Redefining the Hero in Modern Fiction

Writing Craft
2014
Featuring Ben Coz, Brad Morrison, Brett Bowers, Mark Greaney, Mike Dawson

This audio session is available to KNU members.

Explore Membership Options

ABOUT THIS SESSION

Today’s heroes are complicated, flawed, and often uncomfortable in their own skin. In this panel, authors explore how modern protagonists have moved far beyond traditional heroic archetypes, reflecting changing values, diverse backgrounds, and moral ambiguity. The discussion looks at why these imperfect heroes feel more real to readers and how writers can create characters who resonate deeply with contemporary audiences.

MORE LIKE THIS


Opening a Story with Emotional Stakes
Alexandra Ivy
2019
How to Write Action That Hits Hard and Stays Human
Baron R. Birtcher, Nellie Neeman, Richard Meredith, Rodney Syler, Sonja Dewing, TM Clark
2022
When Crime Meets Horror: Blending Mystery With the Supernatural
Chris Holm, David Morrell, Reece Hersh, Tim Weaver
2015
Page-Turning Storytelling
Richard Helms
2017
From Case Law to Crime Fiction
Barbara Newhart, Cheryl Sommers, Erika Stribling, Greg Laird, Percy Veer
2025
How a Character’s Profession Shapes the Investigation
Meredith Cole, Rosemary Harris, Sassiel Hill, Simon Wood
2015
Writing a Query That Opens Doors
Charlie Pearson, Diane Sismour
2021
Knowing When a Story Is Finished and Letting It Go
Kaui Hart Hemmings
2013