Do people often want to read about a fallen hero? That is a rhetorical question. Yes. They do. But do I enjoy it as much as others? There’s something uplifting about the heroic return of a fallen character, and a good redemption arc is very compelling dramatically. But is it the kind of story I want to consume the most?

I think that in order for me to enjoy it fully, it has to be taken in the proper amounts and preceded and followed with more traditional heroic stories. Otherwise, my mood could be more prone to cynicism rather than optimism. I can’t say the outlook that every hero must inevitably fall and then try to rebuild themselves again and again is very uplifting or energizing.

I read genre fiction to be inspired and imagine a character with greater capability than what I actually have. I also enjoy the rise of a heroic character from the mundane to the extraordinary.

It is necessary to confront the flaws in our character, and it is comforting to envision the fixing of one’s mistakes, the ability to make amends, and to be reminded that we can be redeemed from past failures. However, I feel like this is a bitter taste that a reader needs to either acquire or take in small doses so that the normal stories of idealized heroism don’t become too saccharinely sweet.