Lady Caroline Lamb said of Lord Byron, the poet, and her lover, that he was “mad, bad and dangerous to know.” These words have defined Byronic Heroes, an archetype of storytelling, ever since.
However, I honestly believe Byronic Heroes aren’t discussed nearly enough. Sure, teachers gloss over them quickly in English Lit class, but nothing more. In fact, scrolling the internet I discovered there just isn’t much out there to find on Byronic Heroes, especially not when it comes to film or television.
Related: Top 20 Bad Boys – The Best Byronic Heroes in Television You’ll Love
And when you do, it’s plain as day most people don’t even know what a Byronic Hero actually is (just because the word hero is used doesn’t necessarily mean he’s “heroic” in the traditional sense of the word).
What, then, is a Byronic Hero? We read about them in books and watch them on film and television, but we don’t even know what to call them. The archetype is so familiar to us that we don’t think twice about it when we see one on screen.
As a society, we recognize and, at times, love the “bad boy,” but then, on the other hand, we criticize a character in a novel or in a film because he doesn’t have ideal characteristics. In fact, we sometimes argue the writer is sending out a bad message. But is it about a message? Or is it about representing the traits of the Byronic archetype?
RELATED Read Part Two: Top 20 Bad Boys: Byronic Heroes in Television
For instance, several critics complain about Edward Cullen of the Twilight Series. He’s labeled as obsessive and even abusive (though I would personally refute the second point). We forget he’s a vampire who doesn’t feel he needs to obey human laws. He’s a Byronic Monster who is SUPPOSED to be dark.
From a feminist perspective, Edward’s personality sends a dangerous message to young girls. What message did Emily Bronte send to the masses when she wrote Wuthering Heights and introduced the villainous (and yes, actually abusive) Heathcliff? Stephanie Meyer reveals her awareness of the Byronic figure by having Edward sympathize with Heathcliff on a personal level when he sees a passage from Wuthering Heights.
Not that I’m comparing the literary greatness of Wuthering Heights to Twilight. Twilight falls into the category of YA paranormal romance (sensation) fiction. The point remains the same, though. I think what upsets critics are the actual traits of the literary archetype of a Byronic Hero. Byronic Heroes are supposed to be like Edward. Honestly, he’s a puppy compared to many others (see Eric Draven from The Crow or Bill from True Blood, who had Sookie beaten).
RELATED Read Part Three: Top 20 Bad Boys: Byronic Heroes in Literature
So, as any good Byronic Hero would argue, I’m getting bored with the attacks on this misunderstood literary character.
Again, I ask, what is a Byronic Hero? Let’s take a quick look at many famous characteristics of the Byronic hero (adapted from http://kplit.wordpress.com/, Atara Stein, Wikipedia, and our original ideas).
Traits of the Byronic Hero
- Presents obsessive tendencies; focused and constant
- Typically has one all-consuming passion
- “Byronic love obsesses on the idea of a man and a woman so similar in character and in spirit, as to be almost one individual” (kplit.wordpress.com).
- passionate; has deep emotions
- Arrogant
- cynical; sarcastic
- sophisticated and educated, or even street-smart
- Intellectually superior
- cunning behavior; ability to adapt
- a troubled past and/or suffering from a hidden crime or past sin
- self-critical and introspective
- mysterious and charismatic
- seductive and can be very sexually attractive
- moodiness (sometimes presenting bipolar tendencies); tortured
- isolated (this can be both emotional and physical) from society in some way, an outcast or an outlaw
- dark attributes
- disregard for rank and privilege
- above the rules of society, distaste for social institutions
- jaded, gets easily bored
- self-destructive behavior
- sympathetic despite his rejection of virtue
- capable of being redeemed
- capable of heroic behavior
- individualistic
- rejection of classicism
While a Byronic Hero can have many of these traits, they won’t necessarily have all of them. It should also be pointed out that a character may have a few of these traits and not be Byronic. Of course, some characters will constantly be up for discussion and debate.
That said, for this particular top 20 list, I’ve focused merely on the big screen (as of 2013). As a result, if the character is only seen in a book, they won’t be on the list. They won’t be on this list if they’re a Byronic Hero from a TV Series or TV movie. Literature, Film, and Television should be three separate categories (too many to choose from)…so look forward to the other two lists soon!
Till then, enjoy reading the quotes of the top 20 Byronic Heroes in Film.
BYRONIC HEROES IN FILM
#20 Wolverine in X-Men
Dr. Jean Grey: Girls flirt with the dangerous guy, but they don’t bring him home—they marry the good guy.
Wolverine: I can be the good guy.
Byronic Heroes are often in search of redemption, much like Wolverine.
