In writing prompts people often ask, “Do you see yourself in your main character?” Sometimes the answer is yes, or the MC is a complete opposite of the author, exhibiting strengths she wished she had, and possessing flaws we hope we are never reckless enough to choose. My answer is different: I see myself in all of my female characters.
While it didn’t start that way, my female characters have developed into unique individuals whose strengths and weaknesses are representative not only of my own, but of all women. Some may say there are no differences between men and women (science disagrees), but I think it goes deeper than simple emotional or physical differences — some traits affect men and women differently and have a different outcome. A man who closes himself off from the world emotionally will have a different result than a woman who does the same.
Another common theme is the cry for a “strong female lead.” What does that even mean? Is she physically strong or does it mean something more? Sometimes you’ll see this term applied to a female lead who is aggressive, or violent, or fearless, but I think it can (and should) be so much more. A strong female lead is a character who is well written, realistic, and relatable.
Below you will find details about the women of my novel, The Speaker of Anglorum (working title). Each character is feminine, healthy, and (I feel) representative of many women who live in our world today.
******** SPOILERS ********
Eirian
She had a decision to make: to step forward into the unknown and risk everything she ever loved, or to allow the erosive tide of destiny to wash over her until she grew numb from the constant battering of its inevitable flow. Complacency was not something she was known for.
- Age: 19
- Kingdom: Thule
- Occupation: the speaker of Thule, her island kingdom. She is in line for the throne and is an expert in the healing arts. Eldest daughter of Maelgwn and Rhiann.
- Strengths: persistence, kindness, gentleness, self-control, desire for truth and clarity.
- Weaknesses: reluctance to speak up for herself, delaying decision making, often too trusting.
Eos
The raven-haired woman was beautiful in every sense of the word, and the tight riding pants she wore accentuated her curves. One each leg was strapped a knife holster, increasing her bold and daring look. Her green eyes and angular nose gave her a shrewd expression, like a falcon sizing up its prey.
- Age: 17
- Kingdom: Thule
- Occupation: Captain of Thule’s fleet of longships. Younger sister of Eirian.
- Strengths: courageous, physical endurance, leadership qualities, decisive.
- Weaknesses: impulsive, blocks others out emotionally, abrasive, often doesn’t consider the ramifications of her words or actions.
Sigrid
The young healer wanted to be certain she was present to welcome her friends home, but particularly Sedrick. She had brushed her auburn hair until it gleamed, and plaited it nicely to one side. She wore her best cloak, the one that brought out the blue in her eyes.
- Age: 17
- Kingdom: Anglorum
- City: Amthwaite
- Occupation: journeyman apprentice to the apothecary, her uncle.
- Strengths: devotion, selflessness, hard-working, humble.
- Weaknesses: lack of confidence in herself, sacrificing too much for others (to her detriment).
Siri
He peered in at the open door of the stable and saw Siri using a long piece of wood as though it were a sword. “I’ll teach you to hurt my friends! You don’t mess with the dragon riders of Amthwaite!” She executed an elegant twirl and a final killing thrust toward her imaginary foe. It would have been marvelous had she not at the last instant noticed her brother at the door. She lost her balance, falling ungracefully in the hay.
- Age: 11
- Kingdom: Anglorum
- City: Amthwaite
- Occupation: child, the only daughter of Aedelweard, younger sister of Sedrick.
- Strengths: optimism, loyalty, always looking for the good in any situation.
- Weaknesses: clumsy, awkward, uncertain
Thank you for reading! While I don’t claim to have all the characteristics of these women (especially the positive traits), I do see a bit of myself in each of them. Women come in all types, and carry their own distinctive beauty, their own set of feminine strengths and weaknesses. I find it encouraging knowing that I am not alone, even in the heroes of a fantasy novel. I hope you will too.
Anglorum 