 Fantasy: July 10, 2024 Issue [#12632] |
This week: Traits of an Alpha Edited by: Dawn Embers  
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Fantasy Newsletter by Dawn
The second entry in a set of newsletters that goes into detail over the alpha, beta and omega characters found in some speculative fiction stories. We look at the traits/characteristics of an alpha character with some thoughts on the way they are shown in stories. |
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He is the biggest, the strongest, the best looking, the most alpha of the bunch...
While the omega character isn't common in stories, there are a number of ways that an alpha character can be used. Shifter and omegaverse stories do utilize this character, but they aren't the only ones to use the term to describe a particular type of character. Groups in stories can often have issues if there are too many alpha characters fighting for control. A proper unit, perhaps military or maybe some other type, will have an alpha type character as the leader. These are also the type of character who may be involved wether the term "alpha" is used or not. If your character is going to take on the role of an alpha, there are a few traits that they will possess. Also, this can be for any gender, not just those who are male.
Common traits used when referring to an alpha include:
Leadership - Confidence - Courage - Assertiveness
Dependable - Resilient - In Control - Strong
Set in Self - Powerful - Responsible - Driven
While there are many strong traits or characteristics involved in the alpha character, I feel the need to point out that in mainstream stories, if the character is always talking about how alpha they are... they probably aren't an alpha. That is for the gym bros who try to brag and act all tough because they want to show off. For many stories, the alpha shouldn't have to bark about it all of the time. There is an exception in some fictional worlds where characters find out if they are an alpha (or beta, omega, whatever else exists) and the time leading up to that, there are some who probably make assumptions or brag about whether or not they will develop into an alpha. But other times, the bragging is just a mask for wishing they could be someone so strong and in control.
Leader of the Pack
When it comes to shifter stories, it's common for the ones involving wolves to have an alpha character since this is something also used in reference to wolf pack hierarchy. The leader of the pack is often referred to as the alpha. This is the one who is in charge of everyone in the pack. There are perks to the role, such as getting pick for mates or eating first before everyone else when there is a fresh kill...er.. I mean, at dinner time. However, they also have more responsibility and stress over taking care of the entire pack.
The pack leader does tend to showcase specific personality and physical characteristics. Sometimes they are just the biggest and baddest person who could destroy anyone who put up a challenge. However, the stories I've enjoyed more like to take a little less of a conventional approach to their alpha, whether it's the main character or a side one. The wold that isn't the biggest but has great leadership skills who may also be on the nerdy side, that is a more interesting character for me, as the reader. So, is the one who knows he could hurt someone but does whatever he can to control his emotions to not let rage or other emotions take over what he needs to do in a situation.
Question of Control
When it comes to some of the shifter or stories that include both alphas and omegas, there is a question of whether or not an alpha has control over himself (or herself). Some of the omegaverse stories focus on this as part of an element that creates conflict because there are beliefs in the world that when around an omega (or a character who has heat cycles), an alpha could lose control and do things that would be frowned upon in other situations. This is done in part to reflect the existence of victim blaming in our world where it's said that the bad guy lost control due to something the victim did or wore. So, the world's where the "alpha" doesn't have control in particular moments are done for a reason to reflect a problematic situation.
However, when it comes to traits, control seems like one that is strongly demonstrated with an alpha character. They need to control their own actions, the situations that came up and the other characters involved if necessary. Control is key in some ways. In an adult, BDSM, type of stories, some of the Master characters would showcase similar traits to that of an alpha, so they aren't limited just to this type of character either. Which is why, if you have an alpha character, control is an element that you may want to consider when writing the story.
Waiting for an Alpha
Is the alpha character the hero? That depends on the story and the character. Interesting point, while I've read over 50 alpha/omega stories and those are just the m/m ones I was able to find on the library app that I use on my phone, a quick search for one on WDC came up lacking. I got more items that used the word "alphabet" than ones that actually mention an alpha character. Well, there is one of my own but that doesn't count. While we do consider the main character as an option for the alpha, it is also important to remember that other characters, no matter how minor have specific traits and characteristics. We might not showcase many of them in a story but it could be the alpha character of a pack that gives an assist to the hero of the story. Or the villain could be an alpha, or just someone who thinks they are/should be one. There are options, it just depends on how you use it. Hopefully the next time I do a search, I'll get a few more alpha character stories to then showcase. Let's get writing!
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What traits do you think are necessary to be considered an alpha?
Last month, I discussed the use of public transit and questioned how one might make it something that is more fantasy or sci-fi relevant. Here are a couple of comments sent over the topic of using public transit in our fictional stories:
Comment by oldgreywolf on wheels  :
"The Stars My Destination," by Alfred BESTER, is one solution.
The Puppeteers of Larry NIVEN's series starting with Neutron Star have their own system.
H Beam PIPER tended to use contragravity vehicles, although the people still walked and were fit.
David DRAKE's "Lt LEARY" series uses trams on the homeworld capital city. (Can't say much for the maintenance performed.)
Comment by brom21   :
Something I tend to use as a means of travel are portals which of course alludes to sci-fi/fantasy props. Then there is the simple method of just vanishing into thin air and then reappearing at another spot. In one specific instance, I used an old-world sailing ship that magically travels through space. Probably been done before, but oh well. lol. Thanks for the NL!
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