Help writing female characters?

Question

I have recently notice that I have problems writing good female characters with real depth, instead of shallow "wife of..." in my stories. While my male characters go from a melancholic office clerk living in a large metropolis from a wild, mad tycoon playboy and a southamerican dictator that convices himself that he is "doing the right thing for the nation". I have problems developing female characters

I think that trying to write a leading female character would be a great excersice I have this idea that is a little clichéd story but I think may help me to write

Any advice would help and will be thanked by advance

Answer 1

Decide on what kinds of personality characteristics you would like your character to have and then work on "hearing" her voice. If you have trouble go into detail and imagine what she might look like etc.

The characters that talk are easier to write and bring more depth to the writing.

And no I'm not crazy - I'm a professional writer!

Good luck

Answer 2

When I write a story I just let the characater talk to me..
I find that if I take the qualities from the characters that are not really gender specific for example a bad temper or exceptionaly brainy and put it towards a female character or male character it usually helps. You could also write your main characters as a male to start with and then try it as a female to see if it works the same way. You could also base characters on traits of people you know as well because their personality is already their and basically you just have to put a face and gender on paper. Hope this helps!

Answer 3

Think of a female screen actor you admire and model the character on what would motivate her, what she would say, wear, her perfume (or lack of), the sound of her voice, her attitude toward the male protagonist.

Answer 4

I think Jack Nicholson's character in 'As Good As It Gets' said it best...

Secretary: How do you write women so well?
Melvin: I think of a man... and then I take away reason and accountability.

Answer 5

Just imagine her as a driven man who is oppressed like a minority with compassion (and business sense) like Mother Teresa.