Could You Be a Heroine?

The last couple weeks I've written about villains and heroes. Now onto the heroines.

For me as a writer, heroines have always been the most difficult to write. Perhaps they really are difficult or perhaps it's because I, as a woman, tend to let my voice blend with my heroine's. As I continue to grow as a writer, I can see my heroines become more distinct and one day, I hope to be a strong enough writer to have them jump off the page. Because the truth is, as interesting as we are, sometimes we need to focus on one specific feature to make unique heroines (say for instance you eat dessert first or maybe you have a nervous tick or habit).

Many times, we think about our heroes and what we'd like out of them, but not as often do we consider the heroines. So what do you think? As a reader, do you prefer the strong Joan of Arc type or the witty Bridget Jones type?

Probably a bit of both depending on the novel you're reading. I honestly think we all like to see a bit of ourselves in our heroes and heroines. So in saying that, her are the qualities that I believe make a great heroine in a great story:

1)     Strong: (notice I didn't say brawn like the heroes). Whether it's at the beginning or at the end or maybe the story is transitional in nature, nobody likes to read about screaming, whining woman (or men for that matter) for the entire length of a novel. There has to be some internal strength to your heroine at some point in the book.

2)     Flawed: This could really go for all your characters to endear your readers to them but heroines are especially important in romance because many times, they are the character we most identify with.  While we all admire Barbie, she isn't realistic. Your heroine should have some kind of flaw or flaws that makes her identifiable to the reader. Maybe she's gorgeous but hates being loved for her beauty or maybe she's plain but plays the violin like an angel. Create a balance.

3)     Brains: I mentioned this with heroes but it goes for heroines as well. We all hate the girl who goes down the basement stairs in

the horror flicks, so unless she has a really good reason for doing so (like the neighbor's little boy might be down there), don't have her do it. This is on you the writer. Think before you have your characters do anything.

4)     Courage: Many times this comes at the end or at a turning point in the book, but it is always inspiring to see women with

courage. We spend our real lives with so many fears—for our families, jobs, ourselves. A woman who could overcome real obstacles will always be someone we can relate to.

5)     Real: This can refer to pretty much anything that ties a reader to your heroine. Her humor, her body shape, her talents, her

humor, etc. Readers will always look for some kind of characteristic to relate to. If you make your heroine too perfect, it might be more of a turn off then an appeal.

If you have any other thoughts, please share. Heroines are some of the most important characters of our novel but in my thoughts, some of the most difficult to make stand out. Good luck and happy writing!

Filed under: Characters, Toni Kelly, Writing Topics