Heroine to the Rescue
Today, we're going to take a page out of Frankenstein and craft the perfect romance heroine.
That's easy. If your a female author, make her like you because YOU ARE AWESOME.
So I want to focus on what could trip you up if your character isn't like you so that she doesn't venture into the realm of the unlikable heroine.
In the realm of romance writing, an "unlikable" heroine doesn't mean a poorly written character. Instead, it could be a character with traits that traditionally might not endear her to readers. However, these traits, when executed well, can provide depth and create a more complex, realistic protagonist.
But there's a fine line, and sometimes, certain characteristics might truly alienate readers. Let's discuss some common characteristics often associated with unlikable romance heroines:
1. Self-Centeredness : An excessive focus on herself without consideration for others can be off-putting. This includes being oblivious to the feelings or needs of those around her, especially the hero.
2. Constant Pessimism : While it's realistic for characters to have moments of doubt or negativity, a heroine who is persistently pessimistic without growth or reason can be challenging for readers to root for.
3. Lack of Growth : A static character who doesn't learn, evolve, or grow, especially after making mistakes, can be frustrating to follow.
4. Overly Jealous or Possessive : While a touch of jealousy can add drama, an overly possessive or jealous heroine can come off as immature or untrusting.
5. TSTL (Too Stupid To Live) : This term is used in the romance community for characters who repeatedly make foolish decisions, especially ones that put them in unnecessary danger, without a believable reason.
6. Inconsistency : If a heroine's behavior or beliefs fluctuate without explanation, it can confuse and alienate readers. For example, if she's established as independent but suddenly becomes overly reliant without cause, it can feel jarring.
7. Relentless Victim Mentality : While it's okay for a character to face hardships, a constant "woe is me" attitude without taking action can be wearying.
8. Lack of Authenticity : A heroine who constantly pretends to be someone she's not, without it being a purposeful plot point, can be hard to connect with.
9. Unjustified Cruelty : Cruel actions or words towards others, especially without remorse or reason, can make a heroine unpalatable.
10. Lack of Agency : A heroine who lets others consistently make decisions for her or doesn't stand up for herself when it's out of character can be seen as weak or frustrating.
Sometimes, writers intentionally craft complex, flawed heroines to challenge traditional norms or to set up a growth arc. The key is ensuring that there's depth, rationale, and development behind these traits. Readers might be willing to stick with a difficult or challenging heroine if they can see her potential for growth or if they can understand the reasons behind her behavior.