Part two of of Creating a Heroic Heroine.
Yesterday, we talked about how every heroine needs to have a goal – something tangible and specific that they are shooting for in the story. A goal is your target, and give you a place to aim for in the story.
But, of course, we can’t let her get there, at least not without a struggle. Which means our heroine also needs a FLAW.
We know women aren’t perfect. But we try, oh, we try. And the key to a great flaw is something that can be overcome – with the help of a good hero. It doesn’t have to be a huge flaw, maybe it’s a tendency to run away from her problems, or better, a tendency to push men out of her life. As she gets to know the hero, he can help her overcome these flaws and grow stronger.
See, a good heroine flaw is based on a heroine’s perceived FEAR. If a woman is afraid of failure in the workplace, she might become driven, impatient, even exacting. If she is afraid of being alone at night, she might become clingy. There is a reason behind a woman’s flaws, and it’s usually a fear.
Which is why Flaws and Fears go together. It can be based on something in the past that happened to them, or it could be something they’ve seen from others, or read, or simply believe about themselves. But women have a great capacity to dream up fears and then let them rule their lives. Yes, they need to be realistic, but reading about a child abduction in the paper is enough to make a woman lock her child in the house until he’s eighteen.
A great romance has the hero figuring out the woman’s fear – maybe prying it out of her, maybe just knowing her enough to realize the truth. And as he figures it out, he begins to address it. To make her feel safe, or even try and overcome that fear. See, women also want to be protected, even if they don’t admit it. So, as your hero becomes more heroic, the woman will release her fears.
And overcome her flaws.
As you’re creating your heroine, ask: What is your biggest flaw. Then ask: Why? What fear drives this flaw?
It’s this fear that will create sympathy in your reader and perhaps even make her see herself in your heroine. What are your heroine’s flaws…and fears? Go to www.mybooktherapy.ning.com to join in on the discussion. Need help? We’re here for that too! Every Voice Counts!
And – are you interested in a crash course in learning how to write Bestselling Fiction? Join top Literary Agent Chip MacGregor and Best-selling, RITA Award-winning author Susan May Warren for a weekend of crafting your novel. Our next seminar is in Atlanta in a couple weeks! Check out the details at: http://www.themasterseminars.com/
Susie May