Sam Heughan as the iconic Jamie Fraser in “Outlander”
I’ll admit, I can be distracted fairly easily by a handsome face. (Not to mention thighs of steel. Or muscular, manly shoulders. Or hair I’d love to run my fingers through…) Although my husband rolls his eyes when I say this, I call this heightened state of distraction “Writing Inspiration & Research” or, alternately, “The Endless Quest for an Unquestioningly Compelling Hero.” (I don’t care what anyone says, I’m working when I’m looking up these photos, LOL. 🙂 )
Given the global frenzy this month because of the premiere of “Outlander“ on the STARZ cable network, I know I’m not alone in casting an admiring gaze on the Scottish male lead of the runaway hit, Sam Heughan. But, as hot as that man is — kilt or no kilt — there’s more about his character than his looks that I find fascinating. I think one of the things that makes Diana Gabaldon’s famous hero, Jamie Fraser, so beloved is that he’s a combination of many traits: both powerful and vulnerable, full of decisive action and childlike wonder, possessing witty playfulness and unflinching seriousness, and also extremely stubborn, smart and loyal. And that’s intriguing. As a reader or viewer, we wonder what someone who is strong, intelligent, principled, funny, etc., will do next…
I was also recently watching the 2007 adaptation of Northanger Abbey starring JJ Feild as Henry Tilney. He’s an Austen hero who continues to grow on me over time. He’s well educated but goofy, willing to stand up for his beliefs but also not take himself too seriously, sophisticated in many ways but not afraid to learn something new or see the world through a different perspective. While he’s not nearly as intense as some of JA’s heroes (i.e., Mr. Darcylicioius Himself and Oh, Captain Wentworth, My Captain), Henry is, in a word, charming, and I’m drawn to that.
JJ Feild starring in the adaptation of Jane Austen’s Northanger Abbey
This line of thought, of course, got me thinking about my next two writing projects — one that’s Austen-inspired and one that’s not — and the kinds of heroes I want to populate them. But I’m still deep in the information-gathering stage, and sometimes it really helps to pause and take a look back before racing forward…
So, I wanted to ask your help. I’d sincerely like to know what are a handful of qualities (physical, intellectual, emotional, you name it) that make you LOVE a hero. Please feel free to use any novel or film by any writer you want as a reference. If, however, you happen to have read any of my novels and you have a favorite hero from one of them, I would especially love to know which of these guys you liked best!! Bingley McNamara from Pride, Prejudice and the Perfect Bet is pretty different from his cousin Dr. Will Darcy in Perfect Match. And, of course, Sam Blaine in According to Jane is different still from both of those men, as well as from my other heroes, like Donovan McCafferty in The Road to You, and so on.
What type of man is the fictional hero who speaks most to YOU?? Are there just a couple of distinguishing traits or a range of them? I can’t wait to hear your thoughts — and thank you!!
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Marilyn Brant is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling author of contemporary women’s fiction, romantic comedy & mystery. She was named the Author of the Year (2013) by the Illinois Association of Teachers of English. She loves all things Jane Austen, has a passion for Sherlock Holmes, is a travel addict and a music junkie, and lives on chocolate and gelato. Her website is: www.marilynbrant.com
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This is hard! I guess a mix of Colin Firth as either Mr. Darcy…tall, good looking but not pretty, a cute smile and yet has a look of gentleness ….and Jonny Lee Miller as Mr. Knightley in the most recent version of Emma. A man that loves his family, can be stern and stands up for what is right and proper but is gentle and looks like a little boy when he is emotional. Doesn’t hurt that he too looks good in breeches and a tail coat. Colin Firth as Mark Darcy is right up there. Trying hard to hide his feelings but showing a softer side. The only thing I would add to these two is a dry wit. My son has one of those that sneaks in and can lighten thos really serious moments…also he is very cute. Either way I think you did really well with Will Darcy and Bingley McNamara so,,,,,,write!
