You don’t find heroes standing for good because it’s the right thing to do…or at the very least, it’s difficult to find these kinds of fictional characters anymore.
In my upcoming Fall from Grace series, one of themes that flows throughout is the prospect of good old traditional heroes…the challenge is making these characters appealing to readers. In our society, it’s hard to believe that some people want to be and do good simply because no human being should have to suffer.
Recently re-watching the film The Equalizer (2014), then subsequently re-watching two more times because I enjoyed it greatly, I was inspired by the character Robert McCall (Denzel Washington) and his perception on injustice; this is what heroes should be.
A retired special agent who has taken to humble living following the death of his wife, Robert comes upon ‘an escort’ who faces trouble with the Russian mob.
Making this plot concise, Robert’s ethics and decency compel him to use his unique skill set to shut down a sex-slave trafficking operation, and put his abilities to use for helping all those in need. It amplifies the idea that people should be operating out of generosity and helpfulness regardless of circumstances, though it makes this point with a little more power and action.
The character’s attempts to keep the peace are admirable as he tries to negotiate the girl’s freedom by paying for it. When the Russian mob laugh at his gesture to free the girl, Robert uses other means to resolve the scenario.
As another one of my favourite fictional heroes says: “If I’m to choose between one evil or another, I’d rather not choose at all.” – Geralt of Rivia, The Witcher (i.e. don’t make the choice between evils, rid the world of evil altogether!)
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