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.
Fidelity, Infidelity: Loyalty and Betrayal in Crime Stories
This session takes a close look at fictional detectives through the lens of loyalty and betrayal. Using John Sandford’s Prey series as a case study, the discussion explores how fidelity and infidelity shape character motivation, relationships, and the choices that...