Maggie,
Ohhhh, thank you!! I’m so glad you liked my Will & Bingley! (And I’m writing…I’m writing! 🙂 ) xox
As far as the characteristics you mentioned, I love that combination of a man who can stand up for what’s right but, also, has a softer side — especially one that the heroine can bring out in him. And wit, YES!! It’s the quality that first made me fall for my hubby. That and the fact that he was already an Austen fan when we met!
Oh, I’m so glad you discovered Outlander! I’ve been crazy about the books and Jamie for ages and am so thrilled they’re bringing the story to life in a series.
Some characteristics I love to see in a hero: intelligent, sense of humor (I also prefer a dry wit), confident, competent, honest, loyal, curious, playful, willing to listen, compassionate, and likes and appreciates women.
Besides Jamie in Outlander and Darcy, another fictional hero I love is Nicholas Brisbane from Deanna Raybourn’s Lady Julia series. (There are five books and several novellas. The first is “Silent in the Grave.”) I highly recommend you check these out – in the name of research, of course. If you do, let me know what you think of Brisbane.
Susan, your list of characteristics is fabulous!! Thank you for sharing them!
I have one or two of Deanna Raybourn’s novels in print in my TBR pile — I’ve heard she’s a fantastic writer! — but I have yet to dig into them. So glad you reminded me.
As for Outlander, ohhh my goodness. I got hooked immediately and I hadn’t even read any of the books before I watched the pilot of the TV series. I can only imagine how exciting it must be to have been a longtime fan and to finally get to see Jamie brought to life onscreen!! And WOW did they ever choose a fabulous actor for the role. I’m *incredibly* impressed with Heughan. Not only is he jaw-droppingly handsome, but this role seems so different from the other productions he’s played in. I only vaguely remember him in “Any Human Heart” with Matthew MacFadyen, and he didn’t look at all the same as he does now… 😀
I recommend if you read the Lady Julia series that you start with the first book and read in order. Their relationship changes over the course of the books. I haven’t read any of other books outside the series.
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Thanks for letting me know that, Susan ;).
I’ll definitely go in order!!
OK, I looked up and then bought the first book in this series…WOW, that first book has a lot of subject matter I was not expecting and, of course, it had no conclusion to the relationship between Lady Julia and Nicolas so I will now have to also read the whole series. Too many good books out there…trying to also read the Outlander books…which do I read next? Silent in the Grave – thanks for the heads up/recommendation. I am hoping when you said that their relationship changes over the course of the series that it is for the better. I am one who looks at the endings if I want to have a happy read. I have to know that the people I want to get together do indeed do so. I have a much more pleasant read after that. But kindle won’t let me do that! DRATS….LOL
Sheila, were you asking about the series order of the Deanna Raybourn books or the Diana Gabaldon ones? If it’s Raybourn, the first 3 in the series are: Silent in the Grave, Silent in the Sanctuary, Silent on the Moor…etc. I’m not sure how many there are beyond that.
If it’s the Gabaldon books, the first 3 are Outlander, Dragonfly in Amber, Voyager…and then more. She has a complete list (in order) on her website. LOTS of novels and novellas in that series!!
Been there – done that! I have read the first book in both series now (Outlander and Lady Julia mysteries). Have started the second book in the Outlander series and read the samples for the next four of the Lady Julia books. Have a lot on my plate. Plus want to check out Being Mrs. Darcy on A Happy Assembly as it is by an author, Lucy, who did such a fabulous job and a sequel to North and South….do I flip a coin? LOL But thank you for the follow-up information.
LOL!! You *have* been a busy reader, Sheila!!
Yeah…flipping a coin might be the only fair way of choosing the next book 😀 . A wealth of reading riches!
Yes, Nicholas Brisbane is a great example. I love that series also. Time to re-read!
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I already love his name…that’s one step toward falling for a hero, LOL!
Ahh, questions like this make me have brain meltdowns! lol So many different types of heroes – so much “research” to do!
Jamie really is a fantastic hero! I’ve still only seen ep 1 of Outlander but hopefully I can catch up this weekend. So far he and Mr Darcy are it for me in the top hero department.
