In literature, the Reclusive Hero is someone who tends to work in the shadows. They know what should be done and have a clear idea in their mind of how to reach their goals, but for one reason or another, they prefer to keep their abilities hidden or—at a bare minimum—do what they can to avoid the spotlight lest they be called upon. When they do move forward with a project and release it into the world, the reclusive hero will often slip back into the shadows until forced to emerge once again.
Two of my favorite Reclusive Heroes are Sherlock Holmes (who became a legend only because of the masterful storytelling of Watson) and James Scott Bell’s Mike Romeo. Both characters are well-read in matters that interest them, adept at problem-solving, and quite comfortable spending the bulk of their time lost in their own thoughts. Unfortunately, both have a low tolerance for social gatherings, and they often find prolonged exposure to the world at large to be rather draining on the nerves.
One of the things I’ve noticed about the Reclusive Hero in literature that they have an insatiable appetite for collecting knowledge, but they’re not usually the best at passing on what they’ve learned to others. Like the Reluctant Hero, they often need to be dragged out of their comfort zones and, like the Reckless Hero, they are fiercely independent. Which can leave them isolated and alone far more than is good for their mental and emotional well-being.
What helps them? Having one or two close friends who respect their need for space and time while also recognize that their reclusive companion needs a little extra coaxing (and maybe a little physical support) to join the world at large.
The Reclusive Hero as a Writer
Research and study are all well and good, but there comes a point when writers can begin to use these tools as an excuse to hide behind. It can be terrifying for any writer to put their words in front of the world, but for the reclusive writer, there is the additional phobia of having their insight or work called into question. For the reclusive writer, Impostor Syndrome can be crippling. However, if we allow what we believe others may hypothetically think about us and our work to prevent us from giving readers the chance to come to their own conclusions, we aren’t just robbing the world of our voices; we’re robbing ourselves.
Please note that I’m not saying that being a reclusive writer is a sign of unhealthy behavior. For some, it’s a matter of being introverted and legitimately needing to limit their public interactions. Others need to make sure they can confidently stand behind their work (and words) before sharing with others. When it comes to relationships, reclusive writers may have to work a little harder to find a happy balance between maintaining healthy boundaries that meet their personal needs while also allowing them to develop meaningful interactions with readers, writers, and other publishing professionals.
Writers who identify with this type of character may be so fixated on perfecting their work that they may sit in one place for too long. Thus, missing out on opportunities they might have otherwise enjoyed—and the world may miss out on the Reclusive Hero’s creativity, wisdom, and passion. This is why writers like this often need a friend who pulls them out of their comfort zone and forces them to take a risk now and again; who’ll remind them that they aren’t a failure if (and when) a reader posts an unflattering comment or review pointing out a mistake or flaw.
If this sounds a bit like you, I have three tips that I hope will help aid you on your way:
- Stop lurking in the shadows! Get involved in the writing community and engage in conversation! You never know what you might discover about others (or yourself) in the process.
- Put your knowledge to use. Offer to share a skill you have to help others. Write a blog post, share helpful tips on social media, and use the experience to develop the confidence you need to share your words with others.
- Take a risk. If you have a finished manuscript, share it with someone. Submit to a contest. Query an agent. Or look into hiring an editor to help you prepare your manuscript for submission if you’re not sure it’s ready for publication.
- Bonus: Befriend a Reckless Hero. These are the risk-takers. The ones who chase after opportunity without constantly second-guessing themselves. It may be uncomfortable at first, but in time you’ll find that there is life outside your comfort zone. And life is far more enjoyable with a good companion at your side!
—Jen