Tag: relatable characters

The Trope of the Underdog in Fantasy Literature

Explore the captivating world of underdogs in fantasy literature, where unlikely heroes from Frodo Baggins to Vin take center stage. Discover how these relatable characters, with their struggles and triumphs, add depth and resonance to fantasy tales, making them more engaging and inspiring for readers.

In the grand arena of fantasy literature, where heroes are often as muscular and shiny as a knight’s armour, the underdog stands out like a sore thumb – albeit a determined, plucky sore thumb.

The trope of the underdog is as prevalent in fantasy as misplaced magic wands, offering a narrative arc as satisfying as finding a secret room in a haunted castle.

A Hero Unlikely to Win, But Tries Anyway

The underdog is typically as well-equipped for their journey as a knight heading into battle armed with a teaspoon.

They’re the farm boy who’s more familiar with pigs than dragons, the scrawny apprentice who can barely lift a sword, or the unassuming hobbit who’s never ventured beyond their front garden.

These characters embark on quests that seem about as well-advised as a stroll through a dragon’s den wearing armour made of gold.

Why We Root for the Underdog

There’s something inherently appealing about cheering on someone who’s about as likely to succeed as a snowball in a furnace.

Perhaps it’s their tenacity in the face of insurmountable odds, or maybe it’s just human nature to support the little guy.

After all, who hasn’t felt like an underdog at some point, battling the metaphorical dragons of our everyday lives?

Notable Underdogs in Fantasy

Frodo Baggins in ‘The Lord of the Rings‘: A hobbit who’d much rather be at home but ends up carrying the most dangerous item in the world.

Neville Longbottom in ‘Harry Potter‘: The boy who was almost the Chosen One, but turned out to be a hero in his own right, proving that bravery comes in different forms.

Vin in ‘Mistborn‘: A street urchin who discovers she has powers that could change the world, despite her initial disbelief in her own abilities.

The Underdog’s Journey: A Reflection of Real Life

The underdog’s journey often mirrors our own struggles.

They don’t just face external foes; they battle self-doubt, fear, and the disbelief of those around them.

Their victories are as much about overcoming their inner demons as they are about defeating the dark lord or evil empire.

The Impact on Fantasy Literature

The underdog trope has nudged fantasy literature away from the omnipotent, flawless hero towards more relatable, flawed characters.

It’s introduced a level of humanity and vulnerability to fantasy that allows readers to see a bit of themselves in the characters.

It reminds us that sometimes, the greatest power lies not in strength or magic, but in resilience and the courage to keep going, even when the odds are about as favourable as a picnic in a troll’s cave.

The Lasting Appeal of the Underdog

In the world of fantasy literature, the underdog continues to reign supreme, a testament to the enduring appeal of seeing the least likely amongst us rise to the challenge.

They remind us that heroism comes in all shapes and sizes, often emerging from the most unlikely of places.

In celebrating the underdog, fantasy literature doesn’t just tell us a story; it gives us hope – hope that even the smallest among us can change the world, armed with nothing but courage and a teaspoon.

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A Book for All Seasons: Why Terry Pratchett’s Hogfather is a Must-Read All Year Round

Discover why Terry Pratchett’s ‘Hogfather’ is a must-read all year round. Explore witty humor, satire, and relatable characters in this whimsical yet heart-warming fantasy novel.

Hogfather by Terry Pratchett

Terry Pratchett’s Hogfather is a novel I can’t help but love.

Published in 1996, it’s the twentieth book in Pratchett’s popular Discworld series, and tells the story of Death and his granddaughter Susan trying to save Christmas and rescue Santa…erm…I mean, save Hogwatch and rescue the Hogfather.

Full of witty humour, clever satire, and relatable characters, the Hogfather skewers fantasy tropes while still embracing them.

The book is set during the Discworld equivalent of Christmas, where the Hogfather, a jolly fat man in red, delivers presents to children. But when the Hogfather goes missing, Death steps in to take his place. This setup allows Pratchett to poke fun at the commercialization of Christmas while still celebrating the spirit of giving.

Pratchett explores the idea that if enough people believe in something, it can become real—the Tooth Fairy exists because children believe in her. But the Auditors of Reality are trying to use this idea to stop people believing in the Hogfather, and force him from existence.

We find Pratchett’s usual wide range of characters, including Death, his granddaughter Susan, and the bumbling wizards of Unseen University. But it is Mr. Jonathan Teatime, (pronounced “Teh-ah-tim-eh”) who is my personal favourite.

Sent to assassinate the Hogfather, Mr. Teatime is cold and brilliant. He is a gentleman who relishes being an assassin, though not for the money, but for the sheer joy of killing.

Hogfather’s a book that I cannot recommend enough. It’s dark and witty, but somehow whimsical and heart-warming.

Is this my favourite Pratchett? I’m not sure. He wrote so many great books, but this was the one that had the biggest impact on my own work as a writer.

What’s your favourite Pratchett novel?

10 Common Mistakes Fantasy Heroes Make

Discover the 10 common mistakes that fantasy heroes make in epic quests. From ignoring signs of danger to not asking for help, explore relatable character flaws and growth. Dive into the world of fantasy novels and learn from their missteps.

Fantasy novels are filled with exciting and epic stories of heroes and heroines on quests to save the world.

But even the greatest fantasy protagonists are guilty of making some pretty stupid decisions.

Here are ten common mistakes that fantasy protagonists make that can drive readers crazy:

1. Not asking for help when they clearly need it.

Whether it’s from a wise old wizard, a powerful sorcerer, or just a friendly farmer, there are plenty of people who could help our heroes out of a jam. But instead, they often choose to go it alone and suffer the consequences.

2. Refusing to use their magical abilities when they would clearly be useful.

Many fantasy protagonists are reluctant to use their powers, either because they don’t want to be seen as different, or because they’re afraid of the consequences. But when the fate of the world is at stake, sometimes it’s necessary to embrace your inner wizard and unleash a few dozen fireballs.

3. Ignoring obvious signs of danger.

Whether it’s a dark and foreboding forest, a cursed object, or a creepy old mansion, fantasy protagonists often choose to ignore the obvious signs of peril and charge headfirst into danger.

4. Trusting the wrong people.

Fantasy protagonists often trust the wrong people, whether it’s a charming rogue, a smooth-talking wyvern, or a seemingly innocent peasant. And while they may have the best of intentions, these shady characters often end up betraying our heroes.

5. Not being prepared for battle.

Heroes are often caught off guard when it comes to battle, whether it’s not having enough arrows for their bow, or not having a plan of attack. This often leads to them being captured, or see their friends killed.

6. Neglecting their friends and loved ones.

Sometimes our hero gets so caught up in their quest that they neglect the people who care about them the most. This can lead to strained relationships and even the loss of important allies. Pick up a phone, it’s not that hard.

7. Not thinking things through.

Fantasy protagonists often rush into things without thinking things through, whether it’s charging into battle without a plan, or making a hasty decision that has long-term consequences.

8. Being too confident.

Heroes sometimes overestimate their own abilities and underestimate their opponents, which can lead to some very bad decisions.

9. Not learning from their mistakes.

Fantasy protagonists often make the same mistakes over and over again, whether it’s trusting the wrong people or not being prepared for battle.

10. Not listening to their inner voice.

Heroes often ignore their gut instincts and instead listen to others, usually an old dude with a beard. But sometimes your inner voice is the only one you can trust.

While our favourite heroes can make some pretty stupid decisions, it’s also what makes them relatable and human.

And even when they make mistakes, we can’t help but root for them as they learn and grow.

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