A good sense of humor and wit is a must for me – even if it’s only displayed in private. Kindness; someone who likes children and animals; faithfulness, of course; dependability. Open-mindedness is a must in a modern hero (also preferable in historicals but you can’t always expect that).
Monica,
I know, the “research” is overwhelming, right??! (So much fun, though… 😀 )
It’s been interesting, although not at all surprising to me, that there’s a huge overlap in the Outlander and Austen fan base. The strong historical hero is a draw, of course, despite the time periods being so different, but I really think a lot of the attraction is in the complexity of these male characters. They are not “placeholder” heroes, and to me it’s their very distinctiveness that makes Jamie and Darcy in particular so memorable…
Thanks for sharing your hero characteristics, too!!
If you ever get overwhelmed by the “research” and need back-up, I’m here for ya. Or even better, if you know of a paid research job in this field, let me know! lol Wouldn’t that be the bees’ knees!?
If you decide you want to read Outlander, maybe we can have a group read or something. My problem is not wanting to blurt out things that happen in subsequent books!
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Ahhh! Now THAT would be an awesome job, wouldn’t it?!
As far as a group read, I think it would be fun to do that with book one! I raced through it the week after I saw the pilot, and then raced through book two. I just started the third novel and need to SLOW DOWN because I’ve got edits to do this month (!!), but I’d totally be up for some kind of group discussion (on Twitter, maybe?) of Outlander in Sept or after 😀 .
I am sorry, you lost me when you posted not only Sam but JJ too!! You can’t do that to this girl first thing in the morning. Now I am having a hard time concentrating on my work. But have no fear, I totally forgive you! 😉
Now, I do love the tall, dark and handsome man but I also like to see into his eyes; the windows to the soul. I also would like him to have a smile that could brighten any room. He must value his family and respect mine. I love when he can take charge and make the decisions a la Darcy for Elizabeth after that whole Lydia thing. And of course, he would need to look yummy in a suit and tie and love me most ardently.
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LOL, Liz!!
Sorry to have created an overwhelming distraction for you this morning 😀 . Sam & JJ were just too compelling not to discuss, though, right?!
Love what you said about a hero having a respect for family — both his own and the heroine’s. That was so true of Darcy…and, in reading the Outlander novels, that’s a characteristic of Jamie’s as well. Glad you mentioned that!!
I like what someone said above…one who likes and appreciates women is definitely important. Also, I don’t think looks matter. Robin Williams in “Dead Poet’s Society” is a certain kind of hero. He showed teens a way through a rocky path in life, got them interested in something they didn’t like before and was a role model to them. They respected and looked to him for guidance.
In real life, how about the guy who has ALS and his friend who started the ice bucket fad? Because of them, more money than ever has been raised to find a cure and maybe someone in the future will be cured because they brought a heightened awareness to the disease. They may be inadvertent heroes, but did do something that no one has been able to in the past. Their families may view these men as heroes.
Finally, I also think if you can be yourself, like Jamie, that is a plus. Dressing up as Batman to do good does not mean “hero” to me (although I did enjoy the movies). Hope this helps!
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Heather,
Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts!
You bring up a great point about characters behaving heroically — like Robin Williams in “Dead Poet’s Society” (I loved that film…) — even if they aren’t the classic type of movie hero. I think that’s where charismatic behavior in a man can really shine through, particularly when he’s a genuinely honorable person. Great example about the guy who started the ice bucket/ALS challenge. That was definitely inspiring!
I haven’t watch Outlander yet nor read Diana Gabaldon’s books which it is based on so I don’t know what the excitement is all about. But since you rave about it on FB Marilyn, I’ll give it a try once the series has ended. I could not stand waiting until each episodes are aired.
As for the qualities of a hero, he must be intelligent, well read, knowledgeable and humourous. This is what I prize in a man, his intellectual capabilities. Besides this he should be noble but humble, learn to admit he is wrong when the situation calls for it and treat others with respect especially womenfolk. Looks are not much important compared to what’s in his heart. Of course these are ideal qualities that I hope to find in my life partner if I’m fortunate to find someone. But we can dream, can’t we?
