Alpha-minus, Beta-plus Heroes
We’ve all read the ‘romance’ novels where the domineering alpha hero forces himself on to the weak/innocent/naïve heroine, but she still falls in love with him and/or somehow 'tames' him. Personally, I’d kick him where it hurts. The extreme Alpha man is often portrayed as Mr. Machismo, an abrasive, ruthless, overbearing jerk. Maybe it’s what some women fantasize about, but it leaves me cold. An ‘Alpha-plus’ man like this is more likely to be the villain in my story, not the hero.
With all the emphasis on Alpha men, the Beta man has got a bad rap. I’ve seen him described as “an unremarkable, careful man who avoids confrontation, and who lacks the physical presence, charisma, and confidence of the alpha man.” He can come over as a boring Mr. Nice Guy. Carried to its extreme, i.e. the ‘Beta-minus’ level, he is an unremarkable, passive, non-confrontational wimp.
Hardly the kind of hero for a romantic novel, you might think. But think again!
How about a combination of both Alpha and Beta? The man who combines the best qualities of both and loses the worst? He’s what I like to call the Alpha-minus, Beta-plus hero.
Alpha-plus loses his macho arrogance and egomaniacal behaviour to become Alpha-minus. He retains his strength, charisma and a self-confidence which is respected, not intimidating. He seeks a mate who is his equal, not one he can dominate.
At the same time, Beta-minus loses his reticence and passiveness and climbs up the scale to Beta-plus, retaining his sensitivity, his loyalty, and his compassion.
To my mind, an Alpha-Beta man represents a more rounded idea of what masculinity is really all about. He rejects the all-conquering, competitive model of the Alpha because he is secure in his own strengths. He isn’t threatened by intelligent and/or strong women because he doesn’t have to be in control of every situation to maintain his sense of self. He isn’t abrasive, ruthless, or overbearing. Instead, he exudes a quiet self-assurance that has its own charismatic appeal. His so-called ‘introverted character’ may in fact indicate a thoughtful and capable man. He doesn’t see compassion or sensitivity as weaknesses, and he has the character traits which, in my opinion, women really admire – intelligence, honesty, and faithfulness.
With the Alpha minus/Beta plus man, we get the best of both worlds – strength combined with sensitivity. John Hughes, the 'hero' of my novel 'A Family's Secrets' is that kind of man. Mature and self-confident, especially in his role of captain of a steamship, he's nevetheless aware of his own faults. He may keep a tight grip on his emotions at times, but deep down his feelings can be intense, whether they be joy or grief. He also recognises and admires Betsy's strength of character, while at the same time being there to defend or protect her when necessary.
What is your ideal 'hero' in a novel?
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