Screenwriting : Creating Compelling female characters by Phillip E. Hardy, Prolifique

When it comes to demographics in story, the biggest question I ask myself is, "does their demographic help push the story along?" If it's not important, then I often write them without being set on any particular demographic in particular. Gender, by definition, is psychological not biological, so male characters can be more feminine and female characters can be more masculine. As for your picture of Ripley, I like her character most because she exhibits both masculine and feminine traits - a blend and balance of both and thus is truly ambiguous.

If the character's demographic plays a vital role in pushing the story forward, then I pull from my own personal experiences as well as those that I'm close to for inspiration. If I don't know anyone close to an event that's existed I'm writing about, then research, research, research. There's been a growing misconception that if you are NOT a particular demographic (sex, race, gender, etc), then you can NOT truly write from that perspective. That type of thinking is rooted in the belief that empathy or even sympathy cannot exist - that unless we are the other person we will never understand to any extent, which just isn't true at all. It's a horrible scapegoat that goes around. Even taking it a step further, how do you write for an alien, animals, extinct cultures, etc - things that we are not?? You most definitely can.

So, my elongated response to your question, just write a character - male or female - and just go with it and explore. Have people read your story and if they get it, then bravo! If not, then your problem may be more story-based than it is character. If taking an interaction or character out does not change the story, then you don't need them.

Erik: Heh-heh!

Last time there was a question like this, the topic became somewhat controversial, because it became an issue of "is there a difference between the way men and women think?" Some of the writers here felt like there were no differences at all. Some felt otherwise. Science has proven - over and over again - that the male brain is different than the female brain, and that there are some differences in some of the traits and characteristics of males and females, and in some of the ways that some men and womens' brains handle certain things. You folks can look up the differences if you'd like, and act accordingly. Or maybe some of you folks already know that, and are acting accordingly. Or maybe you ignore those areas in your characters and in your stories all together.

My process is this: I don't try to write female characters, or trans characters. My female writing partner writes female characters. We both can certainly contribute to the opposite sex's dialogues and actions in our story, but I wouldn't attempt to craft and write a story that has people of the opposite sex in it without a person of the opposite sex writing with me. I would never be able to reflect, portray and convey a woman as well as a woman, so why would I settle for anything less than the best of the best of the best? My thinking applies to transgender people as well. Some writers may be wise and crafty enough to perform those endeavors, but I'm not, and I prefer the company and expertise of people who know and live those differences instead of me thinking that I do. Because I don't. And it's too much for me to try and learn it, and then think I do. I still won't. I'm not that smart, and my brain won't retain it. For those who can, that's awesome for you.

My partner and I don't write "wooden" or "hollow" characters, either - nor do we write "gender-less" characters - and more power to you all who do. We don't exactly like wooden, hollow, or gender-less characters. I also don't like when I'm reading some guy's story...and the female characters pretty much sound like a bunch of guys. Well, actually...that's pretty good to me, and especially when that person's script is competing against the script of my partner and myself. "Yeah..thanks, dude...keep your script as-is...it's perfect...your story line moves....your characters are realistic....great climax....who are you pitching it to?" Heh-heh.

And I'm not saying anyone's way is the wrong way with regards to this, and especially if you feel differently than I do - I'm just expressing my views based on my life's experience, the knowledge that I've gained, the limitations that I have, and the types of stories that we write. I know that we all share some universal traits. I also know that women can be "bad-asses" like Ripley, and men can have left-brain sensibilities, and trans people can have both, too. I'd just rather make sure I nail it the best ways that I can, and as efficiently as I can - and that involves writing with someone who is not 100% like me. Like many of the professionals do, and the people who staff TV/cable/new media shows do.

Best wishes to you and your loved ones, and best fortunes to you all.

The answer to your first question: Write the character specifically for a known female leading actor who fits the role.

Read romance novels--I'm not kidding. Contrary to popular belief, the female protagonists in these novels are usually quite strong women. I do believe it is easier for women to write strong male characters than for men to write strong female characters because of the maternal instinct many women have.

