08-14-2012, 11:59 PM
Over in this thread, Ben Kane discusses a novel in which the hero appears to have unbelievable abilities, or just very good luck.
I wondered what those of you who enjoy reading novels set in the ancient world look for in a fictional hero/protagonist/main character?
Do you prefer to read about characters based on real people (Caesar, for example, or Hannibal)? Or do you prefer an author to create a new character to fit the story?
Do you prefer to read about very realistic and believable characters, who think and act in the way that people of the times would have done and have no special or remarkable abilities, or do you prefer heroes with more 'heroic' qualities?
And what about the presentation of women in these novels? There's been a fashion lately for feisty female characters, who are apt to reveal an unexpected skill in swordfighting, for example... Is this a good thing in a novel, or do you prefer female characters who more closely reflect the realities of women's lives in ancient times?
Lastly, does anyone have a particular favourite character from ancient-world fiction?
:?:
I wondered what those of you who enjoy reading novels set in the ancient world look for in a fictional hero/protagonist/main character?
Do you prefer to read about characters based on real people (Caesar, for example, or Hannibal)? Or do you prefer an author to create a new character to fit the story?
Do you prefer to read about very realistic and believable characters, who think and act in the way that people of the times would have done and have no special or remarkable abilities, or do you prefer heroes with more 'heroic' qualities?
And what about the presentation of women in these novels? There's been a fashion lately for feisty female characters, who are apt to reveal an unexpected skill in swordfighting, for example... Is this a good thing in a novel, or do you prefer female characters who more closely reflect the realities of women's lives in ancient times?
Lastly, does anyone have a particular favourite character from ancient-world fiction?
:?:
Nathan Ross
