Now, as I’m creating a hero, I like to imagine an alpha male I fell in love with in a movie. That gives me a very vivid picture. For me, it’s (usually) Brad Pitt in Troy. That character is already alive in my mind (and very naked). Excuse my second shiver of delight. Anyhoodles (this topic brings out my very feminine side), Brad was very alpha in that movie but very gentle with his woman — well, besides that minor choking incident, but the woman ran right into his hands, I tell you! And by gentle I do not mean he allows her to verbally trample him. He gives as good as he gets without being a meanie.

Remember, if the character makes you shudder with distaste, you’ve created a villain instead of a hero. I’m sure this totally did not answer your question, but I find myself always veering on the topic of Brad Pitt whenever this question comes up . . .