How to Write a Fandom-Worthy Character (Part 2): The Lovable Rogue

It’s time to toss the “super good, super pure, superhero” out and replace it with a more interesting character: the lovable rogue.

Beloved protagonists like Sherlock Holmes, Han Solo of Star Wars, and Aragorn of the Lord of the Rings, have shoved aside the typical image of a super guy with a super cape. We love these guys in all their rogue-ish charm.

So what characteristics should your lovable rogue possess in order for readers to freak over him?

• A memorable personality

• A contradictory nature

• A noble cause he sides with

Let’s talk about how you can use these traits in your own character crafting process.

Who could turn away a scruffy-looking nerf herder like Han Solo? Not even Leia could, in the end. Why? He was egotistical, smart-mouthed, arrogant, sly, and… lovable. Oh, so lovable.

The witty comebacks and wise-cracking rat-a-tat he shared with Chewie and Leia made Han’s big personality unforgettable. Han didn’t have a straight-up good boy attitude like Luke. No, Han was a bit more complicated (and jaded) than that.

But beneath his charm, smooth-talk, and me-first attitude, lay a secretly self-sacrificing softy who had it bad for one particularly spunky princess. That oil and vinegar personality made Han incredibly engaging.

With an unmatched intellect, an outlandish ability to notice insignificant details, and the charm of a set of nails on a chalkboard, Sherlock was in a rank all his own. No filter and no boundaries, Sherlock saves lives but belittles them simultaneously.

Really, we should hate Sherlock, but we can’t. We just can’t. (Maybe it’s something about those cheekbones so sharp they could slice bread) but no matter what it is, there’s something about an arrogant genius with an unmatched wit that makes readers swoon.

Aloof ranger, Strider deserved a crown but preferred the shadows. Aragorn defied his destiny as heir to the throne of Gondor and chose a desolate life. His off-putting personality made folks wary of his presence. The fact that he was skilled with a blade made him that much more of an outcast. But his mysterious demeanor made him intriguing. We wanted to know who this stranger was and if he would ever take the crown that belonged to him.

The thing is, these guys all have (or had) an off-putting personality, yet are beloved anyhow. Why is it that despite their aloof or rude ‘tude we LOVE them anyway? Because off-putting personalities aren’t one-note personalities. They are unpredictable, unusual- and in the field of heroes- most welcome. They’re refreshingly complex. That’s why these rogues take our hearts.

So here’s the idea behind a memorable personality:

• It has to be distinctly unique, not one-note.

• It should border on offensive or aloof.

• It should have redeeming qualities.

Sherlock is a high-functioning sociopath who detests humans yet he will do whatever it takes to save them. He’s a self-proclaimed rogue yet he helps the police whenever he can. Sherlock doesn’t want friends yet he would give his life to protect John Watson.

Han Solo looks out for number one yet risks his life for his friends and the fight for the rebellion. Han teases and mocks Princess Leia but is deeply in love with her. Han has shady dealings but tries to make some dealings count for the cause.

Strider doesn’t want to take up his responsibility as heir to the throne of Gondor but risks his life to defend the world of men anyhow. Aragorn (initially) breaks Arwen’s heart yet he cherishes the memory of their love around his neck as a constant reminder. Aragorn is terrified of making the same mistakes his forefather made but risks his life to defend Middle Earth.

There’s a pattern here. These fellas act in outright defiance of their nature.

Why?

If they only ever acted on their own wishes, they would border on villainy. But the choices they make for someone they love is what ultimately makes them a beloved hero, a lovable rogue. This complex contradiction creates rich character depth (something readers gulp down in one swig).

The point about a contradictory nature is this:

• Readers adore a character who defies his nature for the sake of a friend or noble cause.

• It adds depth, making your lovable rogue complex and fascinating.

“But Rae, he’s a ROGUE… doesn’t that mean he sides with himself only??”

Not necessarily, beautiful water bear.

Although he worked with John alone, Sherlock had the same goal of the entire police force, often working with them to solve crimes. And although he may not be one of them, he’s “on the side of the angels”.

Likewise, Han Solo, although a smuggler, fought for the rebellion when they needed help the most. Offering the Millennium Falcon and his piloting skills, Han does his part for the rebels.

When Middle Earth was in dire straits, Aragorn takes allegiance with the Fellowship. In fact, Aragorn completely gives up the identity of Strider, funneling him toward his ultimate destiny of heir to the throne of men. Such a powerful arc makes Aragorn a captivating character.

To be apart of something bigger than himself gives your lovable rogue great purpose, a wider perspective outside of his immediate needs. If your rogue doesn’t stand for a cause greater than himself at some point, then he’ll edge on villainy.

Here’s what you need to take away from your rogue standing for a noble cause:

• Readers find a rogue that much more lovable if he takes a stand for the “angels” when the world needs him most.

• Fighting for an external force beyond himself doesn’t make him any less of a rogue, it makes him chaotic good. 😉

Let’s be clear about something real quick: your rogue doesn’t have to stay a rogue if you don’t want him to. Aragorn becomes king of men, Han becomes a legend in the rebellion, Sherlock becomes family to John and Mary. Giving your character an arc is vital and if your rogue should change, understand that he isn’t straying from his character, he’s progressing as one.

There are many types of protagonists and that’s okay. But if you want to create a lovable rogue readers will adore, then remember these three keys:

1. Give him a memorable personality
   • Make him off-putting, aloof, witty, etc.
   • Give him redeemable qualities.

2. Give him a contradictory nature

• Make him a bad boy with a heart of gold, for example. 
• Complexities make your character incredibly interesting to your reader.

3. Give him a noble cause to stand for

• Standing for something or someone greater than himself makes him redeemable and lovable.
• If he doesn’t fight for someone else at some point, he will border on villainy.

In next week’s article (Part three of a three-part series) we will break down the “Eclectic Mentor” character type through the examples of Gramma Tala of Moana, Yoda of Star Wars, and Gandalf of the Lord of the Rings. So stay tuned by subscribing to the Barely Hare Books Newsletter!:

Creating unforgettable, unique heroes takes effort. It also takes learning how to write unique dialogue, how to give your character a specific goal, how to give your character truly challenging conflict and much more.

So how do you do this with ease? You check out the new online course I have coming for teen writers just like you:

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• How to Create Characters that Matter

• How to Create a Love Triangle Readers Won’t Hate

• The Art of Showing AND Telling

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