They don't understand context or appropriateness. Elizabeth pointed out that 'it was his turn to say something' after she remarked about the dance. To celebrate the strong – but also the not-so-strong, the complex and vivid – women in fiction, this week we’re talking about 7 great females characters and what they can teach you about better character writing. )Also, you're very right in that just because you're having issues socializing does NOT mean you're inept at everything. Great comment! Speaking from experience, sometimes it takes two or three or ten conversations before I realize who is likely to be a close friend and who is more likely to be an acquaintance. We can reach back to the classics for one of the novel’s earliest strong female characters. I've never thought about writing a socially awkward character, which is odd because I know several socially-awkward people (autistic and not).I'm not sure Mr Darcy is socially awkward though. The feeling is distressing! People who are not socially awkward don't bother themselves to overanalyze situations nor do they find the need to retrospect for socializing comes naturally for them, and most of the time favorable to their side. I've never written a socially awkward character before, but now I want to try adding one. For these women, these roles actually turn out to be the most effective ways for them to remain strong and bear up under the suffering they endure. I'd also like to add that socially awkward characters may have trouble making friends, not just making small talk. 2. As someone who's naturally socially awkward (but it's because I'm on the spectrum, and so much of what my neurotransmitters believe about emotions/culture/social cues, others don't agree with), I completely agree that far too many socially awkward characters are seen as "the comic relief" or that they have "a problem." YES to your point about socially awkward people always being portrayed as nerdy. Go you! They are awful at small talk and thus plan out conversations ahead of time, but then get confused when the other party doesn't follow the script. *gives them awkward side-hug because not everybody likes to be touched* And can I just say, thank you for including #3. Lauren’s character arc from a teenage girl to the leader of a new society demonstrates that there are no character arcs or paths of development that need to be reserved exclusively for male or female characters. Writing strong female characters is a matter of understanding that these characters should have weaknesses as well as strengths. In fact, many of your characters probably have more than one. This begins with her rebellion against her cruel relatives, continues in her care for her fellow students in the abusive boarding school and culminates in her rejection of Mr. Rochester. Other strong female characters also find a way to thrive in gender-regulated societies: Isabel Allende’s generations of vibrant women. *sheepish grin* *runs off to take a Social Awkwardness levels quiz* Well. And even now I don't always notice when people are upset or snippy. Jane Eyre survives an abusive childhood, first in the home of the family charged with caring for her and later at a boarding school, only to find herself working for a man who has his own complex and disturbing relationship to women [no spoilers here]. Clara Trueba is the matriarach of the tale, but her daughter Blanca and granddaughter Alba are just as strong. She also tends to read a situation well, but no one else around her does and so she thinks she's wrong all the time.Great post, as always! I love all of your posts, and this is extremely accurate! The movie never apologizes for his social awkwardness. I cannot catch their tone of conversation, or appear interested, as I often see done. Katniss possesses many characteristics that are thought of as traditionally male, and to some degree, she was criticised for characteristics that would be much less likely to be singled out if male characters had them. Required fields are marked *, ‘I can’t start my book’: You can in 7 simple steps, 7 ‘strong’ women: writing better female characters, Development of characters: 6 intriguing ways we change, Character tropes: 5 tips to avoid stock types, Character development: 9 tips for convincing arcs. I love that point about making friends! Thanks for the great post. Therefore, we get a fascinating look at character development from two different angles. It’s always good to remember that you can write the world you want, not merely the world you have. To enable Verizon Media and our partners to process your personal data select 'I agree', or select 'Manage settings' for more information and to manage your choices. BuzzFeed says I'm "Moderately Socially Awkward." Sir William could not have interrupted any two people in the room who had less to say for themselves. A policewoman, she exhibits courage and intelligence, but the challenges she faces in The Likeness uncover unexpected vulnerabilities. We and our partners will store and/or access information on your device through the use of cookies and similar technologies, to display personalised ads and content, for ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. It was also impressed upon Elizabeth when they were dancing at the ball, that the dance might end without any proper conversation. It's a favorite of mine. I just assume everyone's happy. Cassie is well-developed as well. =D. Mr. Darcy *screams internally* I believe is socially awkward. I'm one of those "don't like to be touched" people, so I appreciate the consideration. Personally I really like Professor McGonagall from the Harry Potter series as a character. One must speak a little, you know. Cassie is the best friend and colleague of homicide detective Rob Ryan, but the novel is written from Rob’s point of view. Hermione is probably the smartest pupil in Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and she’s also loyal and brave. Even when the person is clearly wrong. When developing your own strong female character, there is no reason she cannot command an army or rise to a high position of influence just as a male character might. It's frustrating how in a lot of books, people make friends right away, but that's not always how it works. Then, she meets the guy and realizes that she “has” to change. Hiccup and Lilo are both some of my favorite characters in their movies. :). That's Mr. Darcy there overanalyzing everything, giving himself an evaluation for his deficit, and even reflected that he should've judged 'better' when Elizabeth pointed out of his not bothering to seek any introduction with the any of the ladies in the ballroom.