Ode to the dark, brooding hero of dreams

Random ramblings of a romantic soul

This post is dedicated to all the Heathcliffs, Rochesters, St. Vincents, Roarkes, Vipers, Devil's Cubs, and Lords of Scoundrels of the book world - the ones who, for years, have inspired in me a deep desire to decipher the meaning of their dark moods, to delve into their hidden tragedies, and to demonstrate to them how indispensable they are to my romance loving soul. These brooding heroes may inhabit the pages of a historical romance, fantasy, romantic suspense or gothic fiction. But wherever they may be found, they never fail to reduce me to a state of incoherent adulation and subsequent fascination with the scenes in which they make their appearance.

So what is it about these unapproachable, dangerously dark, emotionally tortured heroes which keeps me intrigued and eager to alleviate their obscure sorrow? Is it because they continue to plot their revenge and eventually emerge victorious, in spite of being ravaged by destiny? Is it because they are equally adept at disposing off their opponent effortlessly with a well-timed sarcastic comment as well as a sharp rapier blade? Or is it because one encounter with a paragon of goodness and light (read: heroine) is all it takes for the experienced reader to detect cracks in their seemingly impenetrable demeanor? Maybe it's because once committed (usually after lots of shenanigans by the heroine), they are steadfastly protective and unfailingly passionate?  Whatever the reason, I am forever a fool for such a hero and am susceptible to going into raptures over his dialogues and actions. In fact, he can come and brood in my bedchamber all day, while I secretly admire the sardonic curl of his lips, and the tormented, roiling emotions behind his flashing eyes (and then I may ungracefully subside into a swoon, overwhelmed by the broody mood)!

Gentle reader, are you sometimes similarly afflicted too? Do you also wish that the brooding hero would some day dash out from the pages and declare that, for some reason known only to him, you are the one he has been waiting for since eternity? So who are your favorite fictional brooding heroes?