#19 The Huntsman in Snow White and the Huntsman
“I once had a wife, princess…When I came back from the war I carried with me the stench of death and the anger of the lost. I wasn’t worth saving, that’s for sure, but she did so anyway. And I loved her so much. I loved her more than anyone and anything, and then I let her out of my sight and she was gone. And I became myself again, a self I never cared for. Until you, cause you remind me of her. Her heart, her spirit. But now, you too have gone. You both deserved better and I’m so sorry I failed you.”
Many Byronic Heroes seek out other characters full of light – to help save them from their own darkness.
#18 Marcus Wright in Terminator: Salvation
“Yeah, well I’ve been dead for a while now and I’m starting to get used to it.”
Marcus is an example of a Byronic-like monster who wants to be more human.
#17 Han Solo in Star Wars
“I take orders from just one person: ME.”
Han Solo is cynical, individualistic, and sarcastic.
#16 Lancelot in King Arthur
Guinevere: This is heaven for me.
Lancelot: I don’t believe in Heaven; I’ve been living in this Hell. But if you represent what Heaven is, then take me there.
Lancelot in King Arthur is the ultimate romantic Byronic Hero. He’s heroic but sees his salvation in an all-consuming love he can’t have.
#15 Tony Stark in Iron Man
Tony Stark: Apparently, I’m volatile, self-obsessed, and don’t play well with others.
Pepper Potts: That I did know.
Tony Stark falls on the Byronic side of heroism.
#14 Erik/Magneto in X-Men: First Class
Erik/Magneto is an example of a Byronic Hero becoming a Byronic Villain.
#13 Bruce Wayne/Batman
Miranda: Even before you became a recluse, you never came to these things.
Bruce Wayne: Proceeds go to the big fat spread. It’s not about charity; it’s about feeding the ego of whichever society hag laid this on.
Bruce Wayne sees himself as above society – but longs to be heroic and make a difference.
#12 Anakin from Star Wars
“From the moment I met you, all those years ago, not a day has gone by when I haven’t thought of you. And now that I’m with you again…I’m in agony. The closer I get to you, the worse it gets. The thought of not being with you – I can’t breathe. I’m haunted by the kiss that you should never have given me. My heart is beating… hoping that kiss will not become a scar. You are in my very soul, tormenting me…”
Anakin is almost stereotypical as a Byronic Hero. He’s consumed with love – and is willing to make dark choices to hold onto it.
#11 Eric Draven from The Crow
“He died a year ago the moment he touched her. They’re all dead. They just don’t know it yet.”
He’s out to avenge his love’s death.
#10 Captain Jack Sparrow in Pirates of the Caribbean
Lt. Gillette: This ship cannot be crewed by two men. You’ll never make it out of the bay.
Jack Sparrow: Son, I’m Captain Jack Sparrow. Savvy?
Captain Jack Sparrow is a fun Byronic Hero – full of sarcasm, intelligence, cunning, and all-consuming passions for the sea (and arguably, Elizabeth).
#9 Edward Cullen in Twilight
“What if I’m not the hero? What if I am the bad guy?”
Edward is a fantastic example of a teenage Byronic Hero.
#8 Dracula in Bram Stoker’s Dracula
“I shall rise from my own death, to avenge hers with all the powers of darkness.”
When an all-consuming passion/love goes wrong!
#7 Louis from Interview With the Vampire
Louis: Do you think I would let them harm you?
Claudia: No, you would not, Louis; danger holds you to me.
Louis: Love holds you to me.
Louis is a wonderful example of a dark character who believes in love.
#6 Lestat from Interview With the Vampire
“Evil is a point of view. God kills indiscriminately and so shall we. For no creatures under God are as we are, none so like him as ourselves.”
Spoken like a true Byronic. Lestat sees himself as superior to others and as a “hero.”
#5 Maxim de Winter in Rebecca
“I’m asking you to marry me, you little fool.”
Maxim is mysterious, charismatic, and romantic – drawn to the innocent young woman.
#4 The Phantom of the Opera
“This lonesome gargoyle who burns in hell but secretly yearns for heaven secretly, secretly.”
His love for Christine, mixed with his dark traits, presents him as a clear Byronic Hero.
#3 Snape in Harry Potter
Dumbledore: Lily? After all this time?
Severus Snape: Always.
Sigh! As the Byronic Snape, Alan Rickman won over all our hearts with his undying love for Lily.
#2 Heathcliff in Wuthering Heights (1939)
“Catherine Earnshaw, may you not rest so long as I live on! I killed you. Haunt me, then! Haunt your murderer! I know that ghosts have wandered on the Earth. Be with me always. Take any form, drive me mad, only do not leave me in this dark alone where I cannot find you. I cannot live without my life! I cannot die without my soul.”
This adaptation of the gothic novel showcases the Byronic traits of one of the first Byronic Heroes – with a particular focus on his dark soul connection with Cathy.
