate, they resist, and they grapple with the idea of commitment. Their reluctance may stem from various sources: past traumas (Starr), self-doubt (Starr), or simply a desire for a peaceful, burden-free life (Frodo and Sam).

The reluctant hero's journey to self-discovery and eventual action begins with a catalyst that forces them out of their comfort zone. Whether it's a looming threat, a personal loss, or the gentle nudging of their companions, they're thrust into action, like it or not.

Then, what about my three core concerns about tension, agency, and emotion?

Does the Reluctant Hero Add to Story Tension?

When Starr has to keep her identity secret and straddle two worlds – her Black heritage and her upscale white school – she is torn by those conflicting emotions. This internal conflict is a source of tension, as we observe her questioning the meaning of duty, sacrifice, and personal growth, as well as the essential need to right a terrible wrong.

Frodo, who is increasingly in thrall to the ring, battles the two forces of right and wrong and his internal conflict creates tension and suspense, keeping us hooked until he almost fails in his mission.

To write a story with a reluctant hero that push-pull dynamic should be evident from page one, just as the nature of its counterpart (the dynamic hero, ready for action) is evident from page one. And its resolution comes at the possible expense of something: for Starr, the fear that being “outed” will result in loss of friends; for Frodo, the loss of the ring is an inner death.

So, yep, tension can be maintained by those internal opposing forces.

How About the Reluctant Hero’s Story Agency?

Every protagonist must march through the story with agency – by acting, and by forcing the story action to progress. Acting is choosing, and choosing brings up moral questions.

The reluctant hero's moral compass guides their journey, often leading them to grapple with tough choices. Their hesitation is rooted in their strong sense of morality, and that makes every decision they make so significant. As readers, we're pulled into their world of ethical conundrums, forcing us to ponder our own values and beliefs. It's a thought-provoking experience that blurs the lines between good and evil, mirroring the complexities of our own lives.

More importantly, the biggest, most universal external forces will propel even the most reluctant hero into action and drive the agency of that character. For Frodo, it’s a question of the survival of all he holds dear. For Starr, it’s witnessing what happens when injustice is allowed to prevail.

If I choose to create a reluctant hero in my story, I’d better do two things: give her choices that are really difficult and put external forces in motion that make those choices almost impossible.

And What About Emotional Drivers?

What sets the reluctant hero apart is their vulnerability. They wear their flaws on their sleeves, exposing their human imperfections.

Frodo, twisting and turning, almost fails (in fact, he pretty much does, until his hand is forced, no pun intended). Starr struggles mightily, unhappily, hiding the truth from her friends. Throughout their story arcs, they face their fears, confront their inner demons.

We can relate to their uncertainties and fears, as we've all had moments where we questioned ourselves. The reluctant hero's struggles make them multi-dimensional and real, making their triumphs all the more satisfying and inspiring.

The hesitancy in these characters allows for a more organic and gradual character progression. We witness their growth as they conquer their fears, or they succumb to them, at their own pace.

So, indeed, emotional drivers, which are essential in all great characters are very much in play in reluctant heroes, as long as we give them those internal emotions and show them through internal monologue and conflicting actions.

And So We Hail…

Here's the magic of the reluctant hero: they speak to us on a deep, personal level. Their relatability and vulnerability strike a chord within us. The reluctant hero's transformation encourages us to embrace our potential, confront our fears, and find the strength within ourselves. It's an empowering reminder that heroes can emerge from the most unexpected places - even from Hobbiton.

The reluctant hero adds a breath of fresh air to the world of fiction. They bring depth and complexity to the table, challenging our preconceived notions of heroism. Their internal struggle, journey of self-discovery, and ethical dilemmas captivate us, making us ponder our own values and beliefs. And in the end, they leave us with a sense of hope and empowerment. The reluctant hero shows us that we all have the potential to be heroes in our own lives, even when we're reluctant to embrace it.

And this, my fellow kidlit writers, is a great message to bring to young readers, especially today.