18 Questions to Ask Yourself About Gender Relations in Your Novel:

Who has the most power?

In what ways is power shared?

What happens to those who abuse power?

What are the boundaries between the genders?

Who transgresses the rules?

What are the superstitions surrounding those who transgress the rules?

What are the spheres of each gender?

What is most beautiful/attractive about either gender?

What is least attractive?

What clothing is worn and what is its purpose in revealing or concealing genders?

What place does physical violence have between the genders?

How many genders are there?

Is gender chosen or imposed and by what?

What rhythms are associated with which gender?

What are the gender cliches?

What metaphors are typical because of this gender system? How has language been shaped because of it?

What do the great literatures of this world say about gender relations?

What are the opposing sides arguing about?