Types of Paragons!

 

Since writing advice focuses near exclusive on a dynamic arc character I figured I'd put in some time with a character type I enjoy! 

PARAGONS!

You can hit a bush and find a character that goes through a variation of a dynamic arc. Usually negative to positive or it's opposite. 

Street Level Dominates because a majority write towards NEAR HUMAN ABILITY level characters. Which works wonders with Cathartic Motivational outputs!

The Fears of Making Paragons!

• Powerset. If someone is at the peak then how do you challenge them?
• Morality. If a hero is already White Hat then how do you challenge them?!
• Mentor. If they are already a teacher? Then what is their purpose beyond that?!

Most times people limit themselves with writing Paragons. Because writing tells or demands that a protagonist must change somehow. Sure, you can go that route. Many do. To the point/role of the Paragon has been neglected. 

Reality levels or "Our World Realism" has hurt this archetype. Limitations are key in making a character CATHARTIC or Street Level. A decent chunk of people want this aspect because it fits their narrative tension preferences or Willing Suspension of Disbelief. But we need writers that go bonkers in the other direction of the fantastic. 

Paragons are not meant to be us. They are meant to inspire. Even if you only hit 5, 10, or 15% of what a Paragon can accomplish. Often times they are supposed to be a Beacon. They don't have to just inspire through their MORALITY either. 

Physical: The One everyone Chases! Like Goku. The overall raw power that the other fighters attempt to overcome or equalize with. It's why people cheer on Vegeta types. Gokus help their side cast shine. 

Moral: Superman or Aslan. Paragons that have the higher standards. We don't have to reach those standards. We merely have to try to keep our best foot forward. Not every story needs a "Crumugeon goes through a transformation" arc. IE: Christmas Carol. 

Mentor: Gandalfs. They have wisdom and power but usually are there to guide the heroes with a dynamic arc output. But you can also put them through the transformation process. Even Aslan is reborn after the White Witch cuts his mane.

The Wall: Side Cast is reflected thru the Paragon. Either by their own personal growth, skills, or personality. You see how they change because the main Paragon stays firm. In actions, morality or personality. 

You can mix these types together.

I made Eliza/Star Spangled Banner a mix of Physical/Wall/Moral Paragon. I get what Sanderson is saying here about this rule but it hurts Paragons. It's great if you want a dynamic arc cathartic character which even this guy encompasses.

He does have limitations put on his powers because he didn't start off with a Quirk. Or even Guts type. The armor takes its toll when he uses it. That works for a STREET LEVEL character. Because most prefer to see a character CONSTANTLY struggle with everything. 

Many choose to focus on the "UNIVERSE ENDING" threats for a Paragon because they think everything has to match the POWER OUTPUT of that Paragon. Aslan is a good example of going Mentor to the heroes/heroines while balancing out the "You will not speak to me of the Old Ways witch! I was there!" moments.

Me? I want a mix. Like what Ken does to people. He's a Physical/Moral Paragon. 

He fights Mook level baddies. Mid tier, High Level and Equal Level Threats. 

In his setting, he must kill but he is a rock. A way to inspire those stuck within it to improve.,

He changes the lives of everyone he encounters and keeps going! 

Just remember: don't have the restrictions so severe that it HANDICAPS the character to the point where, "Why did you even give them that power?" Make situations happen where the FLYING BRICK can't use its power skill set to save the day. Have them use their allies or brain instead. That's what the side cast is for. To fill in the areas that the Paragon cannot.

As much as I dislike Batman's popularity vs Superman? He's a decent foil for the Big Blue.

Many avoid making paragons because of Power Creep. It's okay to have outrageous power levels in a setting if that's the KIND OF STORY you want to tell! Just look at Jojo!

I love the first Jojo because he is a classic Paragon! Of the Morality subset. He gains Physicality to match Dio but never succumbs to the temptations placed before him. Jonathan Jostar went through the wringer but still remained the joyful person he started as. He didn't let his setting change him. He changed his setting.

Vampire Hunter D? A Paragon that faces external threats and threats to his Moral Code. But D pulls through. He helps many common people he encounters. I've found people are open to ideas when it comes to Dynamic arc characters but when they encounter a paragon they get a blank look on their faces.

"Oh! Superman is only fun when you corrupt him!"

No, you can have many stories with Paragons. Many "challenge" paragons PHYSICALLY. You don't always have to do this. You can have the serpent on their shoulder trying to get them to break their codes. Or have the Mentor deny his charges. Make him forget his duties.

People who UNDERSTAND the type of PARAGON Old Blue is? This clip makes perfect sense. The VILLAINS prey on Supes "Boundaries/MORAL CODE Limit." In the end? It gains them nothing because he's not there to stoop to their level. If he did? Its just another "Injustice Take for the billionth time."

That's why the real Paragons will stand the test of time. Why do they want to deconstruct them? A part of them sees how important they are as BEACONS.

Even Sherlock Holmes has Paragon elements. He has a specialized skill set. He uses it to stop evil.

Dynamic Characters often work because of the Absolutes of the Paragon. The "change" arcs can do that ever so prevalent "Gray Morality Drop" because the ultimate good and evil are battling it out on the main sides of the conflict. IF that is your desire within the story. This is why we need stable Paragon characters of every stripe. They set the standard that dynamic strives for.

Solomon Kane is a Paragon. Moral Tier. Black and White Mentality. Depending on the setting or flavor of your Paragon? Killing is either tolerated or not. You just have to be consistent with the Moral Code they display. Kane is closer to Human Level abilities. So he doesn't have to have a limitation of "no killing" rule. He takes down humans and demons.

Mix and Match what kind of factors you want in your story. That caters to your Narrative Tension Level and Willing Suspension of Disbelief.

I'm a relic that "lives in a dream world!"

The realism of "Current Year Gray Morality?"

It's demoralizing. The Fantastic must grow. Not everything has to be a dynamic arc. Sometimes we need the Oasis of the Paragon. No matter the flavor they come in. It's not about the money factor for me. That will be a side bonus if my books get enough traction one day. I want more Paragons and by all that is Good in this world? I'll keep on writing.

Vigilantes will violate their moral codes to justify the means. That can create a dynamic arc for those types of characters. It's why you often find indie comics taking this route as well. They are just keyed into one type of character over the Paragon.

So it's why we have to get out there and create characters we want to see as well. They won't have the Cultural level of a Superman. Maybe one day but not at the start. Maybe never. That doesn't mean you should stop. I won't either.

Paragons (Types): Here