Relatability and Vulnerability: Keys to Writing Great Female Protagonists

Great female protagonists are not defined solely by their abilities or roles but by their relatability and vulnerability. Audiences connect with characters who face obstacles, experience flaws, and wrestle with their weaknesses. The key is not just showing a heroine overcoming her struggles, but allowing her to be imperfect and human. Relatable female characters often reflect the same doubts, fears, and growth that real people experience, which makes their journeys so impactful.

Take The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, where Midge Maisel starts as a perfect housewife but undergoes a transformation that highlights her vulnerabilities—her uncertainty as a comedian, her struggles balancing her family and career, and her emotional conflicts. Midge’s imperfections make her feel real to audiences, and her journey is all the more rewarding for it.

Similarly, Fleabag’s titular character, while flawed, is a beautifully complex portrayal of vulnerability. Her emotional honesty and unfiltered struggles draw viewers in because they see a reflection of their own imperfections and vulnerabilities. Vulnerability in female protagonists allows for deeper emotional engagement, as audiences root for characters who are not just strong, but human.