I’m wild about heroes who play the role of “Protector.” From True Grit to Terminator 2, there are hundreds of stories that feature this iconic hero. Often a loner or someone who has been shunned by society, the Protector defies convention and risks his life to keep the heroine safe.
Of course, there are heroine twists on the Protector, too. Sigourney Weaver’s character in Aliens must protect the orphaned girl, Newt. And John Grisham has a boy who witnessed a suicide hire an attorney (played by Susan Sarandon in the film) to protect him in his story The Client.
The big name superheroes tend to be Protectors. Obviously, they’re protecting mankind in the larger sense, but the films tend to give us a specific heroine who becomes the focus of that attention. Superman has Lois Lane. Batman has Vicki Vale. Spider-Man has Mary Jane Watson.
In romance fiction, Protectors abound. Firefighters, cowboys, Navy SEALs, cops. In today’s world, the heroines aren’t necessarily shrinking violets—they’re capable women who can take care of themselves. But when faced with overwhelming odds or life-threatening circumstances, the Protector still arrives to provide comfort, support and to help defeat the villain. They never intend to fall in love, but when they do, it’s forever.
One of my recent favorite Protectors is The Fifth Element. Bruce Willis plays a retired military officer driving a cab in a futuristic world under siege. He protects a girl who literally lands in his lap, only to discover that she’s the key to defending the Earth.
And I’ll be honest–I’m thinking about Protectors because my nephew just graduated from basic training at Fort Jackson. He’s starting his advance training today. A huge cheer for all the men and women who help protect our country!
Do you have a favorite Protector character? Why do you think this role has survived as a hero icon for hundreds of years? Do you find Protectors romantic?
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Hey there Amy! Congratulations on your nephew’s graduation and thank him & his parents for his service for me (another military mom). Coincidentally, I’m wearing my ‘USMC Mom’ shirt today and agreed with everything in your post. I have to admit that *I* secretly want to be protected. Secretly, mind you. Because of course, I’m an independent woman. So I’ll just keep that protection-envy a secret. Why? Twenty-two years ago, my hubby said that he fell in love with me not because I “needed” him, but because I “chose” him. Funny how that the ‘protector’ part in men envies the independent gal.
~~Angi
AngiMorgan.com
Thanks for swinging by, Angi. My SIL was all over the Army Mom tee shirt. Interesting that men appreciate our independence while we mostly hide the secret that some days we want to be protected.
I think that protector role is what made Twilight such a great story–Bella has 2!
Congrats to your brother, Amy!
Mallory–good to see you. TWILIGHT–golly, how could I have missed mentioning the whole Protector thread in that?? It’s very Gothic, this notion of the Protector protecting the heroine from himself. And thanks for the congrats for my nephew. He’s doggone proud–as are we all!