I don't think it was pointed out enough that, esp. in the 1980s movie climate that "Die Hard" was released in, the main reason John McClane worked was because he was so vulnerable. In the era of unstoppable and unflappable Schwartzeneggers and Stallones (and all their stoic muscle-bound wannabes), having this romantic comedy guy dumped in this situation, where he feared for his life and wasn't certain how he would stop the bad guys, is why it was such a great action movie. He was transformed into an action hero at the end, but he was clearly not the man for the job at the start. This is why the sequels revert to the Schwartzenegger formula - he is an action hero, not an everyman. Another key element of the story: It's working class vs. upper class. McClane is blue collar, and his allies are all blue collar. Anyone that thinks they're better than others turns out to be villains or assholes. He's not just rescuing his wife from thieves (not terrorists) but saving her from a life filled with jerks and snobs. The only exception to this is Takagi, who seems like a decent guy that stands up to Hans Gruber, but he also represents the Japanese takeover of American business - which was a sore point in the 80s (eg "Gung Ho")

This is a great point, Bryan. In fact, the whole story [the first Die Hard] is framed by a blow-up he has with his estranged wife. They have an argument, she gets called away to make some remarks to the employees, when he is alone he excoriates himself for being a dumb-ass with her, then the Bad Guys do their thing. Thus McClane goes about his business throughout the story knowing (A) he may never see his wife again and (B) if he doesn't, his last words with her will be his own stupid comments arising out of a couple's quarrel. There is that moment where he speaking on the walkie talkie to Sgt. Powell, McClane conveys an apology and heartfelt expression of his love to Hollie. So even in the midst of all the bullets and bombs, this action hero has his mind affairs of the heart. It's a small bit of business, but goes a long way in putting a personal stamp on the events and humanizing McClane's character. Thanks, Bryan. Solid analysis!