Some of my favorite books are Beowulf, The Sword in the Stone, The Alchemist, Watership Down, and Ishmael. In these books, the main character is highly defined by the way they interact with the specific plot points of the book.
the thing I like about these books is that Moral or Character failings of the protagonist are not continuing sources of conflict. They do not struggle to overcome their own predispositions. "Will the protagonist be able to decide to overcome their flaws" is not a primary plot point. "Will the protagonist be able to overcome the external conflict" is the main focus.
I am interested in other books with a similar "feel". Where the primary cast are legitimately admirable in their efforts, but hopefully more modern? I want to read a book where the main impediment to success is external, not internal.
by derper-man