I'm pretty sure it's gonna be the next big thing. At least in my life. :)
I would like to ask you all some questions, for research purposes. I am trying to create a female heroine that is NOT whiny, but isn't all tough. I need her to be strong enough to get through some really crazy crap, but I don't want her to be invulnerable. And no way is she gonna be some gorgeous chick. I'm sick of that. I want something most people can relate to, because like it or not, we aren't all Hollywood beautiful.
Anyway, my point is, have you read any books or seen any movies that depict a strong female lead (or support) who isn't invincible, who doesn't have the goddess quality of beauty, who knows how to stand up for herself, who isn't completely selfish, who doesn't whine and get on people's nerves like a valley girl, but who has faults just like everybody else?
Hopefully that makes sense. I'm looking for some character references, some examples to see how other writers/producers pull off successful female-leads.
Also, I'm looking for guys who aren't macho macho, but are still masculine. Guys who don't have to prove themselves. Guys can be aggressively-passionate (not violent) about something, who aren't completely rugged, who could be resourceful.
And evil characters that you understand where they are coming from.
Thanks ahead of time if you participate. Sorry to be so obsessed, but don't judge me. You would be too if you had centuries of a fictional society swirling around in your head, characters at the brink of war, and knowing how it will all work out in the end. Simply and complexly fascinating.
9 comments:
I got two words for ya girl:
Harry Potter
I feel some Katniss in that description you have there. or maybe thats just me. thats a hard one to answer about the girl.
I'm working on a guy who is very cynical in nature, but has little moments where hope and ideals sink in and motivate him to do what he wants.
most of my female characters are strong and confident but i've been working on a coward lately.
i always recommend TV Tropes for stuff like this, looking around at 'characters' 'characters as device' 'characterization' they have many different types to choose from, or to help push you in the right direction. the link for it is in my blog and on Edited works.
good hunting (Hope that was somewhat helpful)
YES YES YES!!!
you know my favorite series for the past...oh...10 years? maybe not that long...but maybe...
the "...in Death" series by J.D. Robb. Eve is the ultimate "tough cookie" but has the heart that is just tender...even though she won't hardly admit it. and her man Roarke. i dare you to not get a crush on him.
i recommend reading the first one first, but you don't have to. and you don't have to read the whole series. but she's a strong woman and he's a strong man, but they compliment each other perfectly.
yes! the girl definitely. Samantha carter in SG-1!! she totally fits the description of the girl! sorry for my ocd-ness about stargate, but yeah, that's how it is. :D
I think the Hunger Games series is a good one for the female and male characters. But only to an extent, you've read them so you know. I'll let you know if I think of more.
Oh just thought of one :) Lord of the Rings. I love Arwen, she is strong, but also still a girl with emotions.
I can't think of her name right now, but she's one of the many characters from A Game of Thrones. I have the first two books if you'd like to read them. The series has a large cast of characters that you may find helpful...
I would have to agree with amanda on the sam carter thing from stargate sg-1. there are many eps where she's the strong, smart, capable woman, but a few that show her tender side, her vulnerable side, and her longing for love.
along those same lines, Daniel Jackson and Teal'c are both strong male leads that don't ever feel the need to prove themselves, fight for what they believe in and are passionate about it, (Daniel fighting for humane solutions / archaeology finds, teal'c for the freedom of his people.) and are both attractive, but not in the usual rugged way.
again, along the same lines, the evil characters are also relatable, except the whole parasite, impersonating a god thing :) they have their beliefs and fight for them (especially the Ori.)
Like Amanda, sorry for my obsessiveness. I just think that this is the reason i enjoy the series so much, the characters all have wonderful qualities, as well as some detrimental qualities, but they always remain passionate about what they do and why they do it.
p.s. interesting side note... the internet underlined "daniel" and "jackson" as misspelled for not capitalizing, but not "teal'c"... okay? haha.
Hey, I actually know a woman who is a lot like the one you described. I have known her a long time, and she was my first thought when I started reading your description. As I read further, your description kept on describing her. If you want to chat about her with me, let me know. Her name is Connie Taylor, and although you already know her, you only know her as "Mom". The Connie I know, from my perspective, is the person you are talking about. So, seriously, if you want to hear about my perspective, let me know. I can flesh her out for you. (It is so cool that she is real, and not a plot device.)
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