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Lúthien, ohhh, you’ve chosen some excellent qualities for a hero, in my opinion!! I liked the way you expressed this one: “noble but humble.” Yeah. And I don’t think it’s unrealistic to find a real-life man who exhibits the wonderful traits you mentioned… 😉
As for watching the STARZ series/reading the Gabaldon books, I was personally rather hesitant to jump in at first because the time period is particularly brutal, and I’m prone to nightmares when I read or see too many violent scenes. So, I’ll admit, there are some parts of the first two novels that I skimmed over (death, torture and executions), and I’m sure there are more graphic images ahead in the TV series that I’ll have to look away from when they come on. But there’s much more in the story that I love than what scares me!!
I only read the first in the 8 books for the Outlander series and I was SO HOOKED and that was before I saw who was cast in the role. I am now reading the second book. LOVE this series.
What an interesting question you pose! This is particularly interesting to me, as I tend to have a rather perverse streak that enjoys villains, anti-heroes, and underdogs more than I enjoy heroes.
When I’m reading (or watching), I most enjoy characters that are full of moral ambiguity or, at least, unpredictability. You never know quite what they’ll do. It seems just as in-character for them to, say, selflessly save the girl as it is for them to, umm, commit some violent murder or run off with the *other* girl. A penchant for witty one-liners and a tendency to smirk both help. Think Mr. Crawford or Mr. Willoughby. They’re charming, but they’ve still got a bit of an edge. They’re flawed, but still worth redeeming. I think that’s part of why Darcy is still so well-loved. He’s sort of lacking in social graces and his temper can, at times, be biting and caustic. You never know whether he’s going to bite your head off one day or, the next, save your sister from infamy. The not knowing is key.
My TV examples of this tend a bit more toward the extreme, probably because I like shows about monsters and stuff. Any of the characters on Supernatural have this quality. They’re all capable of doing great things and really horrible things on a pretty epic scale. My favorite is Crowley. Why? Well… he’s charming, powerful, and despite being clearly aligned with the side of evil (he’s the King of Hell), he’s actually done a lot of good. He’s even done a couple of selflessly good deeds (only a couple), like the time he gave a paralyzed character his legs back even though he didn’t have to. To me, that makes him fun to watch. Spike from Buffy the Vampire Slayer falls into this same mold. In one episode, he put his life on the line to protect a teenage girl… aaaand commissioned a creepy sex-bot of her sister. One act is vile. The other is heroic. Both were completely in character. Again, the point is that the character is fun to watch because he might surprise you.
For me, when I’m reading (or watching), I look for heroes whose moral codes are complex and ever-shifting. Those are the guys who get my attention. Snappy one-liners and smirks also help.
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Amanda,
I’m a HUGE fan of “Supernatural” — have never missed an episode — and I can absolutely see the allure of Crowley. He’s fascinating and so darned fun to watch onscreen. That moral ambiguity is, of course, a large part of the appeal (nothing more than we’d expect from the King of Hell, right?!), but he plays the middle ground very well between being devilish and, yet, true to his word, and he is given some of the funniest/wittiest lines on the show! I think that dichotomy of occasionally heroic & also demonic by nature is true for other beloved characters, particularly paranormal favorites (I’m thinking Damon from The Vampire Diaries and Klaus from The Originals, in addition to Spike, who you mentioned), but I also loved John Cusack’s modern/non-supernatural character in “Grosse Pointe Blank.” Very much an anti-hero!! Have you seen that film? 🙂
Yes. I very much enjoyed that movie – and that’s exactly why!
I also agree re: Damon. I stopped watching that show sometime around when they all went to that island. The plot got too convaluted for my tastes. Damon, though, is a fascinating character to watch. He’s actually (sort of) my basis for my version of Mr. Wickham. I use him as a reference for facial expressions and the like. Obviously, I can’t use him for much else. Wickham, being human, is much less bloodthirsty.
Agreed. TVD has taken some confusing plot twists in recent seasons, so it’s less intriguing to me overall than it had been earlier on, but Damon remains a character that’s pretty interesting no matter what. Great choice for a model Wickham — he sure can be charming! 🙂
I, too, watch The Vampire Diaries and find Damon so alluring – but I do agree that the plot has become so off kilter. I read three of the books by that author and find little resemblance in the latter parts of the TV plot.
