The “strong” heroine is becoming a cliche, one-dimensional character women can’t relate to or don’t find realistic.

So it’s time we toss the “strong/kick-butt heroine” out and replace it with a more satisfying character: the complex heroine.

Fab fictional femmes like Shuri of Black Panther, Rey of Star Wars, and Eowyn of the Lord of the Rings, have raised the bar high for female characters. And, as writers, it’s time we meet that bar.

So what characteristics should your complex heroine possess in order for readers to freak over her?

• Competence

• Flaws/weaknesses/failures.

• A noble cause she stands for.

Let’s talk about how you can use these traits in your own character crafting process.

All the ladies I spoke of aren’t strong. No, see, the adjective that better describes them is competent. That means they carry their own, they hold down the fort, and they make use of the beautiful brains God gave ‘em- in brilliant ways. See, being competent allows for strength in multiple areas, not just one.

Just wanting your heroine to be “strong” isn’t enough of a goal for her. Women possess many qualities that make them unique, honorable, and resilient. So focusing on strength alone narrows her possibilities. Focusing on creating a competent heroine, however, gives her more dimension, depth, and allows her a variety of goals and abilities.

Shuri, princess and younger sister to T’Challa, wasn’t just sitting on the sideline as her brother changed Wakandan history. She helped him change it- and not just through fighting, either.

Through the use of her awesome brain, Shuri created gadgets, weapons, and teched-out outfits to help her brother’s goal (really, the nation’s goal). She represented her family, her brother, and her people well by giving to it in valuable ways. And although she’s just teenager, Shuri has focus and direction, thereby producing the best works science has ever seen.

Rey survived on her own as a scavenger for years. She defended herself both mentally and physically against countless attacks, including the most fearsome attack from Mr. Prince Emo bad boy himself. Rey was also a quick learner and intuitive with the Force, which made her an excellent mechanic and pilot.

Eowyn, shieldmaiden of Rohan, burns at the fact that women cannot defend those they love. Yet she teaches herself how to handle a sword and hold her own anyway.

Ultimately moved to pull a Mulan and enter the war undercover, Eowyn successfully makes her way to the front. There, she faces the ultimate test of bravery: a smackdown with the Witch King of Agmar.

After the clapback of the century, Eowyn defeats the Witch King in defense of her mortally wounded uncle.

Notice a pattern here? These ladies are all self-taught in some way. Rey, alone most of her life, learns to fend for herself and scavenge to survive. Eowyn, unable to defend those she loves openly, teaches herself the ways of the sword in secret and enters the front in disguise. And Shuri, although she had the best education Wakanda could offer, created these gadgets on her own- always improving where need be.

So here’s the ultimate goal of a competent heroine:

• To be a gal that’s got brains- not just brawn.

• To have the opportunity to be self-taught, or a self-starter, in at least one area of her life.

• To defy the odds and beat expectations.

“But why should my heroine have flaws or failures, Rae? Won’t that just make her appear weak or incompetent?”

No, beautiful unicorn, it won’t.

Why?

Because no one can relate to a perfect heroine, a flawless heroine. I don’t know one woman who hasn’t made a mistake in their life (ahem, I’m looking at you, girl in the mirror).

Although the Force was strong with Rey, she still had weaknesses and honest desires gone unfulfilled. She longed to discover who her parents are and find her place in the world. Even though she had discovered her calling, she felt lost nonetheless and wanted, more than anything, for someone to help her find her place in the war. Those powerful, real desires made Rey a believable, relatable, beloved heroine. 

As valiant as Eowyn was, she wasn’t without flaws. Her naivety bears down hard on her when she faces the horrors of war. This flaw also leads her to heartbreak, when Aragorn friendzones her hard. But we feel for Eowyn and relate to her struggle to find love in a world overcome with war.

To give your heroine a desire to find love and be loved is not a weakness, it’s a relatable quality.

Clearly, to bear a significant weakness or to fail in some way only makes heroines more relatable, realistic, and complex. Readers want to connect to characters, to see a bit of themselves in the heroine, so make sure you don’t just show her best side.

The point about flaws/failures/weaknesses is this:

• Readers will find your heroine relatable and realistic.

• They add depth and dimension to your heroine that readers will appreciate.

What does she stand for? What belief does she live for? Would she die for it?

To be apart of something bigger than ourselves gives us great purpose, gives us a wider worldview and perspective outside our immediate needs. Give your heroine that same purpose. If she doesn’t stand for a cause greater than herself, she’ll flatline.

Rey decidedly threw herself into the fight for the rebellion. Even though she lived on the outskirts as a mere scavenger, when the opportunity “rolled” itself into her life, she made her choice. Rey’s beliefs were greatly tested, yet she came out the other side an even more capable character.

Shuri used her talents for the greater good as well. She helped support T’Challa and bring Wakanda to the level of ingenuity it became legendary for. Her works weren’t just a trophy to hang on the wall-they had real purpose, and as a last resort, she used her weaponry in battle herself.

Eowyn wouldn’t stand idly by as Middle Earth fell into the hands of Sauron. She courageously took on a battle no other woman had before. Fighting for the world of men, and even taking a hard hit from the Witch King in the process, Eowyn took her stand valiantly.

Here’s what you need to take away from heroines who stand for a noble cause:

• Readers admire and respect a heroine who stands for something bigger than herself.

• Fighting an internal or external battle to defend that belief, no matter the odds, helps cement their identity as a beloved heroine.

Let’s be clear about something real quick: your heroine doesn’t have to fight in a battle to be strong. She doesn’t have to swing a sword or battle ax to be considered worthy of our respect. 

(In fact, read more about my belief that we need more diverse female characters here)

There are many types of heroines and that’s okay. But if you want to create a complex heroine readers will appreciate, then remember these three keys:

1. Make her competent
   • Allow her to use her brain
   • Let her be a self-starter or self-taught

2. Give her flaws/failures/weaknesses

• She doesn’t always have to win every battle (and she shouldn’t)
• Failures make her relatable and more beloved to readers

3. Give her a noble cause to stand for

• Standing for something greater than herself gives her a purpose readers appreciate
• Defending that belief despite great opposition builds her character

In next week’s article (Part 2) we will be breaking down the “Lovable Rogue” character type! So stay tuned by subscribing to the Barely Hare Books Newsletter!

Creating unforgettable, unique heroines takes effort. It also takes learning how to write unique dialogue, how to give your character a specific goal, how to give your character truly challenging conflict and much more.

So how do you do this with ease? You check out the new online course I have coming for teen writers just like you:

This 13 chapter online course teaches you the fundamentals of great storytelling, including:

• How to Discover your Unique Writing Voice

• Pixar’s 7 Steps to Outlining a Story

• The Elements of a Killer First Chapter

• How to Create Characters that Matter

• How to Create a Love Triangle Readers Won’t Hate

• The Art of Showing AND Telling

• The Art of World Building

And so much more!

Find out more about this online Course here

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