- Invitation Status
- Looking for partners
- Posting Speed
- One post per day
- 1-3 posts per week
- One post per week
- Writing Levels
- Intermediate
- Adept
- Advanced
- Preferred Character Gender
- No Preferences
- Genres
- Urban Fantasy, High Fantasy, Epic Quest, Sci-Fi, Time Travel and World Hopping, Steampunk, Action/Adventure, Modern Drama, Mystery, Slice of Life, Romance, and many more.
Quick Disclaimer: this is a guide to help write more feminine/girly characters, that is, characters tho display traits perceived as traditionally feminine. This is a list and explanation of feminine traits. Not "things girls/women do/should do". Gender is a very complex identity, and this is not about writing characters of the female gender. This is about characters you would like to be perceived as feminine.
I'm probably not going to write a 'Masculine/Manly characters' follow-up, for two reasons
1: this guide already outlines a few areas where feminine/masculine traits diverge
2:Springhole has already said everything I could say on the topic!
- Sentiment
Sentimentality is perceived as a feminine quality. Some examples of being sentimental would be: Assigning as much importance to resolving one's feelings about a situation as to resolving the situation itself; hanging onto things that are mentally associated with certain memories, feelings, or other aspects of sentimental value; the need to feel understood and sympathized with instead of only heard, etc. - Appearance
Paying close attention to one's looks, fashion statements, and perceived attractiveness is also considered feminine. Examples of this trait include: Going through a longer daily process to prepare one's appearance, paying attention to colours and styles; keeping up with fashion trends; using extras such as makeup or accessories in getting dressed; altering one's physical appearance in ways such as styling hair, getting piercings, colour contacts, etc. - Intelligence: Acting a bit ditzy can be considered feminine; possibly deriving from the ancient model of masculine parties having an obligation to protect feminine parties, and intelligence being a big part of strength and independence. Some examples of appearing less-than-bright include: using lots of filler words like 'umm' and 'uhh', 'like' and 'kinda' and 'y'know?', and being ignorant on topics perceived as masculine such as construction, mechanics, etc.
- Strength: Physical strength is widely perceived as a masculine quality. Characters who are especially bulky or physically strong are not usually perceived as feminine. Additionally, these traits are commonly seen as attractive in men and unattractive in women
- Sex drive: Sexual aggression or pursuit is considered to be masculine. Femininity is associated with being submissive and timid, as well as a certain aspect of daintiness. An above-average level of eagerness to do the nasty is contrary to these traits.
- Skillsets: Some skills, careers, and actions are assigned as masculine, and some as feminine. In particular, cleaning, cooking, organization, design, artisticness, and other home-maker type skills like hand-washing laundry are considered feminine.
I'm probably not going to write a 'Masculine/Manly characters' follow-up, for two reasons
1: this guide already outlines a few areas where feminine/masculine traits diverge
2:Springhole has already said everything I could say on the topic!
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