Comments on: In Search of the Alpha Hero

By: Venus Vaughn

Venus Vaughn — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 06:29:41 +0000

I’ve heard Anne Stuart’s heroes referred to as ‘gamma’. Morally ambiguous men who only promise to do well by their heroine, and the rest of the word can go to hell.

Alpha – the word has been stretched and used and appropriated so much that I’m not surprised you don’t quite know what alpha is. I’ve had many arguments with people about what qualities define alpha, and my understanding of the term vastly differs from theirs. (I was right, of course *wink*)

As for betas, I see them as the good guys. The _normal_ good guys. The alpha will wreck your house while defending you from the bad guy. Then chase him into the dark and make sure he’s suitably punished. The beta will stick around, help clean it up, and nurse any wounds you sustained.

IMHO, that is.

By: JoyceZ

JoyceZ — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 16:15:00 +0000

Amber, I whole heartily agree with you. All things considered, the alhpa male is the one in which all other men defer. Love that!

By: Ann Somerville

Ann Somerville — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 21:36:43 +0000

I’m drawn to characters who excel, so naturally I tend to write them – and I’ve written a few alpha men (natural leaders.) But to me, being an alpha is not inconsistent with a tender, caring side, so I don’t see a problem. Thuggish, overly macho males aren’t alphas to me – they’re just arseholes.

By: Jessica Scott

Jessica Scott — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 10:21:13 +0000

Great post. I write military romance, but not suspense, and to me, the perfect alpha male is my master sergeant. He’s strong on the battlefield, he’s a loving dad at home. He’s able to balance mission accomplishment with the needs of the person.
Being the alpha male is being able to take charge when the mission dictates and letting others lead when you can to grow them into future leaders. In romance, it means if there is a new situation for the heroine, the alpha male will provide guidance at first but then trust her to make the right choice

By: Janine

Janine — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 07:19:36 +0000

I always find the Jayne Anne Krentz description of alphas amusing because she has said she writes them, yet most of her heroes seem to me to be such nice, well-adjusted guys.

By: Robin

Robin — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:15:47 +0000

Thank you for your clarification, Amy, and I’m sorry I goofed the authorial credit.

By: Amy Wilkins

Amy Wilkins — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 21:59:45 +0000

As much as I would like to take credit for the thoughtful post about alpha hero’s home, the post was actually written by Harlequin Presents author Sabrina Philips.
~Amy

By: MtnGirl4ever

MtnGirl4ever — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 19:16:06 +0000

Amber, I like this definition–that’s my perception, too.

By: Genella deGrey

Genella deGrey — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 18:20:29 +0000

I like to read (and write) all different types of men – I demand an extensive variety to choose from when the mood hits.

By: Amber

Amber — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 17:51:24 +0000

I don’t know if I agree with most of the Alpha requirements listed.

For me, it’s much simpler. An alpha is someone to whom other men naturally defer.

It could be physical strength, strength of character, intellect, expertise… But for me, it simply means other MEN recognize the appropriateness of this particular man’s ability to lead.

Sure there are certain characteristics that tend to describe those types of personalities, but they do not always apply.

For me, it’s someone who is confident and a bit arrogant. Who expects others to follow his lead and does not naturally submit to following the lead of others.