On why characters defend those they love...

Characters defend those they love by attempting to outwit the opponents, and using courage, honor, and abilities attributed to their personality. More so, when a character tries to protect someone they love, a ripple effect occurs, sparking more threats in the future. This example can be seen in “Lord of the Rings” in which Frodo and Sam attempt to separate from the party for “the greater good” only to find trouble in Smeagle. Regardless, helping defend those you love happens on a physical mental, and emotional level. Frodo protects the group by separating (an act of morality), while his best friend Samwise Gangee protects him physically and mentally from the curse of the One Ring.

Another case is in the Dresden Files in which an ability, such as Magic, is used to protect those we love. Dresden has a multitude of abilities to help those in need such as an amulet, a ring, and a staff. At one point, he is also assisted by his ghostly assistant, Bob, the talking skull, who helps him to identify some of his crutches within the storyline. Nonetheless, people will always need friendship to get through struggles.

In Harry Potter, wit isn’t the only thing to save the day. Sometimes good ole’ fashion intelligence will help to incorporate the necessary treatments to protecting those you love. With Hermione Granger, that was exactly the case. Harry, a bloodline Wizard with immense abilities that needed to be awakened, was complimented by his friend Ron Weasley, though nothing could stop him and Hermione from trying to help their scarred friend. Ron, while clumsy, helped Harry in any way he could, whether it be with life issues, helping to teach him (Harry) his own solutions in life, or physically protecting him through magic through the source of a wand and incantations. Hermione, on the other hand, complimented and helped Harry through her intellect, harnessing much of her strength in a mental capacity.

All three of these examples exemplify how heroes can save those the love, though the common fact of each is that they all need to help each other, not just one-sided-wise. Regardless, the purpose of helping those you love is not to anticipate further perils, but to initiate stronger ties with other people, to showcase the strength, and ultimately inspire generations before you.

Frodo, Harry, and Dresden all have abilities and tributes of leaders, but all three relied on others for their ability to save loved ones. Not one of them could have done it alone, but all of them had the will, courage, and heart to take up the mantle of the hero. Overall, the heroes of a tale need to find something more than themselves to accomplish anything in the world. Hesitation can kill you, but so can lack of trust for those around you. The reason characters, in my opinion, defend those they love, is so they can help to exemplify their own personalities.

Growth, power, and wisdom come from these personality traits, but nothing can stop a hero who is trying to save a loved one. Few people will admit that heroes can ever take away something from themselves without first giving. As such, in real life, heroes are crafted by their actions. So too are we, and the characters. The just is that while many rely on powers and those around them, it’s what comes inside that helps to define who we are as heroes, saving out loved ones.