I’ve never read any of the books, Sheila, but I’ve heard they’re pretty different from the show! And we’re in total agreement on the alluring nature of Damon 😉 .
If you ever get overwhelmed by the “research” and need back-up, I’m here for ya. Or even better, if you know of a paid research job in this field, let me know! lol Wouldn’t that be the bees’ knees!?
If you decide you want to read Outlander, maybe we can have a group read or something. My problem is not wanting to blurt out things that happen in subsequent books!
Sorry, don’t know why this posted twice.
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No worries, Monica!
Sometimes these comment fields get temperamental… I was having an issue with another blog earlier. I’m a regular contributor to it and was signed in, but WordPress wasn’t letting my comments post without moderation this morning, but it was fine this afternoon. Can’t always figure out why that happens, lol.
A group read sounds like a lot of fun. Let me know if one is begun.
A group read sounds fun. So far, I’ve read the first 3 or 4 books.
If you do a group read let me know. I have to learn to Twitter or whatever?
Deborah, Amanda, and Sheila~
Of course!! Will definitely let you all know if we a group Outlander read on Twitter or somewhere.
It’d be a blast!!
BTW: Marilyn – finished your According to Jane last night – LOVED IT. Could have read more of Ellie and Sam, tho’ – intriguing relationship.
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YAY!!!!!!!!
Thanks so much, Sheila!!
I can’t tell you how thrilled I am that you loved According to Jane…it was my debut novel and, so, it’ll always be special to me… 😉
Thank you again!!
xox
I did post a review on Amazon on According to Jane, even though it was late last night…in fact so late I then was able to read Maria Grace’s “after midnight” post on her WIP…LOL
Sheila,
Thank you again!!
I went to Amazon and read your review and, as always, loved getting to hear your thoughts on one of my stories!
I’m so appreciative that you took the time to share them 🙂 .
*Hug*
I’m not actually on twitter, but I’m here, on Facebook, and on Austen Underground.
One of my favourite heroes is Lt. Sharpe of Sharpe’s Rifles fame (and the whole series by Bernard Cornwell). he series actually starts with him as regular infantry in India later going on to the promotion and the Peninsular War (Spain). Then, of course, there is The Scarlet Pimpernel! I do admit that I have liked all the actors who have played Darcy, each have brought out different aspects of his character, which is a good thing. Russell Crowe in Gladiator and as Captain Jack Aubry also makes my list.
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Julia,
My husband is a fan of Sharpe’s Rifles, but I haven’t yet seen it! Glad you recommended it — I’ll have to watch now 😉 .
And *SWOON* — I love, love, love The Scarlet Pimpernel (the Anthony Andrews/Jane Seymour version of the film and the entire book series)!! To me, Sir Percy is one of the most fascinating of the fictional heroes — someone with a strong enough sense of self-confidence to play a man others think of as foolish because his beliefs are more important to him than public opinion. Same for the character of Zorro…
I really like the multiple portrayals of Darcy, too. Always am curious to see what an actor will do in that coveted role!!
Julia, this is definitely on my to-read list. I’m holding off because I’m writing about the war period, so I don’t want to accidentally plagiarize. EVERYONE keeps telling me that I should read this series, though. They’re like, “You’re writing about the Napoleonic wars? Read the Sharpe’s series!”
Jeremy Northam as Mr Knighley in the 1996 movie version of Emma is the epitome of the compelling hero for me. Just the right amount of wisdom, conceit, obnoxiousness, righteousness, and humility. And oh so very sexy.
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RMorrel, YES!!
Wasn’t Northam a fabulous Knightley?! I really, really loved his performance in that role and, just as you said, felt he had the perfect combination of qualities for the part…from wise to slightly arrogant to super sexy 😀 . It’s been a while since I’ve seen that version. May just have to rewatch this weekend!!
