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. I want 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.
Why Strong Women?
Breaking Stereotypes and Challenging Norms
Writing strong female characters is a conscious effort to break free from traditional stereotypes and societal norms. Historically, literature has often confined female characters to limited roles and archetypes. By crafting strong female protagonists, I aim to challenge preconceived notions and showcase the diverse strengths and capabilities of women, like many other amazing authors are doing as well.
Reflecting Real-Life Resilience
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. Or, those who are irreversibly weakened or changed, but who learn to live in that new normal anyway. These characters become mirrors reflecting the real-life resilience of the women in my life and around the world.
Fostering Empowerment and Representation
Representation matters. By featuring strong female characters, I hope to contribute to fostering 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.
Complex, Multidimensional Portrayals
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 depth of human experience and challenge the notion that women can only occupy specific roles in narratives.
Navigating Agency and Autonomy
Strong female characters navigate their stories with agency and autonomy. They make choices, face consequences, and drive the narrative forward. Writing characters with agency empowers them to be active participants in their own stories, challenging 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.
Addressing Social Issues and Injustices
Literature is a powerful tool for social commentary. Strong female characters provide a platform to address 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.
Celebrating the Strengths of Diversity
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.
Creating Realistic Role Models
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.
The decision to write strong female characters is rooted in my belief that literature has the power to empower, inspire, and challenge the status quo. These characters 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!
