How to Write the Point of View of an Alpha Male
The name Douglas MacArthur conjures up the image of a maverick World War II hero who liberated the Philippines and rebuilt Japan—handsome in his trademark khaki uniform, sunglasses, and corncob pipe. Is there anything more macho than MacArthur’s somber gaze? Google the name and you’ll see what I mean.
My historical novel, My MacArthur, is about the legendary general’s little-known romantic affair with a young Filipino actress, Isabel Rosario Cooper, in the 1930s. At the time, MacArthur was 50 years old, divorced, and the most powerful man in the Philippines, which was a United States colony until 1946.
My MacArthur was 10 years in the making, mainly because I researched and wrote the novel only during my spare time. The dearth of information about Cooper proved to be a big obstacle. The other major challenge was writing from the point of view (POV) of MacArthur, a quintessential alpha male, if ever there was one. Here’s a confession: MacArthur intimidated me, which didn’t make my job any easier.
Three Tips
For women writing from the POV of a macho, let me share a few lessons I’ve learned from my experience.
#1 Research is king. This is especially true if you’re writing a historical novel about a real person. In the case of MacArthur, there was an overabundance of information about his military career. I learned to sift through voluminous information.
Everyone knows MacArthur had a huge ego and strong personality. Those qualities served as the foundation of his POV. I also utilized little details, such as his love for custom-made things, his meticulous grooming, and his innate talent in public relations. No PR genius could have thought of a better catchphrase than MacArthur’s famous vow to the Filipinos during World War II—“I shall return.” He made the promise after he fled to Australia in March 1942 because the Japanese were beating the Americans in the Philippines, and yet it made him a legend.
If you’re not writing about historical characters, the best research method is close observation of the men around you. Reading men’s memoirs and books about the male psychology is also helpful. And guess what? I never miss an issue of my husband’s Esquire and GQ subscriptions.
#2 Language makes an alpha male. Even if your novel’s hero is not physically imposing, his language should be masculine. MacArthur was tall and imperious, plus he fought in three major wars. Describing his external qualities was easy. Writing his thoughts and dialogue proved to be more daunting.
Again, research helped a lot. MacArthur graduated at the top of his class at West Point. He was well-read and he loved big words. He did not cuss in public. He was aloof. Most of all, he wrote an autobiography, Reminiscences, which became the most important source of information for me. All of these things were indispensable in writing his POV.
#3 Emotions are universal. Even the most masculine of men experience love, anger, sorrow, and other emotions pretty much the same way we do. However, the manifestations of those feelings are obviously different.
In 1930, President Herbert Hoover appointed MacArthur as the U.S. Army chief of staff. Overnight MacArthur became one of the most powerful men in America. How would someone like him express his emotions? I turned to his memoir for clues.
MacArthur revealed that in 1934, he had a terrible argument with President Franklin Roosevelt over the military budget. He admitted he was out of line and resigned on the spot, but FDR rejected it. The contentious meeting made MacArthur vomit on the steps of the White House! That showed the intensity of his feelings in the face of incredible stress.
When it comes to Cooper, MacArthur never mentioned her in his book despite their four-year relationship. The glaring omission offered an important hint as to how the general handled his feelings.
Developing the POV of a real alpha male was challenging, but writing My MacArthur was very rewarding as a whole. I hope readers would agree that the novel is well worth the decade it took to research and write.
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About the Author
Cindy Fazzi is a Filipino-American writer and former Associated Press reporter. My MacArthur, published by Sand Hill Review Press, is her literary debut. The novel was named quarterfinalist in the ScreenCraft Cinematic Book Competition; the winner will be announced in March 2019.
Fazzi writes romance novels under the pen name Vina Arno. Her first romance book, In His Corner, was published by Lyrical Press, while her second romance novel, Finder Keeper of My Heart, was published by Painted Hearts Publishing. Her short stories have been published in Snake Nation Review, Copperfield Review, and SN Review.
About My MacArthur
The year is 1930. The place: Manila. Douglas MacArthur is the most powerful man in the Philippines, a United States colony. He’s fifty years old, divorced, and he falls in love at first sight with a ravishing young Filipino woman. He writes her a love note on the spot. Her name is Isabel Rosario Cooper, an aspiring movie actress. One glance at his note and she thinks of him as my MacArthur.
MacArthur pursues his romantic obsession even though he’s breaking numerous taboos. She reciprocates his affection because he could open doors for her financially struggling family. That MacArthur happens to be handsome compensates for the fact that he’s as old as her father.
When MacArthur is appointed the U.S. Army chief of staff, he becomes the youngest four-star general and one of America’s most powerful men. Out of hubris, he takes Isabel with him to America without marrying her.
Amid the backdrop of the Great Depression, MacArthur and Isabel’s relationship persists like “a perilous voyage on turbulent waters,” as she describes it. In 1934, after four years of relationship, MacArthur leaves Isabel for fear of a political scandal.
The general goes on to become the iconic hero of World War II, liberating the Philippines and rebuilding Japan. Isabel drifts in Los Angeles unable to muster the courage to return to Manila. As he ascends to his special place in American history, she plunges into a dark place, ultimately meeting a tragic death.
My MacArthur is available here:
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Category: Contemporary Women Writers, On Writing
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Hi Barbara! So grateful for the opportunity to write for this incredible blog. More power to you!
Cheers,
Cindy