Now we are all aware that there are males and females, yet males are more often than not the main character of the story. I feel that this has to do with the fact that authors learn to write in a male perspective. Until recent history, men were encouraged to get higher learning as well as get jobs and women were encouraged to find a good husband. But that has changed. Women now have more freedom than in those days where their main concern was only to get a good husband. However, that doesn't mean the perspective has changed with the times. Because society treats women as "the other", the female narrative view is alien. The only people who can relate to women is women, right? I don't think that's true. Because if everyone is able to relate to a male character then likewise we can all relate to a female one.
So, how about we look at one of the biggest problems with bad female characters. THEY ARE POORLY WRITTEN!!! As you all may know I hate it when an author doesn't create an interesting character. Even more so when they are the main character. You construct the female character just like a male one. I will admit that there is an element that needs to be addressed with the female character; how the world treats her because she is female. This can be addressed with other characters underestimating her abilities. Such as, being a female in a male-heavy workforce or dealing with being catcalled when she is only trying to get to work. Have no fear this doesn't need to happen all the time. This element helps flesh out the character and it is a relationship that should be shown.
A female character is poorly written when the author shows that they don't care about developing her. The best imagery I can think of is this: A woman continues to walk down a light gray hallway. The echoes are of her shoes and even breathing. Time and again she passes by doors that will lead her somewhere else but she is unable to open them. She is stuck and will remain so. She will walk the same hallway and pass through the different doors. But nothing will change for her. It's not good to have your character stuck playing one note. (Unless that's the point of the work.) A female character needs just as much time and effort in developing them as their male counterpart. Male and female writers can write strong female characters.
A way to help create solid female characters is to talk to different types of women. Learning about their experiences with the world around them will help with the development of the character. Women are not scary and it helps if you’re respectful to them and listen well. The biggest thing to note is the gender of the character won't be a big problem as long as they are written well. If you hook the reader with the character then it should be smooth sailing.
Well, that is all I have to say on the matter. Part two of the mini-series will next so be looking forward to it. Again, do vote on the poll. It is important to the continuation of me posting prompts. I hope that you have been enjoying the mini series I have a lot of fun doing them. I will be continuing to do a mini-series from now on at least once a month. If that does change I will inform you. As for writing prompts they will happen once or twice a month. That may change if you, my dear readers continue to not vote on the polls. Thanks for reading!
