Why Modern Audiences Reject Shallow Female Leads

Modern audiences are increasingly rejecting shallow, one-dimensional female characters because they lack the complexity and relatability that make stories truly compelling. When female characters are written as perfect, flawless individuals with little internal conflict or room for growth, they fail to resonate with viewers who crave more depth and authenticity in storytelling.

Take Rey from Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker—while she is portrayed as a powerful and capable hero, her journey feels lacking because she doesn’t face significant personal challenges or growth. She seems to effortlessly master her abilities, leaving little room for vulnerability or internal struggle. This creates a character who, despite her strength, lacks the emotional complexity that many audiences find compelling in heroes.

On the other hand, characters like Vi from Arcane and Buffy Summers from Buffy the Vampire Slayer are celebrated because they are flawed, face real struggles, and grow emotionally over time. They make mistakes, experience pain, and are forced to confront their weaknesses, which makes their triumphs feel earned and their personalities more dynamic.

Audiences connect with female characters who are not defined by their perfection but by their growth, challenges, and emotional complexity. Shallow portrayals fall flat because they fail to engage audiences in a meaningful way, making the character’s journey feel unearned or superficial.