Also, if you have a daughter(s) or other close female relatives in the younger generations, think about what kind of woman you would like each of them to become in the same set of circumstances as your story.

I am a compelling female character, so it comes easy for me. :) For men? Personally I get annoyed when men try and write women as the protagonist. Most men don't know how women think in real life, so I'd rather they just stay in their lane and get a co-writer or female influence to help. If you don't get help- base the character off of someone you know- and know well. Did you have a crazy aunt? An alcoholic mother? A comforting teacher...? What would they say or do in that situation? If you don't know- ask them. Yes- every woman's completely different- but we "usually" are still not "like" men. So, does that mean women shouldn't write men? Maybe- it depends on how well you read people. Most women can dissect a man's personality- and have done this their whole life. Men tend to not even try to figure women out.

The thread question: What is your process for writing compelling female characters? My answer: I use the same process for any character I write. If you can write compelling characters than you can write compelling characters no matter the gender. Best to think of each character as an individual human being and more than just representations of gender. ;)

Erik: oh stop your sneaky self-serving attempts at gaining undeserved (but admirable, you scoundrel) sympathy, and just admit it: you're in it for the pain and suffering.

About my writing process... if there is some aspect or something about a character that I think/feel I'm struggling with or is not resonating then I dive into research and/or find someone to ask. And that person may or may not match the character's gender that I'm needing help with or advice to develop. Because, frankly, I have read female characters written by women that I thought were horrible. The same goes for men, there are some really bad male characters written by men too. Lol! And the same vice versa, men writing not-so-great female characters, women writing not-so-great male characters. So, again, I think it all boils down to good versus bad writing, an ability or inability to listen, and a willingness or unwillingness to keep an open mind no matter who you are. ;)

Lastly, my two cents... I do, however, think/feel that the more personal life experience you share with a character the better that experience informs that character and story. My interest as an audience member is further piqued when the creators/writers of any project are writing from their own perspective. Whatever it may be. ;)

First I the movies I create have to pass the Bechdel test: 1. The movie has to have at least two women in it,

2. who talk to each other,

3. about something besides a man ...

For the rest, go with your instinct, because we all have a feminine and masculine side to us and tapping into it while writing characters is the best way to stay authentic to the gender :)

Personally speaking, I think the Bechdel test is rather dated, lacks substance, and is easily sidestepped—two female characters could just talk about the weather and pass. But, hey... it's certainly a good place to start. ;)

I always liked this article when it came out last year regarding the Bechdel Test.

https://www.theverge.com/2017/12/22/16807424/alternatives-bechdel-test-b...

And kudos once again to Geena Davis, too.

https://seejane.org/

Erik: just speaking for myself here....every woman I've ever dated/been in love with/interacted with has this uncanny ability to be like seven steps ahead of me. I think that benefits me the most, though, since it's allowed to me focus on my time-traveling abilities, which help to keep things even between us.

These are some great questions and hopefully through the comments the answers birth out:

When writing a female you have to do the same thing that you would do when writing a male... Research. You don't want to just research what it is to be a woman or male for that matter. Maybe research what it is to be human then go down the track of the woman then find the woman you want to develop and have her back story drive her reactions, emotions, look, weaknesses and strengths. Children, miscarriages, sex no sex how does she feel about whatever.

Gender doesn't make a compelling story. How the gender reacts to the situation is what makes it compelling and real.

In short... Research being human and then go towards being female and have situational awareness for the character.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this post are those of the screenwriter of "As Good As It Gets" and do not reflect the position of the poster. :)

Receptionist: How do you write women so well?

Melvin Udall: I think of a man, and I take away reason and accountability.

Just watch out for clichés.

I'm on record for when women take over.

Tony and Bill: Tsk ... tsk ... tsk. No disclaimers needed.

Just watch yourself for clichés. It's so painful when you catch yourself writing something cliché. Just gotta grimace and chastize yourself and spin it in a fun new way that breaks the mold.

