Modern heroines often fall into one of two extremes: they are either portrayed as deeply flawed to the point of being unrelatable, or they are perfectly capable and flawless to the point of being boring. Both extremes present challenges for writers who want to create well-rounded, relatable female protagonists. Take Rita Vrataski from Edge of […]

Forced narratives, especially those that prioritize political or social agendas over compelling storytelling, can alienate audiences by making them feel as though they’re being preached to rather than entertained. While diversity, inclusion, and representation are essential in modern storytelling, when these elements are shoehorned into a story with little regard for character development or plot,

A major issue with contemporary storytelling is the tendency to elevate protagonists without allowing them the opportunity to grow. This can be seen in characters who seem perfect from the start or who achieve their goals with little to no personal evolution. When a protagonist is placed in a story where they already possess everything

In recent years, Disney has made significant strides in changing how it portrays female leads, but these shifts come with both positive and questionable elements. The company’s transition from traditional princess stories to more complex female protagonists reflects a cultural desire for diverse, empowered women on screen. Characters like Moana and Raya break away from

Adversity is a key element in shaping heroes, providing the challenges that allow characters to grow, learn, and ultimately succeed. Without adversity, heroes would lack the necessary experiences to develop emotional depth or resilience. It is through struggle that heroes reveal their true character, and their triumphs feel earned rather than handed to them. Take

What makes a protagonist truly resonate with an audience is their relatability. Whether it’s a hobbit from Middle-earth or a young archer from Brooklyn, protagonists who reflect real struggles, vulnerabilities, and growth make for the most compelling characters. Frodo Baggins in The Lord of the Rings is a prime example of a relatable hero. Despite

When creating strong female characters, the key is to strike the right balance between strength and vulnerability, independence and reliance on others. Too often, female characters are written either as overpowered heroes with no emotional depth or as constantly struggling figures in need of rescue. A well-rounded female protagonist is one who has depth—someone who

In modern cinema, the desire for more diverse and strong female characters is often clouded by the danger of pandering—creating characters who feel artificial or tokenized. Pandering happens when diversity and empowerment are shoehorned into a story without authentic development, making the character’s existence feel more about fulfilling quotas than offering genuine representation. Take, for

One of the most compelling ways to write strong female characters is by allowing them to overcome their flaws. Perfect characters with no internal struggles can often feel one-dimensional and unrelatable. When female protagonists are given real flaws—whether it’s insecurity, anger, or self-doubt—it humanizes them and makes their growth more satisfying to audiences. Take Elsa

One of the most powerful themes in hero stories is the importance of collective effort. While individual heroes often capture the spotlight, their true strength often lies in their relationships with others and the support they receive along the way. The idea that a hero doesn’t triumph alone adds depth to the narrative, making the