Why I Write Strong Female Characters
Writing strong female characters isn’t (just) about creating cool protagonists for me; it's about telling stories that empower people, challenge stereotypes, and contribute to a more inclusive literary landscape. So, I’m going to share more about why I'm passionate about writing strong, multidimensional women in my stories. I emphasize multidimensional, because I so often see people (myself included) fall into the trap of painting strong women as entirely independent, without need for anyone or anything besides herself. She’s a badass fighter who takes no shit and gets the job done. I understand the urge to do this, but I happen to believe that strength includes the ability to recognize personal flaws, seek outside guidance, and accept help when needed. I don’t want another invincible, unshakeable “strong female character”… I want a 3-dimensional person who shows her strength in all sorts of ways. So, that’s what I aim to write.
Writing strong female characters is a conscious effort to break free from traditional stereotypes and societal norms. In my personal life, I grew up Christian and joined some very culty Christian communities as an adult, all of which held extremely concerning beliefs around women and their role within their families and greater society. I did my best to fit within those confines, but never was quite able to do it, in part because I’m nonbinary, but largely because I don’t think these rigid roles serve anyone. Beyond my own personal experiences, historically, literature has often confined female characters to limited roles and archetypes as well. By writing strong female protagonists, I want to challenge preconceived notions and showcase the diverse strengths and capabilities of women. It’s a recovery of my own belief in the power of women, and I’m grateful I’m not the only one. Many other amazing authors are doing this work as well.
Women shouldn’t have to be resilient, but the reality is that, in real life we are (and we must be). That’s why I write characters who embody resilience, strength, and unwavering determination. Writing strong female characters is a homage to the countless women who navigate challenges, overcome obstacles, and emerge stronger. It’s also for those who are irreversibly weakened or changed but who learn to live in that new normal anyway, because that happens, too, and is okay. It’s honest.
Featuring strong female characters also allows me to foster empowerment among readers, especially those who identify as women. Seeing ourselves reflected in stories of strength and agency validates our experiences and reinforces the idea that our voices and stories are integral to the societies we live in, because strong female characters go beyond one-dimensional portrayals. They are complex, multifaceted individuals with strengths, vulnerabilities, and unique journeys. Writing these characters allows me to explore the human experience and challenge the notion that women can only occupy specific roles within our stories, and within our world.
In my stories, the women navigate their stories with agency and autonomy, and this is what I’d say is the most prominent feature of the characters I consider “strong female characters” throughout all media. They make choices, face consequences, and drive the narrative forward. They’re active participants in their own stories, which in and of itself is subversive because it challenges the passive roles traditionally assigned to female characters. I do think we’re seeing an overall shift in this area, and I’m excited for my work to contribute to that.
Literature is a powerful tool for social commentary, often one of the most honest platforms addressing social issues and injustices. Whether it's tackling gender inequality, discrimination, or the complexities of identity, these characters become advocates for change and catalysts for important conversations. I know I say it in a lot of my posts, but diversity is a strength, not a limitation. Writing strong female characters from diverse backgrounds celebrates the richness of human experience. It acknowledges that strength comes in various forms and that there is no singular definition of what it means to be a strong woman.
While my strong female characters may possess extraordinary qualities, they remain grounded in realism. They grapple with flaws, face challenges, and learn from mistakes. These characters become realistic role models, demonstrating that strength is not synonymous with perfection and that growth is an essential part of the journey. To me, these are not just fictional entities; they are catalysts for change, contributing to a world that embraces diversity, amplifies voices, and celebrates the strength of women.
Here's to strong women, both in fiction and reality.
Happy writing!