Are you kidding? An Academy Award winning song from 1950 is now the sexual predator's anthem.

Phillip, I find this argument, or should I say "discussion" incredibly pointless. "How do I write compelling female characters?" Remove the word 'female' and the question remains the same. This idea that gender makes things more challenging is a joke. Point of order, and since you used her as your icon for this post. A'hem! 'The TV Set' '07 written and directed by Jake Kasdan features Sigourney Weaver as a ballsy network exec. The character was written for a man, and they auditioned many males for the role. Sigourney Weaver read for the part. Not only DIDN'T they change the character's name they DIDN'T change one word of dialogue. Let's move on to real matters of character and leave gender where it belongs. It's ALL character.

Write on!

People watch and eavesdrop in public places. Once I had my laptop in a hospital surgery waiting room. What a well of personalities and accents. (I live in the South) . I suddenly just started typing as fast as I could the conversations going on around me. Grabbing the best phrases. I probably appeared to be writing a very long report as I never looked up.

Insight into a an overprotective teen mom. The fears of an old farmer if'n his wife couldn't help with chores or gardening no mo. Two blue blood biddys arguing about their nephew's new "bar fly" girlfriend, whom they just knew, -"knew that our boy had a bad heart (I gathered 'their boy' was in in his 60's) and was using him for that cruise to Europe. After which she was sure to dump him. So they were glad he had his heart attack before the cruise.

Woody Allen and James Cameron - two brilliant, very different, male writers who write female characters extraordinarily well. I wonder if they grew up in largely female households? I did. I know that informs my writing of women. But, like anything, if you're unfamiliar with writing them - study, practice, repeat.

Not beng a woman isn't an issue. As sensitive capable observers - which I think is the key quality/talent in every creative writer - you feel the soul of people. Just like in daily life we know what womanhood is - at least the sensitive ones among us who have observation - know and that is how we see them as different from us, similarly in writing we can put ourselves in their shoes in our creative imagination. I am sure there is a man in every woman and a woman in every man (no pun intended). And we just tap into that second gender in us to bring its character to life in words.

Just write the women you know. I had a kick ass motorcycle riding Mom, a beauty queen aunt, a great aunt who got on a boat, went 1300 miles away for an education in 1920, a friend who sold fruits in the market and could kick my ass. Use the women you know as inspiration.

Guys, yikes... sorry, but there are perspective and life experience differences between the genders, clearly, seeing and experiencing the world through the lens of a woman or through the lens of a man. And how the world responds to each one of us and our differences. But that's a different discussion. Lol! Not sure what that has to do with the writing process? ;)

Just to add... I would never claim to know what it is to experience the world as a man. But I certainly can share similar feelings and experiences as a fellow human being. That's what I try to tap into, anyway, when writing male characters—or any character, really. I think where there's often a struggle is with masking inauthenticity in character creation—it can easily be detected. And I think any void or any lacking authenticity on paper is often filled by incredible actors; they bring their perspective to a character, imbue their experience and sensibilities. So what many here are saying are great examples of compelling characters, well, we also have great performances that are contributing to that assessment. ;)

I'm a nerd and my characters reflect the story and vice-versa. Not always that simple but my characters have traits. I try not to be a bigot. Hopefully female writers and readers give input.

Read some Henry James novels. Especially On the Wings of a Dove or the Golden Bowl. He writes women's characters better than some women.

I don't think the gender changes the role or position of the character in the story at large but emotions do. I have written more than one strong female character and realized a woman handles the danger the same way a man would. One could tailor a story that could benefit that particular gender but it would feel forced. Bias on the part of the gender wanting to be that character. If there is a Batman, why can't there be a Batwoman? It's all a question of what's best for the story and audience. To put the gender above that... I think the audience can tell.

Hope that helped.

I think you just need to write for that character. their personality traits. I don't think much about gender in the equation. I think it is not real.