What do you get when you cross an Alpha with a Beta? Yep, a Gamma.
A Gamma is probably more of what we right these days. Sometimes they are more Alpha than Beta, like Indy here. While he seems fearless and physical, his true profession is a teacher. Plus, he is willing to admit his fears (remember the snakes?).
There's Aragorn, a physical hero with a very Beta nature. He understands that violence and death is part of his life, but he it makes him sad. And who can resist those tender moments with Arwen?The Gamma hero is all over the place, not just in romance. Jack Ryan, Tom Clancy's hero is such a good example.
This poor CIA analyst who is much more comfortable behind a computer screen or classroom is pushed into violent situations. Rather than shrinking from them, he meets the challenges.
Gammas seem to be the perfect hero. But it is essential he be given some kind of flaw or wound to make him interesting. I think for a Gamma, there is no way to make him strictly 50/50. Even better would be to make these two sides of him conflict. If you read Laurell K. Hamilton, you'll recognize Richard right away as heavy on the Beta side while suffering as a literal Alpha.
The Gamma is taking over as the hero of choice of romance authors. He reflects the changing mood of romance and he fits today's heroines. If you are interested in this topic, I suggest taking it further and looking at The Complete Writer's Guide to Heroes and Heroinesby Tami D. Cowden, Caro LaFever, Sue Viders
And one last thing....
What does Hugh Jackman have to do with this discussion? Absolutely nothing but I'm on a roll with good looking guys today, so I thought he should be here.
Update
I posted today on
Villa in Tuscany about Women, Resilience and Romance
