Bring on the Bad Boys

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Every Wednesday, YA Highway asks their readership a simple question to answer on your blog. Once you answer, you link your blog in the comments for other readers to hop on board. This is Road Trip Wednesday.

Today's question: What are your favorite literary cliches?

The 9-5 job is (again) kicking my ass, so I only had time to think up one-- The Bad Boy.

I've been intrigued with the bad boy since the world got introduced to Dylan Mckay back when pegging your jeans was still in style*. They're mysterious, potentially dangerous, and everyone judges them based off of a few key facts or rumors. What people don't know is that even they externally scream "BAMF!" they have a heart of gold.


In order to be a Bad Boy, the character should have one or more of the following characteristics:
  • Rides a motorcycle
  • Has a dysfunctional family where at least one parent has a drinking problem
  • Smokes
  • Smolders. A lot.
  • Has anger issues
  • Detention or suspension is a constant
  • Has a substance abuse problem
  • Runs with a "bad crowd"
  • His reputation precedes him

Of course, while some boys have these traits and no redeeming qualities,** most have something to make us root for them and hope the girl and him do hook up. A few examples of this:
Who are some of your favorite literary bad boys?

Don't forget to stop by YA Highway to see what the other participants picked as their favorite cliche!


* I'm sure there were earlier ones, but this is the first one that stuck with me.
** Therefore, really being a BAMF.
*** Though Brenda was equally bad-girlish in her own right.
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Last.fm hit of the day: Everything Ends by Slipknot