Common Mistakes of Female Writers While Writing Male Characters

Female Writing Male Characters

Introduction

In the realm of storytelling, writers need to create well-rounded and authentic characters. Writers must whip up characters that are as juicy and real as a ripe peach. When ladies try to write male characters, they can miss the mark. They might accidentally make them into walking stereotypes or completely miss out on what it’s like to be a dude. In this article, we will expose the hilarious blunders that female writers make while writing male characters and give tips on avoiding them. Get ready to create male characters that are so believable, they might just walk off the page!

1. Overemphasis on Stereotypical Masculinity

If you want to create male characters in your stories, make sure you don’t go overboard with the macho-man stuff. We get it, he’s a dude. No need to beat us over the head with it. Just because you can bench press a car and grow a beard in five minutes flat doesn’t mean you’re a well-rounded character. Don’t be a stereotype, be a real man! We will dive into the dangers of exaggerating macho stereotypes and offer tips on crafting male characters that aren’t one-dimensional beefcakes. Get ready to flex those creative muscles!

a. Reinforcing Harmful Gender Norms:

Overemphasizing stereotypical masculinity reinforces harmful gender norms that make men feel inadequate if they can’t grow a beard that rivals Gandalf’s. For women, it’s like we are not feminine enough because we don’t wear pink every day or know how to bake a soufflé. Ah, yes, because nothing says “manly man” like being a stoic robot who never shows any emotion.  Well, if you want to be a real man, you better not show any emotions or vulnerability. That’s the toxic masculinity way! But be warned, it might make you a lonely and unhappy dude. We can’t let the norms win! Let’s give those male characters a chance to break free from their stereotypical chains and show the world what they’re made of!

b. Lack of Emotional Depth

Let’s face it, we all have feelings, even if some of us try to hide them behind a tough exterior. And who cares about gender? Emotions don’t discriminate, they’ll make you cry whether you’re a manly man or a delicate flower. But if we keep insisting on hyper-masculinity, we’ll end up with male characters who are about as emotionally complex as a rock. Or worse, they’ll be as emotionally stunted as a cactus in the desert. Well, if characters are as flat as a pancake, readers might mistake them for breakfast. And if their motivations are as clear as mud, readers might need a snorkel to understand them. If you want your male characters to be more than just cardboard cutouts, let them cry over spilled milk and show their softer side. Trust us, it’ll make them way more interesting. 

c. Neglecting Individuality

If we keep insisting on macho stereotypes, we might miss out on the quirks and peculiarities that make male characters truly interesting. Just like flavors of ice cream, men come in all sorts of varieties – some are double-dutch, some are rocky road, and some are just plain vanilla! Well, if we keep portraying male characters as all the same, we might as well just give them all the same name and call them “Bob.” Don’t be afraid to show off your unique quirks and quirksomeness. Let’s break free from the boring mold society has set for us and show the world what real men are made of!

d. Limiting Relationships and Interactions

When male characters are too busy flexing their muscles and showing off their ruggedness, they might forget to actually interact with each other like normal human beings. It’s like they’re stuck in a never-ending game of “who’s the manliest?” and forget to just chill and have a good time. By expanding the range of bromances and bro-talk, male characters can develop deeper chest bumps, engage in meaningful high-fives, and explore diverse forms of fist bumps and support.

e. Missing Out on Character Growth

If male protagonists are too busy flexing their muscles and chugging protein shakes, they might not have time to actually develop a personality. If you only care about being a tough guy, you might miss out on becoming a butterfly. Giving male characters the chance to cry, question their masculinity, and grow as individuals can make for some seriously juicy storylines that’ll have readers hooked.

If you make your male characters too manly, they’ll end up as one-dimensional caricatures. So unless you want your story to read like a bad action movie, maybe tone down the testosterone a bit. Let’s spice things up and give our male characters some personality by embracing diverse expressions of masculinity. Gotta love diving into those feelings, being your own unique self, and leveling up while giving the middle finger to societal gender norms. If we, writers add a little bit of spice to our stories, we can help break down the walls of traditional masculinity and create tales that appeal to all sorts of folks.

2. Neglecting Emotional Depth

You should give your male characters some feelings. Don’t leave them emotionally high and dry like a desert cactus. Sadly, male characters are frequently depicted as having the emotional range of a teaspoon. Like we, writers forgot to sprinkle some diversity on our male character salad. Come on, let’s give these guys some personality and relatability, shall we? In this article, we will dive into the mishaps of ignoring emotional depth in male characters and explore strategies for creating more complex and believable portrayals. 

a. Limiting Character Development

Even fictional characters need to go through emotional puberty, just like the rest of us. If you forget about these things, your male characters might end up as boring as a houseplant. It is crucial to explore their emotional journeys, allowing readers to connect with their struggles, vulnerabilities, and triumphs.

b. Missed Opportunities for Authenticity

If male characters are emotionally shallow, it’s like serving a burger without the patty – it’s just not satisfying. Fellas, and everyone else too, want characters that can feel their feels. If writers ignore emotions, they might as well be writing about robots instead of real men with all their messy feelings and desires. Come on, give us some drama!

c. Incomplete Relationships and Interactions

It seems like male characters who lack emotional depth not only end up being boring but also suck at making friends. Relatable though. You know what they say, a good story is all about the feels and the drama. It’s all about those juicy interpersonal dynamics that keep us on the edge of our seats. If writers don’t dig deep into their characters’ emotions, they’ll end up with shallow relationships. 

