By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills
Some people embrace risk like the rest of us breathe. Others will take a risk only if the stakes are high—a business deal, protecting innocent people, or a worthy cause. Both types understand the situation can invite danger and an unpredictable outcome. In this article, I’d like to discuss self-confident heroes and heroines who are risk takers.
These people accept the consequences of their actions to make life better for themselves or others. Who are these people, and what qualifies them to boldly step into a situation where the outcome might not be good?
In writing suspense fiction for over two decades, I have my ideas and descriptions of men and women who embrace risk. Below are 15 traits that appeal to me. My characters will not have all of these characteristics, but they will have more than one.
- Motivated by a cause bigger than themselves.
- Prepared to sharpen existing skills or learn new ones to succeed.
- Able to make decisions.
- Armed with compassion and empathy for others.
- Subscribe to an adventurous spirit.
- Believe in God who created all things, even if their relationship with Him is flawed.
- Courageous and bold when the occasion calls for it.
- Learns from their mistakes.
- Plan their actions but are not afraid of spontaneity.
- Accepts responsibility for their actions.
- Confident once he/she accepts a challenge.
- Practices mental and physical strategies.
- Committed to making sacrifices for a noble or worthy cause, even of themselves.
- Faces adversity with mental toughness.
- Willing to stand alone if necessary.
Your turn. What kind of traits do you envision for a hero or heroine who embraces risk?
Comments 12
DiAnn, your characters always give me hope in the pursuit of good over evil. With so much emphasis in the news regarding the few rogue law enforcement officers, the multitude of good ones get overlooked. Stories can teach us to look for the positive traits in the people who serve and protect even when they are fiction.
Thank you, Barbara, and I agree with you about hearing the rogue law enforcement and not the many who sacrifice to keep us safe.
I really appreciate the depth of insight you have developed over your years of creating characters! As for taking risks, sometimes someone who does not naturally embrace risk is thrust into it because the stakes change. When your efforts to avoid the gamble actually threaten to cause the very crisis you are trying to avert, you may finally take the plunge.
Thank you, Dianna. Like you, I agree that the unlikely one who embraces a risk becomes our best hero or heroine.
I love this list! It truly does encompass what I look for in characters I love. Ones I would add as a personal one that is important to me is someone that isn’t afraid of loving others, using Christ as an example. Plus someone that is passionate, whether it be for someone else or the cause they’re stepping into. They kinda tie together, I suppose.
Thanks, Vickie, and your preferences do tie in together. Thank you!
Courage, integrity. Will do what is right no matter the cost.
Thank you, Ethelann, I heard the determination in your words.
Interesting question. As a non-fiction writer, I don’t think of myself as much of a “risk-taker” any longer. In my youth, I craved adventure and the exhilaration of taking risks, thus time as a Special Operations soldier. In my maturity, I embrace risks, but more as a “Risk Mitigator” that “Risk Taker”. I still identify and assess risks, even in semi-retirement, but I seek to mitigate their probability of impact and occurrence whenever possible. LOL As for writing about risk? Go big or go home! I like those characters who are willing to risk it all for what they believe in. As the saying goes, big risks bring big rewards. Win the prize, prevent the loss, or earn the kiss. All risks worth the taking in my book.
J.D., I always appreciate your wisdom.” Go big or go home.” Love it! I’m also thinking about those who are not afraid to say evil is wrong. In our days, those people can lose their jobs and friendships and more by honoring God.
What a great list. This is who I want to be. Maybe, like me, she also has some fear that way she can be brave!
Thanks, Robyn, I think we want to be risk takers – but we need courage and a gentle shove.