Loved your passage Marilyn! James is very handsome and rugged! And those muscles!! I watched the first two episodes of Outlander from iTunes so far. It is very intriguing and I look forward to see where it all leads. My ideal hero is a man who knows his own mind and is not persuaded by others. One who respects a woman and shows her his devotion. Not every second, that would get mighty boring but just at the right times and he would know when they are of course 😉
I love Darcy because of his power wealth and good looks (just being honest) but also because he acts and loves with a great passion. He has a strong mind and is respectful. I love that he is reserved, with a underlying passion.
All of Jane Austen’s men are heroes for different reasons. Mainly because once they decide on their ideal woman, nothing distracts them. I love your Will in ‘Perfect match’ too 🙂 I look forward to many more great novels from you xox
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Vee!!
You chose the perfect combination of words to describe Jamie: handsome + rugged!
And I loved what you said about your ideal hero. A man like that wouldn’t be insecure if his lady weren’t constantly with him. He’d be mature enough to be confident in their relationship… And I completely agree with you about Darcy’s reserve but with all the passion behind it. I just *love* that in a hero!!
I’m so glad you shared your thoughts — thank you! — and thanks for you comments about Will in Perfect Match, too, and all the sweet things you said. I appreciate you so much! xoxo
My ideal man would definitely respect a woman and not be afraid to admit when he is wrong. He would seek to learn her interests and share those with her (as she would for him). He would have a consideration for her and be a little old fashioned in holding the door, etc. Although good looks are nice in movies, what is inside is so much more important, as in Mr. Rochester’s situation. I liked that he and Darcy are able to have a conversation about books and subjects of interest. I would love a man who read and not only could discuss a book, etc. with me but who could challenge my mind on opinions, etc. I do have to have an honest and faithful man, a hard worker who doesn’t expect to be waited on hand and foot. And please compliment your woman, make her feel special even when you both are growing old. Additionally then there is pleasing in one’s love life – meeting one half way, etc. Jamie in Outlander won my heart when he was willing to let Claire go back to her husband 200 years in the future, but then was so very forthright in telling her how he prayed she would chose to stay because of his love for her.
Going to check out Nicholas Bisbane – never heard of that one.
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Sheila,
I think you’ve hit upon an excellent characteristic — not only to be respectful of a woman but, also, to be able to admit it if he’s wrong. That’s the thing that Darcy was able to do that, I think, endeared him to so many of us! He was a powerful man and an intelligent one, but he was aware that he was flawed and, when he made a mistake, he not only apologized for it but he did his best to remedy the situation. Truly a *hero* in my opinion!! And I thought your comments about Janie were right on target, too. That was such a fabulous scene (the one you mentioned) where he confessed to Claire how much he didn’t want her to go back…but not until after she’d made her choice herself 😉 .
Somehow missed this post yesterday, but can so enjoy it today. My idea is someone like Sir Percy (Scarlet Pimpernel), oh yes the Anthony Andrews/Jane Seymour duo, love his intelligence and loyalty. Zorro, can he ride s horse; He must be able to ride a horse! And most definitely have D’Arcy characteristics….loyalty, a shyness and vulnerability, but a strenth as well…to be there for you and care for you, oh he must be intelligent and an avid reader and lo e the outdoors.
Sorry, hadn’t finished….as for looks….either Matthew McFadyen or Gerard Butler.
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Deborah,
You already know I’m a major fan of Sir Percy in the Scarlet Pimpernel, so you’ll hear no arguments from me about his incredibly heroic qualities!! Like you’d mentioned, intelligence is one of his dominant characteristics — I think many of us prize that highly in a hero (fictional or otherwise) — along with the level of loyalty that both Jamie and Darcy show to those they care about… So glad you were able to jump into the conversation today!!
😀 Happy Weekend!
Read “Outlander” and the next three back when they first came out and loved them. ‘Dragonfly in Amber’ (2nd book) was my favourite. My daughter who is 32 is a huge fan and has read all but the last one which I will give her for her birthday next month. The series starts here in Canada tomorrow evening and I am looking forward it. Have seen some teasers and ‘Jamie’ seems well cast, but I’m not sure about ‘Clare’, but will wait before passing full judgment.
