How to Make Eragon's Heroes into Heroes

[ultramega10]

Well, since someone started a post about how best to make Galbatorix evil, we should have one for the heroes. Which is, perhaps, the far harder choice. 

 

Keep in mind, we're trying to rewrite the characters, so they become what they were meant to be. So let's try to make our rewrites stay true to their basic concept, if not their portrayal. 

 

For my part, I would probably have Eragon's entitled attitude be a character flaw he has to overcome. Have him get shut down several times by Arya and force him to gradually mature. Have Murtagh chewing him out act as a wake-up call for the character. Another thing I'd do is cut out the constant feasts and parties. They add nothing to the story and only serve to make Eragon seem all the more spoiled.

 

Murtagh, I would have him defect of his own free will. Have him become disheartened with the Varden and take the side of the Empire. This would mean there would be a sympathetic character on the Empires side. Murtagh would provide a POV for the Empire and a chance to see Galbatorix. It might also force the characters to acknowledge their own flaws. 

 

I would have Arya feel resentful of her people. She would be upset at how they just closed themselves off from the world when she was captured. Attention would be paid to the flaws of the elves. And the elves eventually sending troops to help would be a result of Eragon. He and Arya would point out how they can't just abandon the rest of the world. 

 

Roran, honestly, I would have get drafted into the Empire. The entire Carvahall subplot adds nothing to the plot at all. Having him as a POV character could show off the worst aspect of the Empire. It could also have him meet Murtagh and maybe strike up a friendship with him. If Roran makes himself a career and gains great renown as a war hero, set the stage for a great dynamic. You could have Murtagh and Eragon facing off against one another. Maybe Roran and Arya could end up having a rivalry. 

 

Angela um... Well, Angela can dive under a tractor, and I think that would be better for all involved. 

Comments

[torylltales]

I would make Eragon true to his upbringing: an honest, respectable, salt-of-the-earth farm boy who loves his family and understands how difficult life can be for the poorest. Someone who believes in justice and mercy, has compassion for people who have less than him, and doesn't stand for dishonorable conduct such as hitting someone while they're down or using non-combatants and children (like Elva) for his own advantage.

I.e. an actual hero type like Paolini tried to claim Eragon is, but one rooted in his peasant farm upbringing. This Eragon doesn't put on airs, is uncomfortable with finding himself in a position of privilege and power, but works hard to live up to people's expectations.

[torylltales]

To take it further, I would have him resent the Varden for claiming to fight for the people while having ridiculous lavish feasts while their rank-and-file go hungry; resent the elves for living in isolated luxury while humans struggle to scratch a living out of the rocks (to para-quote Tolkien), and while he doesn't know much about military strategy, scorns the Varden leadership for having all the horse sense of a hamster when it comes to their long term plans and battle tactics. Until he is proven wrong at a critical moment of the battle, and turns to humble self-reflection anout his worthiness as a leader and Rider.