Why are most of the characters these days female? Has anyone else noticed this? The male protagonist is becoming more and more elusive. And just for the record: I'm female I do miss a good old-fashioned, kick-ass male hero.

[zackddog]

Maybe it's the various industries reacting to the market.

Not only in books, but the female heroes are also prevalent in TV and film. Really, other than Sherlock and P.O.I name two other TV or film heroes of late? I mean a sole male protagonist or character. All other shows have VERY strong female co-leading roles.

I can feel my hormones raging. I need some Reacher...

[XVI]

name two other TV or film heroes of late?

Rick Grimes - The Walking Dead to name one.
Peter Griffin - The Family Guy
Then there are heaps more which strangely I cant think of any, so maybe your onto something.
But then again...Isn't that what feminists wanted?
More stronger powerful women in the spotlight?

[Beukies]

I can feel my hormones raging. I need some Reacher...

Amen Brother!!!! Testify!!!! hallelujah!!!!!

name two other TV or film heroes of late?

Rick Grimes - The Walking Dead to name one.
Peter Griffin - The Family Guy
Then there are heaps more which strangely I cant think of any, so maybe your onto something.
But then again...Isn't that what feminists wanted?
More stronger powerful women in the spotlight?

Sadly, I never wanted, nor claimed to be, a feminist. Maybe THAT'S my problem...

[musesinspire]

Sadly, I never wanted, nor claimed to be, a feminist. Maybe THAT'S my problem...

* applause*

I'm all for 'non-wimpy, Bella from Twilight, I have to be saved from my own stupidity and I'm too much of an idiot to live' female characters... but it'd be nice to see the men be MEN in these books!! You can have strong females, but the men should be in there for more than just sexual distractions. I mean, honestly? - no woman wants a pansy for a man! We all want that man that can be counted on to kick ass, take names, have our backs and dammit! - just plain old be a caveman at times! LOL Now, a control freak who doesn't care if a woman can think or not? - not so much. But these women in these books who just disregard everything, walk all over the male leads and then appear shocked when something happens??

WTF-ever.

/vent

Sadly, I never wanted, nor claimed to be, a feminist. Maybe THAT'S my problem...

* applause*

I'm all for 'non-wimpy, Bella from Twilight, I have to be saved from my own stupidity and I'm too much of an idiot to live' female characters... but it'd be nice to see the men be MEN in these books!! You can have strong females, but the men should be in there for more than just sexual distractions. I mean, honestly? - no woman wants a pansy for a man! We all want that man that can be counted on to kick ass, take names, have our backs and dammit! - just plain old be a caveman at times! LOL Now, a control freak who doesn't care if a woman can think or not? - not so much. But these women in these books who just disregard everything, walk all over the male leads and then appear shocked when something happens??

WTF-ever.

/vent

I agree- very well put Most of the female leads act as if the guy is a moron, or an outlet to scratch an itch, and treats them like dirt. Like the guy is just a decoration or something. I guess I'm not alone in my assessment, then!

[helenwho]

I also agree! whilst you can save the dippy blond for straight out romance books, I feel the fantasy genre has taken the female lead too far. Bring back more normal female leads with real-time heroes. and yes they can definitely act as cavemen when the lights go out...

[zackddog]

Never read one of the books you're talking about, but while not a fan of chauvinist male leads, (Me Tarzan, you clean house make babies and look pretty) I'm less of a fan of the "Me Tarzan, you want me to kiss your ass while you emasculate me and consider letting me have sex with you?" type of the male leads of late. Or their female counterparts. Man almighty! They are PATHETIC!

There's gotta be a happy medium, where men kick ass, shoot guns, do what's morally right and women are equally able to kick ass, shoot guns, do what's morally right and are also able to give life.

Now, is that too much to ask?

NOPE! Not too much to ask at all!

[jaysee]

Ok so he's not recent whatsoever but here's two words for you -

John. McClane.

[zackddog]

"Come out to the coast, we'll get together, have a few laughs..."

As he's crawling in the air duct, Zippo in hand. One of the best lines ever.

[musesinspire]

Never read one of the books you're talking about, but while not a fan of chauvinist male leads, (Me Tarzan, you clean house make babies and look pretty) I'm less of a fan of the "Me Tarzan, you want me to kiss your ass while you emasculate me and consider letting me have sex with you?" type of the male leads of late. Or their female counterparts. Man almighty! They are PATHETIC!

There's gotta be a happy medium, where men kick ass, shoot guns, do what's morally right and women are equally able to kick ass, shoot guns, do what's morally right and are also able to give life.

Now, is that too much to ask?

One of the few authors who effectively capture this is Patricia Briggs, but ONLY in Mercy Thompson series. Her other series, Alpha and Omega, OMG! I WANNA KICK THE FEMALE'S ASS!!!!

[jaysee]

"Come out to the coast, we'll get together, have a few laughs..."

As he's crawling in the air duct, Zippo in hand. One of the best lines ever.

LOL that is excellent. I'm going to have to have a little Die Hard session soon I think. All 4 movies in one sitting. If only just reconfirm to myself that the first 2 are superior to the latter 2.

[mesquite]

"Come out to the coast, we'll get together, have a few laughs..."

As he's crawling in the air duct, Zippo in hand. One of the best lines ever.

LOL that is excellent. I'm going to have to have a little Die Hard session soon I think. All 4 movies in one sitting. If only just reconfirm to myself that the first 2 are superior to the latter 2.

Yes they are! To me #4 was a let down cause the GREATEST action movie line of all time! Yippie kiya mother****** wasnt even pronounciated.

But getting back to the heart. I haven't read or seen much of where you pull for a female heroine. I think that European authors where they build the story on a female make them tough as nails like American authors make the men. American women in a way are softened up by our writers keeping with the damsel in distress monologue, sex them up and then leave at the end. Honestly though we won't see a woman save a mans life often but as a way out of a tough spot it'd be pretty cool but it has to be sold in a believable manner.