British Loner Heroes (Anne Stuart)

Yup, you heard me right. We've been discussing whether British heroes are actually loners, or whether that's a mistaken American fantasy and that British men, historically, have always been based in community. Jo Beverley and I argue about absolutely everything (I adore her and she's used to me ) and she posits that the British are community-minded, and that loner heroes are unbelievable (British ones, that is).

So we've been arguing back and forth (we argue so much we don't even agree what we're arguing about, all in the friendliest manner). She thinks the British attitude toward a loner is that he's a weirdo.

So I've been obsessed with coming up with British heroes, written by English authors, who are loners. So far I've got James Mason in his early British roles (the Seventh Veil in particular), Heathcliff, Rochester, Colin's father in A SECRET GARDEN, Sara Crewe's father's friend in A LITTLE PRINCESS). There are also the Georgette Heyer heroes who, while surrounded by people, are very alone (Vidal in Devil's Cub, his father (who has one good friend), most of the drawling rakes).

Other people have come up with James Bond (of course!) and the Hugh Grant hero in About a Boy. And Clive Owen seems perfect to play the ultimate isolated British loner -- with dark brooding thoughts and incredible sex appeal. Think of other British actors: Alan Rickman, Daniel Day-Lewis, Ralph Fiennes. Do they strike you as the kind to sit around the pub with their mates? (In fact, they probably do, but their public persona clashes with the notion).


So give me some more ammo, people. Let me say "Jo, you ignorant slut ..." so she can reply "Krissie, you ignorant slut ..." and we can continue our cheerful arguments. Give me some more British loner heroes (created by the British).

Oh, and while you're at it, go buy Jo's fabulous new book. Even if she don't know squat about English heroes (did I really say that?) she sure can write a great one.