As for what I look for in a hero, that’s tough. It’s a combination of good and flawed and sometimes a bit of a tortured soul…sense of humour (dry wit especially), honesty, integrity, respect, intelligence, pragmatic, strength (in character), humility, vulnerability (a big softie inside) and be able to just give off that feeling that you are safe when he is near.
Jane Austen did that with Mr. Darcy. Julie Garwood’s heroes from ‘The Bride’ and ‘Ransom’ to name two of my favourites (I own all her books). Deanna Raybourn’s Lady Julia Grey series is really good too. Unfortunately, I’m having trouble getting “Dark Road to Darjeeling” but Amazon is working on it. I don’t want to do Kindle as I like to have the full collection in book format. So I’m on hold to continue the series until I get it.
I know you are a big fan of Tom Mison of ‘Sleepy Hollow’ and ‘Lost in Austen’. Now there is a hero…I just love his voice!
Just watched episode 3 of Outlander and the sexual tension when she was checking his shoulder bullet wound is soooooooooooo palpable! Hot in here or what! I have watched each episode twice now and printed out my PocketJamie! Claire is well cast but drooling over Jamie.
I’ve actually only seen episode 1 of Outlander (I don’t have Starz), so I’ll have to take your word for it. I do remember that scene from the book, though, as being pretty loaded with sexual tension. I have a problem with the casting of Jamie, though. He’s too pretty. In my head, Jamie was always bulkier and tougher looking. I have this image in my head of him as having a rather long, blunt face, a ruddy complexion, and being slightly terrifying. I mean, he’s sort of a big, old warrior guy, right? He’s been beaten and tortured and half-starved. He’s spilled his fair share of blood. I just… to me, that leaves a guy looking pretty weathered. The guy they cast is handsome and charming, sure, but I don’t get that “big strong soldier” vibe.
You mentioned Lost in Austen, though, and I just have to add: OMG Tom Riley as Mr. Wickham! Excuse me while I commence fangirling.
I know I’m rather biased toward Wickham at present because I’m writing about him, but Lost in Austen’s Wickham completely won me over. Talk about a romantic hero! I actually favored him above all of the other characters in the show and wished rather fervently that Amanda would end up with him. He was sort of skeevy, I’ll grant you, but underneath he had a really good heart. I think the Wickham we all know and love to loathe is this guy’s evil twin. I loved the way he was written as having taken the blame for Ramsgate to preserve Georgiana’s character. I loved how he helped Amanda and Mr. Bennet even when there was nothing in it for him. I loved that he and Bingley went out drinking and carousing together. I loved all of his cheeky one-liners and his general sense of mischief. I also think the acting was exceptional. Tom Riley brought a certain smirking swagger to the role that I think really brought to life my own mental image of Wickham’s manners. I can’t believe I didn’t mention him before when I talked about my favorite heroes.
Have you seen him in DaVinci’s Demons? That is one I watch faithfully. And a lot of history which sent me to Wikipedia to research. Evil popes and other church officials!
I have! I’ve seen the first few episodes of it and I adored it. It’s definitely occupying space on my to-watch list.
I have to say that the very first episode was rather shocking in that I didn’t expect so much male nudity and sexual content…not that I am a prude but I am glad I don’t have young children around whom I would not want to view such at their age. One can’t read Outlander and love it if one doesn’t accept that this world and its history have much worse going on.
Sheila,
I’ll admit, I wasn’t really surprised by the nudity (this is STARZ, after all…), but I’m always taken a little aback at gory and violent scenes (like the very beginning when Claire is trying to clamp that artery during the war). The depiction of that, and the many scenes ahead with brutal battles, death, torture, etc., are going to be hard for me to watch just because that kind of violence is hard for me to shake off. However, as you said about accepting this world and its history, that’s to be expected in this series. If it was in the book, chances are that it’ll be on the screen, too… 😉
Oh, Tom Riley!!!
Yes, Amanda. Just yes. 🙂 He made a fabulous Wickham! And I did love the way they twisted the various character backstories in “Lost in Austen” — that was such fun.
