GDG- Characters in Killer Angels

[Tom Ryan]

Chet,

Nicely stated.  To add one subjective note, it seems that writers naturally
respond to their personal leanings or biases, and that may account at least
in part for the emphasis on Confederate personalities and activities.

I do not disagree with the premise that those on the offensive make for more
interesting protagonists, yet I like the way Dave Schultz and Dave Wieck
weaved an heroic account of Hancock defending the center on July 2 in their
"Battle Between the Farm Lanes."  Although the book is non-fiction, it has
the ingredients for historical novel application.

Another Union character who would have made an appropriate hero in "Killer
Angels" while fighting on the defensive was the "old man" beating back the
Rebel attack on Culp's Hill, Brig. Gen. George Greene.

One of our esteemed members is currently doing yoeman work in presenting the
case for defensive action in historical fiction format.  Tom Eishen reprised
Chamberlain's heroics in "Courage on Little Round Top," and has another book
underway called "Courage on Cemetery Ridge."  Actually Tom has a nice blend
of Confederate offense and Union defense in his stories.  He also disguises
his biases quite nicely.

A successful hsitorical novel relies heavily on what the author conveys
based on his or her personal qualities and heritage.  "The Killer Angels"
seems to tell us a lot about what kind of a person the author was.

Regards, Tom Ryan