What characteristics do the hero and heroine have in romance fiction?
Heroes and heroines are very similar in both Christian and non-Christian romances. Heroines are strong, independent, smart, and a little bit flawed — a heroine that is too perfect will turn readers off — while heroes are handsome and adventurous, yet trustworthy. The main difference between Christian and mainstream characters revolves around the issue of inspiration. Mainstream romance novels are written to entertain and encourage. Christian romance novels entertain and encourage, but also serve a didactic purpose — they are meant to convert one to Christianity or to help readers grow in their Christian faith. As a result, the actions of the hero and heroine take on additional religious meanings in the Christian romance. Doesn’t a strong female character go against evangelical tradition? In the 1970s, romance novels in general tended to feature dominant and aggressive heroes coupled with weak, subservient heroines. However, in more recent years, most romance novels, including many Chri
