Monday, January 19, 2009

Hero Archetype: The Swashbuckler

When I started researching this blog, it was originally intended to cover the entire spectrum of hero archetypes. However, I quickly discovered there was way too much muscle-bound goodness to cover in just one blog. So, for the next several weeks, Inspiration, Ink. will be dedicating its Mondays to a different hero archetype (Now that is a "case of the Mondays" I can live with!) -- beginning with this week's hero:

The Swashbuckler

Typically the first thing that springs to mind when you hear the word swashbuckler is an ale-guzzling, sail-setting, skirt-chasing pirate. In this particular instance, that is not always the case. Take Maverick, for example. He falls nicely into the swashbuckler category because of his confidence and love of danger. He thrives on teetering on the edge of disaster, and isn't afraid to break a rule or two in the process. Maverick seeks out danger and flips it the bird just for fun.

There are actually two sub-categories who comfortably qualify for swashbuckler status -- the Daredevil (like our friend Maverick) and the Explorer. The Explorer is usually a tad more goal oriented, perhaps he's on a quest for an ancient artifact or a king's ransom in gold. Or maybe someone's kidnapped his girlfriend and stolen his truck and he is hellbent on getting them back, as was the case with Jack Burton's character in Big Trouble In Little China. Regardless of his end goal, this fella is going to do whatever it takes to get what he wants, consequences be darned.

While the swashbuckler does have a certain appeal, he also has drawbacks to accompany that sexy smile. For one, he is not the most dependable sort. He tends to be selfish at times, so intent is he on what he wants. And to top it all off, he's single-minded, stubborn and doesn't stay put for very long. It could make for some uncomfortable family gatherings when the hubby is a no-show because he's gone off half-cocked - again - on some crusade or other.

But, if you're a woman who can deal with midnight phone calls, canceled plans and bountiful good excuses, all the while getting your pants charmed off (possibly literally), this is definitely your man. It's a thrill a minute while you're in his company, and this sexy adrenaline junky never misses an opportunity to show a girl a good time.

Posted By: Tracy Preston

Don't forget to drop by next Monday when Teresa drops in to bring us our next hero archetype -- the Warrior.

10 comments:

Devon Matthews said...

Hi, Tracy! Interesting post. I have a related question. In "Destiny's Captive" your hero, Lucian, is a nobleman undercover as a pirate. Would you describe him as a swashbuckler, or another of the archetypes? Inquiring minds want to know. :o)

Terry Spear said...

Super blog post, Tracy! I was thinking of Romancing the Stone also, with Michael Douglas.... :)

Anonymous said...

Tracy:
Great blog. I'm saving all the information in my research files.
Love the pictures.
How does your hero fit in here. Is he a Swashbuckler?
Teresa

Caroline said...

Hi Tracy,
Great post. Who, in their right mind, doesn't LOVE a swashbuckler?!? Very fun. Great pix too.
Thanks,
~Caroline

I'll be stopping by next Monday....

Tracy Preston - Romance Writer said...

Thanks so much to Devon, Teresa, Terry and Caroline for the wonderful comments.

Is my hero, Lucian, a Swashbuckler? Hmm... I would have to emphatically say no. He's the oldest of three children and the heir to his father's titles, so he's a bit more responsible than the wayward Swashbuckler. I would think of Lucian more as the Chief type, with shades of the Bad Boy. Yum! ;)

Jan Scarbrough said...

Thanks for the info about hero archetypes. I continue to learn about craft and Ineed to remember the basics when I write.

Lainey said...

You are right when you first thing of a Swashbuckler you think pirate but when you explained it you opened my eyes to so much more. But dang I think I could take a swashbuckler at least for a trial run and have some fun while at it. Long distance relationships as they are more common these days shows it can work if you work at it. But hmm gotta truck that good looking, suave smooth talking man to not cheat on you while he is away. At least in books and movies it can work... so on to the next book I go read... I love my men however I can get them and THE WARRIOR well I cannot wait to see what you come up with that. I love warriors, they are dear to my heart believe it or not. Thanks for today's blog I enjoyed it.

Elaine

Tracy Preston - Romance Writer said...

Thanks for the wonderful comment Elaine. And thank you Jan for dropping by today!

Oh yeah, there is definitely something about the Swashbuckler that makes you wanna give him a trial run. Maybe it's that devil-may-care attitude. Or perhaps it's the danger that attracts a woman to the Swashbuckler. Regardless, he's undeniably appealing.

And don't forget...there's still the Bad Boy archetype to come! That one should be very interesting...

Kelly's Mom said...

Thanks for the great post! I can't decide whether I'm the type of woman who could go for a swashbuckler or not, but hey... if he looked like Harrison Ford, I could probably be persuaded!

Tracy Preston - Romance Writer said...

I will second, third, and fourth that emotion!! ;)

 
~ Inspiration, Ink. ~ © 2007 Template feito por Áurea R.C.