What kinda “MAN” are you?
Do you love to read a hard core, pig-headed alpha who knows exactly what he wants and goes after it? Or do you prefer a quiet, considerate beta who still goes after he wants but is sensible about it?
When I think about these two types of men, I can’t help but think about Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight series. Popular and controversial as it is, she did an excellent job defining the two extremes. And for once a beta ends up with the girl.
Far too often, I read alphas. I even write alphas. But Edward Cullen? He’s a beta all the way. Jacob Black? A total alpha who winds up without the girl.
Let’s look at the differences between the two characters:
Edward (beta): Vampire, cold skin, pale, rich, temperate, considerate of Bella. All aspects of his life are quietly lived.
Jacob (alpha): Werewolf, hot skin, russet skin (oh my, did no one edit the books for that word?!?!), poor, hot temper, thought of himself first. Puffed up about his abilities and his lifestyle.
I’ll be the first to admit, I loved Jacob. I wanted Jacob to win Bella over, because at several points in the series, I thought Edward was being a total passive idiot. Did he not want to be happy? Did he not recognize his own ability to protect her and make HER happy? BETAS! So self-sacrificing, but we love them anyway.
So, I guess when all is said and done, I love my alphas. It was nice to read the Twilight series and see how black and white Stephenie made the differences, not just in personality types, but lifestyles. It was nice to see the beta win, but I couldn’t help feeling like I need to read Jacob’s story now. But, of course, like any good author, I think that was probably Stephenie’s plan.
So, what kind of “man” are you? Alpha? Beta? Both?