As for Jamie, I remember reading in either book one or two that Dougal and the other guys at Castle Leoch thought Jamie was “a bit too pretty” as a lad of 16, and that the Duke of Sandringham thought so especially, which was why Jamie left the castle to return home… But I just began reading the novels this month, after I saw Sam Heughan in images from the show, so I didn’t get to imagine him on my own first, the way you did 😉 .
You have a good point about that. Now that you mention it, I do remember Sandringham and everyone thinking he was a bit of a pretty boy — enough so that Sandringham was a threat, as I recall. Somehow, my mental image of him just glossed over that part! lol.
LOL, Amanda!! Hey, I don’t blame ya! I think we’re all entitled to imagine Jamie the way we want 🙂 .
One of the fascinating things about actors, to me anyway, is the way some of them can transform their appearance so profoundly. I don’t mean just surface things like hair color, but their actual body type in some cases. I’m thinking of the pictures of Sam Heughan in many of his pre-Outlander roles — so slender. That, combined with being clean-shaven and dressed in thin, modern fabrics, really gave him a different look from the still pretty but more rugged and filled out frame he seems to have now. He’s said in a couple of interviews that he’d had to put on a lot of weight for the role and had a trainer for a few months. Makes me wonder if I could change my body type, too, with daily training and enough motivation… 😀
Carole,
The mere mention of Tom Mison has me swooning, LOL. Sigh. He’s a hero I truly adore!! And I so agree with you on his fabulous voice…wow!!
Also, I really enjoyed reading the characteristics you look for in a hero — love that you mentioned integrity and pragmatism and YES to him being able to be vulnerable.
As for Outlander, I hope you’ll enjoy watching the series, especially since you’re already a fan of the novels. Would love to know what you think after you’ve seen an episode or two!!
I won’t comment at length (for once) but just wanted to drop by to tell you, Marilyn, that you’ve just got me hooked on the Outlander books! I downloaded the free sample of the first from the Kindle store, read it, and promptly bought the first three. We only have free-to-air TV channels in our house (we’re in the UK) so I guess I’ll have to wait for the DVD box set to enjoy the delights of Mr. Heughan.
I’d want to read the book first anyway. For instance, I couldn’t watch any of the first series DVDs of Game of Thrones till I’d read the first book. Now I’ve read all of the A Song of Ice and Fire books published so far and am waiting for each new series box set to come out year by year.
Anji, you are going to love Outlander….I am so hooked…reading the second book. I am on book III of the Game of Thrones series but since George RR Martin kills off the people you begin to identity with I am not wanting to read much further due to having seen “The Red Wedding” on TV. On STARZ.com there is a Pocket Jamie you can print out. And then they ask you to take photos of yourself and Jamie and post on FB or Twitter….LOL I am also reading the Lady Julia Grey series due to someone mentioning that Nicholas was such an ideal man. Read the first book of that but do plan to read the other 4 in the series. Between all the books on sale that I just bought and those various series I am reading I am hoping no one else tells me about any other “good” books I need to read.
Anji, Outlander is addictive, isn’t it??! 😀
I’m on the 3rd book right now and I’m still quite compelled by the characters…although book one remains my favorite. As for Mr. Heughan…swoon! We don’t have cable, so I’ll need to wait for the DVDs, too, but I’ve been enjoying watching the clips they show online and seeing some of the still photos of the series. And I’m envious of you being in the UK and so close to the actual filming! If I lived anywhere nearby, I’d be far too tempted to take a train to Glasgow in hopes of seeing them shoot a few scenes in the countryside, LOL.
My hero is JJ Feild as Henry Tilney! Charming, sexy, great sense of humor and loves to tease! The way he embraces women in Northanger Abbey, Austenland and TURN is sensual but loving! His voice and eyes are compelling and his expressions are priceless!
I absolutely love JJ Feild as Mr
Tilney in Northanger Abbey. He is funny, handsome and the word charming is perfectly used. I find him likeable in addition to lovable and willIing to stand up to his father for the woman he loves. Lovely voice and captivating eyes too.