Characters · Tip 22 of 82 · 4 min read
The Unlikely Hero
The smallest, shyest or clumsiest character can save the day, and readers love cheering them on.
Who would you rather read about: a giant knight who wins every fight, or a tiny mouse who has to stop a cat? Most readers pick the mouse! An unlikely hero is someone nobody expects to save the day.
Why unlikely heroes work
When a hero is small or weak, the problem feels huge. Every step is a struggle, so readers hold their breath. And when the hero wins, it feels like everyone can be brave.
- The youngest in the family
- A tiny creature in a big world
- The kid who always gets picked last
- A nervous robot that was built to make tea
- A grandparent everyone thinks is too old
Their weakness becomes their strength
The secret trick: let the thing that makes your hero unlikely be the thing that helps them win. Being small means you can squeeze through gaps. Being quiet means nobody notices you sneaking past.
The guards searched every tall person who came through the castle gate. Nobody looked down. Pip, who was exactly as tall as a turnip, strolled straight between their boots with the stolen key tucked under her hat.
Let them doubt themselves
Unlikely heroes often think they can't do it. Show that worry. Then show them doing it anyway, shaking knees and all. That's what real courage looks like.
Okay 😐
Pip was small but she was brave, so she went to the castle.
Wow! 🤩
Pip looked up at the castle. It looked back down at her. "I'm going to be squashed," she whispered. Then she straightened her hat and marched forward anyway.