In an effort to present powerful female characters, many writers inadvertently fall into the trap of relying on one-dimensional portrayals. These clichés of the "strong female" are often not fully developed or nuanced, and they fail to reflect the vast array of experiences, emotions, and behaviors that real women experience.
To write a truly compelling female character, it is essential to avoid these overused tropes and give her a depth that resonates with readers. Let’s break down some of the most common clichés and explore how to avoid them in your writing.
The Lone Wolf
The "lone wolf" is a familiar trope that often features a female character who is solitary, emotionally distant, and fiercely independent. She doesn’t rely on others, avoids relationships, and prefers to work alone.
While independence can be a powerful trait, the lone wolf archetype often feels artificial, especially if it is the only aspect of her character.
The problem with the lone wolf character is that it reduces women to an isolated, emotionally closed-off figure. It disregards the reality that human beings, regardless of gender, need connection and support from others.
A truly strong female character can be independent and capable, but she should also have relationships, both supportive and challenging, that shape her growth. Instead of positioning her as someone who can never rely on others, show her learning how to lean on trusted allies, friends, or mentors.
Not Like Other Girls
This trope positions the strong female character as being "different" from the rest of the women around her. She’s often portrayed as not being into traditionally feminine things, like fashion or beauty, and prides herself on not conforming to social norms or expectations placed on women.
This can seem empowering at first, but the problem lies in the implication that femininity, or being like other women, is somehow inferior or weak.
This trope plays into the false dichotomy of "strong" versus "weak" women, suggesting that true strength lies only in rejecting traditional femininity. In reality, women can be strong while embracing both traditionally "feminine" and "masculine" traits.
The key is to give your character a variety of interests, hobbies, and emotions that aren’t defined by how "different" or "opposite" she is to other women. A strong character doesn’t need to distance herself from others to be powerful.
The Emotionless Tough Girl
Another well-worn cliché is the "emotionless tough girl," who is seemingly immune to any emotional vulnerability. She’s often portrayed as having no room for feelings—especially in the face of trauma or hardship—and instead relies solely on her physical strength or intellectual capabilities.
While this character might seem tough and street smart, the lack of emotional depth makes her feel one-dimensional and disconnected from real human experiences.
Avoid falling into the trap of making your female character emotionless. True strength doesn’t lie in suppressing or ignoring one’s emotions, but in acknowledging them and navigating through them in healthy ways.
Allow your character to experience a range of emotions, including fear, sadness, and joy, and show how these emotions contribute to her personal growth. A strong female character doesn’t have to be impervious to vulnerability; instead, she can be emotionally complex, responding to life’s challenges with both resilience and sensitivity.
The "Overly Masculine" Female
Sometimes, in an attempt to create a strong female character, writers make her overly "masculine" by giving her traits or behaviors that are traditionally associated with men. This can include physical attributes (such as extreme strength or aggression) or personality traits (such as a lack of empathy or nurturing qualities).
While there’s nothing wrong with a female character who embodies traditionally masculine traits, the overemphasis on these characteristics can undermine the idea that strength comes in many forms.
Rather than making the character "masculine" to show her strength, focus on making her well-rounded and multidimensional. Strong women can embrace their femininity as much as they do their toughness. Being tough doesn't have to mean rejecting traits like sensitivity, empathy, or grace.
A female character can be fierce and powerful without abandoning the unique elements of her identity. Create a character who is strong because of who she is, not because she mimics a male prototype.
The Perfect Heroine
The "perfect heroine" is a character who is flawless in every way: intelligent, skilled, brave, kind, and always able to overcome every obstacle without any serious setbacks. While it’s tempting to create a perfect character to serve as a role model or inspiration, the flawlessness of such a character can make her difficult to relate to.
Perfection leads to predictability, and real-life heroes often possess imperfections that make them more compelling.
Perfection isn’t strength—it’s the willingness to face and overcome flaws and weaknesses. Instead of making your character perfect, focus on her growth and development.
Allow her to make mistakes, learn from them, and evolve as she confronts challenges. It’s her journey—her triumphs, failures, and everything in between—that will resonate with readers.
The Victim Turned Warrior
The "victim turned warrior" trope often centers on a female character who has endured significant suffering or trauma, only to become an avenger or fighter. While there’s nothing wrong with a character seeking justice or revenge after a traumatic experience, this trope can feel overly simplistic if not handled with nuance.
It risks portraying women as only "strong" when they’re motivated by revenge, an irresistible anger or when they’ve been victimized.
It’s essential to avoid reducing your character to just a victim of her circumstances. Instead of focusing solely on her trauma, explore the ways she finds empowerment on her own terms. Strength doesn’t come only through fighting back against an oppressor; it can also emerge through healing, self-discovery, and community.
Allow your character to have a full emotional range, and show that her strength comes not from her victimhood, but from her resilience and personal growth.
The "Bitchy Boss"
The "bitchy boss" trope presents the strong female leader as harsh, unapproachable, and domineering. She’s often portrayed as a woman who is successful but has to sacrifice her warmth, kindness, empathy and even happiness to gain respect in a male-dominated world.
While it’s important to show that women can succeed in leadership roles, it’s equally crucial to challenge the idea that a woman in power must be cold, calculating, or even "mean" to be taken seriously.
Strong female characters in leadership positions can be assertive and confident without resorting to cruelty. Instead of writing her as "bitchy," make sure her decisions and actions are motivated by a sense of responsibility, fairness, and empathy.
Empowering female leaders should have the freedom to express their strength in diverse ways—through collaboration, respect, and assertiveness, not through antagonism or dominance.
The One Who Needs Saving
Perhaps the most damaging cliché is the "damsel in distress" trope, where the strong female character is reduced to someone who is constantly in need of rescue by others. This perpetuates the idea that women cannot be strong unless they are rescued or protected by a male character.
While there is a place for characters who experience vulnerability and need support, it's crucial that the female character's worth is not solely tied to her ability to be saved.
To avoid this trope, write female characters who can stand on their own. Allow them to be the ones saving others, or show them overcoming obstacles with their own abilities.
A strong female character can experience setbacks or vulnerabilities without needing to be "rescued." Her strength comes from her agency, her decisions, and her journey.
PLOT STRUCTURE WORKBOOK
