The Underdog is a staple of fiction. Protagonists, by and large, are Underdogs.
It probably makes them more relatable; how are we supposed to root for someone who either has, or easily gets whatever they want? Where is a character supposed to go unless they start out low?
Even the highly capable types are often Underdogs in some way or other. They're in an unfamiliar environment. Or they have ability but no status. Or money. Or whatever.
They're Underdogs.
Of course, sometimes you have the…“Top Dog” types. They have success in life, and may even be happy. It's these types that are brought down to learn their lessons, or get their comeuppance in some way.
And there are a couple different types of Underdogs.
You have your “Young Pups”: naive kids, teens, or youthful adults who set off on the adventures that will set them toward adulthood.
These characters can work, and I remember the sorts of things I wrote when I was a teenager ALWAYS featured Young Pups as the heroes. But overall, they're not as interesting to me these days.
I like “Old Dogs”. These are those who've lived a little life, have some scars, and have damage to overcome. These are far more compelling characters to me these days. They may not be literally OLD, but they have some miles behind them, before we meet them.
And that's what I thought about today. Have a good Thursday.
And be good!
Underdogs
Banes at 12:00AM, July 28, 2016
4 likes!
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SLK8ne at 5:09PM, July 30, 2016
I agree that for me the "old dogs" are more relate-able now. And for me, they're more compelling. Mostly because they know the odds against them. The "young pup"often doesn't really comprehend what he/she is going up against. The "old dog" knows the odds are against him/her. They not only know failure is an option, but, what the consequences of failure are. (something the "young pups" often don't fully comprehend)A good example of the "old dog" at bay is Gandalf from the Lord of the Rings where he faces the Barlog. You can tell he doesn't know if he's going to win this one, and that he knows the consequences if he fails to stop the demon.
SLK8ne at 4:50PM, July 30, 2016
I'm reminded of something in a video (A Necessary Evil: Villains of DC Comics) where one of the creators said, "Superman just beating up muggers wouldn't be very interesting" But, if you bring in Darkseid or the Antimonitor suddenly the Man of Steel is vulnerable. He's become the underdog.
bravo1102 at 9:02PM, July 28, 2016
Or like Dunkirk or Pearl Harbor, there can be the underdog's triumph over adversity as opposed to actual victory. Or like the best of school sports team stories the building up of the underdog is more important than the actual final victory. The underdog doesn't have to win but the story is about how everyone comes together to try.
bravo1102 at 8:58PM, July 28, 2016
And sometimes the underdog loses which can make for nice story with a twist.
ashtree house at 1:04PM, July 28, 2016
Who doesn't love a good underdog tale!??
KimLuster at 7:47AM, July 28, 2016
I love underdogs! Absolutely! But there a subtle thing (well maybe not that subtle...) that must occur when the underdog 'overcomes'; it needs to feel like they actually did it via their own efforts and ability. I mean, if it feels like they only succeeded because of extraordinary luck, or the intervention of a more powerful 3rd party, I will feel a little cheated! But that's just me... nuther great article Banes!
Bruno Harm at 6:35AM, July 28, 2016
Ozone just named most of my favorite shows! I'm clearly a fan of the old dog who may lack power or money, but makes up for it with wisdom and guts. The young pup is a character you can empathize with when you are young but it lacks background. I think we all live vicariously through underdogs. We can enjoy someone overcoming their shortcomings as we would like to do in our own lives.
awsome owl 98 at 5:24AM, July 28, 2016
Good news post. Where'd you find that painting?
Ozoneocean at 3:51AM, July 28, 2016
Old dogs are my faves too. Even as a kid I liked the old dogs and that's who I'd try and write. Young pup stories were relatable to me as a kid, but not as interesting to me overall. Another staple protagonist is the super competent person, "competence-porn" they call it- House, Sherlock Holmes, James Bond etc, people that KNOW what they need to do and how to do it in every situation. You get some crossover with that and underdogs in things like MacGyuver and the A-Team though.
MOrgan at 3:06AM, July 28, 2016
Have no fear, Underdog is here! ;-)
Gunwallace at 1:35AM, July 28, 2016
Woof!