How to Write A Strong Female Character

There is nothing worse than a good story with a poorly written character. It’s time to stop subjecting the public to these women who have unrealistic characteristics. Don’t freak out! Writing a strong female character isn’t hard. Just follow these rules.

Let’s start with what to avoid.

The one who cannot fight for herself

We are sick and tired of reading about women who sit and wait to be saved.

Amanda Lovelace has a collection of poems called “The Princess Saves Herself in This One.” This is a great read for anyone who wants to learn about female empowerment.

Here’s the deal: someone who sits on the sidelines and watches the fight is BORING! You don’t want to tell your story from the character watching the action happen, put them in the middle of the action.

The one with a two-dimensional personality

A character with no flaws, no ambitions, no drive.

Don’t write a character that doesn’t have a personality, readers will not connect with them. Readers want a strong female character that resonates with them, not just someone with no dimension.

Some authors have trouble with this when writing intellectual characters. Think of Spock from “Star Trek”, the Vulcan species are impassive and temperate. As a main character, Spock cannot be this uncaring blob who floats around the scene to add remarks. Spock has flaws and ambitions.

The same should be done with female characters. No one is perfect, so don’t write someone who is.

The one who is just the love interest

Many protagonists have love interests, especially with the ongoing rise of love triangles in novels.

Never make someone’s key objective to fall in love with the protagonist! That is never anyone’s singular goal in life.

Think about your character, ask yourself these questions:

• Why does she love the protagonist? Is it just because you said so?
• Without her presence, how would the story change?
• What else does she bring to the table?

Now let’s learn some characteristics of the strong female characters that everyone loves.

The one who doesn’t change her beliefs

Belief is not something that is easily changed. Make sure your character sticks by what they believe. If you wouldn’t change your thought process on a personal issue, why should your character?

Lucy Pevensie from “The Lion, The Witch, And The Wardrobe:”

Even when her siblings deny the existence of Narnia, she continued to prove herself right. When her brother mocked her and embarrassed her, Lucy did not deter. Standing by her beliefs, Lucy shows that perseverance pays off.

The one who helps others unselfishly

There is a difference between someone who helps you because they want to and someone who helps you because they will get something out of it.

Annamarie Johansen from “Number The Stars:”

As they escape the Nazis with her Jewish friend, Annamarie quickly yanks off her friend’s star of David necklace before a soldier notices. The act of doing so causes the star to become imprinted into her palm.

A character who helps others instinctively are more likable and are more popular.

The one who isn’t afraid of doing things alone

Don’t be afraid to put your character by themselves. They should be fully capable of handling themselves without the need of others. Make sure your character can hold their own.

Hermione Granger from “Harry Potter:”

From the first book, Hermione is set up as one of the best and brightest students at Hogwarts. She constantly does things on her own, without the help of Harry or Ron. She makes the Polyjuice potion that turns Harry and Ron into Crabbe and Goyle, she learns and masters the time turner, she figures out the Triwizard tournament and tells Harry what he needs to know.

To learn more about writing strong female characters, you should read books with the same. Here a last piece of advice: write the character you want to read about.