#1 Mr. Rochester in Jane Eyre (2011)
“This spring I came home, heartsore and soul withered. And I met a gentle stranger whose society revives me. With her, I feel I could live again in a higher, purer way. Tell me, am I justified in overleaping an obstacle of custom to obtain her?”
Mr. Rochester is the ultimate redemptive Byronic Hero. He feels above society and its rules, loves Jane as if she were part of his soul, and finds redemption by becoming a better man.
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Im obsessed with Byronic heroes. They are so much more interesting than the usual, leading man type characters. I love that you put Severus Snape way up on the list! His love for Lily was heart-wrenching.
I would add Linus Larrabee from Sabrina (1995) to this list. He was cold, mean, intensely focused on money, and willing to do anything to get Sabrina out of the picture. Until he falls in love with her.
You have no idea how obsessed I am with Byronic Heroes too. I LOVE them. And I agree, they’re usually so much more interesting then other leading men. And I think Snape is a fantastic modern day Byronic Hero so of course I had to include him. 🙂
Good point about Linus. I never considered him. Harrison Ford is good at playing those types of characters!
That said, personally I think some of the more interesting Byronic Heroes right now can be found on TV. I’m excited to put together that list.
I am definitely going to have to revisit Sabrina again.
Rick Blaine from Casablanca?
I’m not sure if he’s Byronic or not. But he has enough of the traits to definitely think about and consider.
Excellent job! Interesting a lot. It’s a fantastic way to bring to our times ideas which belong to old ones.
Thank you very much!
Have you considered Ross from the Poldark novels? Robin Ellis portrayed him very “Byronically”!
I will definitely have to check out both the books and the film when I get the chance! So no, I didn’t consider him because I haven’t read or seen it. But I have heard of it, and it sounds like it’s up my alley. Thanks for the suggestion!
rhett butler?? i think michael fassbenber is a real life byronic hero too.
Rhett Butler is definitely a consideration! No real life byronic heroes on this list though.
Really, where’s Dorian Gray? I will consider you never seen it, otherwise he’ll be in the top 10
Well, ignoring your tone, I do agree that Dorian Gray is for sure a Byronic Hero. But this was only top 20 and I haven’e been in love with a film version of his character yet. Though I have not seen the new movie that came out a few years ago. So I can always change my mind. That all said, I do have 2 other parts to this Byronic Heroes list. And in part 3 with literature, Dorian Gray is included in the list at #11. But rankings are always subjective anyway.
Dorian gray just came to my mind, you should look up Bruce, from “Filth”, dr. House could also be in that list. The main character from Half Nelson, forgot his name. Since you are into Byronic Heroes, I really insist that you shall see Filth and the new Dorian Gray. The Punisher and Max Payne could also have their places in your list. And sorry for my tone, only that my fav heroes were missing 😀
You should check out my other two lists! Honestly, having to narrow down was hard for me. I’m familiar with a few of these, but of course I’m always looking for new Byronic Heroes, so will check out the other ones when I get a chance. 🙂 Yes, no problem! We all have different favorites and it’s hard to include everyone. It would have been easier if I had chosen to do the Top 100.
Uhmmm….RHETT BUTLER from Gone With The Wind
Yes, I was on the fence about Rhett and whether or not he’s Byronic when I made the list. But I have been leaning more to yes as of late, so his absence is noted. 🙂
Voldemort from Harry Potter!!!
While he does have some of the traits, I don’t think Voldemort is Byronic. Snape is a much better example!
I agree with this list, but I think Heathcliff should be number one and Rochester second. Heathcliff’s character in unforgettable.
Honestly, I love them both equally as characters. They’re both unforgettable literary Byronic Heroes. I guess I picked Rochester as number one because Jane Eyre is my favorite story. Also, I’m not sure if there has been a fantastic film adaptation of Wuthering Heights yet 🙂 I love the Laurence Olivier version, but it’s not exactly completely faithful to the book.
enjoyed the article. thank you!
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it. 🙂
Dean Winchester from Supernatural, Angel/Angelus from BtVS, Noah from the Mara Dyer books
Dean and Angel are on my Byronic Heroes in TV list. 🙂 I also have a separate literature list. So only Byronic Heroes in film here. 🙂
Awesome article! Huge fan of Mad Max, he’s quite the Byronic hero don’t you think? 🙂
Thank you. You are probably right, but I admit I’ve never seen Mad Max. 🙂
gerrard butler from Law abiding citizen would a good choice.
V in V for Vendetta—-a virtually perfect example of Byronic Hero
KYLO REN!
YES YES A THOUSAND TIMES KYLO REN.
Great list! But, I can’t believe you missed Dread Pirate Roberts 😀
Good suggestion!