Forum: Author Hangout

On the other hand, there are those characters who are way more interesting and capable than normal, but stay on the human side of the uncanny valley. I'd put Gray Wolf's MC in the "Variations on a Theme" character in this category.

I would put the MC in the Stupid Boy/Better Man series by G Younger https://storiesonline.net/series/1080/stupid-boy

At times the character is "Over The Top" but not really in any particular thing he does. It is the totality of events that pushes the boundaries of credulity.

I know that some people believe that David Dawson is Waaaaay Over The Top. Unlike OTT characters in some other stories, everything DD has done is quite possible, even if some of them include being rated as the "Best" High School Quarterback in the USA. DD's "superpower" is Hard Work that is well documented throughout the story. If you have not read the whole story, or don't remember, it may not always seem that way. As the story goes on, much of DD's hard work is "off screen" or only mentioned in passing.

For example, he works out (and does other things) to develop and maintain his athleticism. Initially his workouts, in particular those led by the "Little Ninja" (Cassidy) were detailed quite well, once or twice they were the focus of an entire chapter. He has also had professionals evaluate his performance, and suggest improvements. More often in a Better Man, the "Hour of Death" barely rates a sentence, or perhaps a paragraph. Cassidy too has learned quite a bit from professionals. Starting with a modified USMC workout, several different college and professional experts on conditioning, and body mechanics have mentored her (and David). In a recent chapter, when the USC Defensive Coordinator was particularly displeased with a scrimmage, he merely stated to Cassidy: "Kill Them All!" (A bit later it mentioned "Cassidy seemed to be disappointed that nobody actually dies.")

David has learned from his own injuries, and more serious issues that occurred to others, as well as what has been essential to others success, he has learned the benefits of physical conditioning. As good as David is, he often encounters others who are better at a particular thing. David is competitive, and tries to Learn from most of those encounters.

As a model, it is often mentioned that he is Not the best looking guy (among male models; albeit he is extremely physically fit). Several times it has been mentioned that other male models are better looking. David's "advantage" is a strong work ethic, and a willingness to Do what the Professional photographers (and others) want him to do! Being on time, sober, not harassing the female models (who are usually paid more, and who often are the key to higher sales), and cooperating have resulted in much of his success as a model. This is probably the most believable parts of the story.

His acting success is nearly identical to his success as a model. He has a certain natural talent (and perhaps more important a photogenic charm"), but he accepts guidance from the director (and other pros) and other actors.

DD's achievements so far, are OTT for a barely 20 young man, champion HS football player, and ranked #1 in the nation as a HS QB. Nearly as good at baseball. Playing for USC in both sports, excellent at academics, multi-millionaire, success in business, rated as a multi-engine jet pilot, an academy award, several successful movies, including playing "James Bond's son" and going from a "supporting character" to the Star of a Sci-Fi movie franchise, one of the "top" male models in the world; etc., etc., etc.

Starfleet Carl's "A True History" series as an example. I mean, the MC has a harem of 20 or so the last book I read (waiting for the current one to finish so I can binge), plays college football like a pro (where he'll be soon, I suspect), and is a "mad scientist." And that's just in his "normal" identity.

Oh, I completely agree. But Cal is SUPPOSED to be OTT. That's the whole issue with the Big Blue Boy Scout that Cal references in his prologue, that exists in alternate universes. That version is the same person Larry Niven in 1971 wrote is not entirely sane.

Oh, and he's only got 17 wives. The last 8 are finally allowing their personalities to show now that I'm close to the end of Book 5. And yes, there was a reason they discuss for that.

Thanks for the kudos on my MC (and the others, presumably - hopefully they're not in the wrong place). That is a struggle - it's occasionally hard to rein the desire to overdo it, nor create stupid reasons for limitations.

One of the advantages is that people expect characters in do-overs to be capable, at least in some ways, though I got a lot of grief in the early days on that because people expected him to launch immediately into making lots of money and changing the world.

I agree that the OTT hero can be more interesting than ones who are somewhat more limited but not limited enough. But, then, that's always going to be an eye-of-the-beholder situation.