We're back to writing again on Bookaholic, looking at women in fiction. I, and probably much of the UK, watched Mr Selfridge on the television last night. For those of you who haven't yet seen this show it is a drama about the life of the owner of Selfridge's store in London. Yes I know this is a book blog but I'm getting there. be patient. In series one Mr Selfridge's wife, Rose, was a somewhat put upon secondary character. In this series she has transformed into a strong woman who has found her own voice. I like and admire the new Rose.
This got me thinking about the female characters in novels. Often they only seem to exist as an extension of the male characters with no voice of their own. Developing female characters can be complex especially if that character takes the lead. As a writer it is important to know each character as well as you know your own self. The female character needs to stand out in some way as being their own person, with their own wants and needs. Someone who is different to all who have gone before them. Their drive often needs to be greater than their male counterparts as can often be the case in the real world.
I am aware of this when writing the character of Detective Inspector Shona McKenzie in my own novels. Shona is a feisty soul with a strong determination to succeed. Both funny and strong she does things her own way. Not that she always always let's me write her character the way I want to. She has her own voice. If I were to have a conversation with her it would probably go like this:
"Er, I'm the author. Do what your told."
"Not a chance. I'm the Detective Inspector so hold on to my coat tails and come along for the ride. I'll take you places you never knew you wanted to go."
It is great fun writing female characters and seeing how they develop, not only through the book, but through the series. Much like my life it is a whistle stop tour through the unknown.
See you next time on Bookaholic's. Get that book that's about an inch from your elbow and keep reading.
Love writing about strong women, women who triumph over adversity and do so with a smile.
ReplyDeleteI think you and I are of like mind Christine.
ReplyDeleteHave you heard of the Bechdel Test? If not, read about it here: http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bechdel_test. It's an informal test applied to fiction that measures interaction between females.
ReplyDeleteMy first novel was set in a future all-female world, although one half of the couple was more socially dominant than the other, so you could usually tell who was talking just by the words they said.
Your book Sounds really interesting Gavin. See I know who you are :-) I will take a look now at the Bechdel Test. Thanks
DeleteNice Post Wendy. Some of the best stories I've read had strong female characters.. good and bad personas.
ReplyDeleteThank you Michelle. You rIse a good point that it is important to ensure that females with and personas are also expertly written and developed
DeleteGood post. I do my best to keep my females peeled from the wallpaper. They do their best to keep me on my toes and running behind them.
ReplyDeleteGreat way of putting it Ey.
DeleteI absolutely refuse to read a book where a female is helpless or bland. If she doesn't have a voice, I can't read it.
ReplyDeleteI'm with you 100% Nickie. Female characters need to have a persona which engages and delights
Delete