Neglecting emotional depth in male characters is a common pitfall that can result in unrealistic portrayals and missed opportunities for compelling storytelling. Take the chance to make your readers feel all the emotions! By acknowledging that men have feelings too (shocking, I know), writers can make their male characters less one-dimensional and more relatable. If you want your writing to be a hit with everyone, even aliens from outer space, then make sure it’s inclusive and emotionally resonant. That way, you’ll have a diverse audience of humans and extraterrestrials alike, all engaged and inspired by your words.

3. Lack of Vulnerability and Sensitivity

Ladies, let’s not forget to add a touch of vulnerability and sensitivity to our male characters.  Avoiding the lack of vulnerability and sensitivity in male characters is crucial for creating authentic and meaningful portrayals. By telling toxic masculinity to take a hike, giving emotional growth a chance to blossom, and encouraging relatability and genuine connections, writers can create male characters that break the mold and really hit home with readers.  Embracing vulnerability and sensitivity in male characters contributes to more inclusive storytelling, dismantles harmful gender norms, and promotes healthier and more empathetic understandings of masculinity.

4. Limited Range of Interests and Hobbies

When crafting male characters in storytelling, it is essential to avoid the pitfall of limiting their range of interests and hobbies. Give him some hobbies and interests beyond just lifting weights and watching sports. Yes, because we all know that men are only good for grunting and flexing their muscles. Who needs depth and authenticity when you can have bulging biceps? hehehe 

a. Reinforcing Gender Stereotypes

Here we go again with the tired old trope of only allowing male characters to like sports and cars. Can we please give them some more diverse hobbies before they start growing chest hair and grunting like cavemen? Limiting the range of interests and hobbies of male characters reinforces gender stereotypes and reinforces the notion that certain activities are exclusively masculine. Let’s give these guys a chance to show off their sensitive side with some poetry or a little classical music. Who knows, maybe they’ll even start wearing pink (or not)! Breaking away from these stereotypes allows for more authentic and inclusive portrayals.

b. Overlooking Individuality and Diversity

By limiting the range of interests and hobbies, writers overlook the individuality and diversity of male characters. How about we give them some credit and let them have a wider range of interests? Just like women, men have a vast array of obsessions and hobbies. If we keep portraying male characters as either sports-obsessed or video game addicts, we’ll end up with more one-dimensional characters than stick figures. Let’s give our male characters a chance to show off their talents and hobbies. Who says they can’t be into both sports and knitting? Embrace the opportunity to showcase the unique and varied interests of male characters, allowing them to be multi-faceted and relatable.

c. Missed Opportunities for Character Development

Well, if male characters only know how to do one thing, they’ll be pretty boring.  Interests and hobbies shape individuals, influencing their perspectives, skills, and personal growth. By forcing their male characters to do more than just sit on the couch and watch sports, writers can create some seriously entertaining character development. Plus, who doesn’t love a little complexity in their men? Hey guys, don’t be afraid to try new things! Who knows, maybe journaling or underwater basket weaving could be your new favorite hobby. Embrace your inner Renaissance man and let your diverse interests shine!

d. Lack of Representation and Audience Engagement

By limiting male characters’ interests and hobbies, writers risk excluding readers who may share those interests or hobbies. If you want your readers to stick around, you gotta give ’em some relatable characters to root for. Make ’em say, “Wow, I wish I could be as cool as that fictional person!” If writers stick to the same old boring hobbies and interests, they’ll only attract a narrow audience of people who like the same old boring things. But if they mix it up and throw in some unexpected hobbies, they’ll attract a wider audience of adventurous readers who are looking for something new and exciting. Plus, readers will feel a deeper connection to characters who share their weird and wonderful interests.

e. Encouraging Gender Equality and Breaking Stereotypes

Who says guys can’t knit or enjoy a good rom-com? Expanding the range of interests and hobbies of male characters contributes to promoting gender equality and breaking stereotypes. By challenging the notion that certain activities are exclusively masculine, writers help break down barriers and create a more inclusive society. If we keep portraying male characters as just macho men who only enjoy women and cars, we’ll end up with a generation of dudes who think crocheting and baking are only for girls. Let’s mix it up and show them doing all sorts of things, like painting their nails and watching rom-com. Who knows, maybe they’ll even start questioning why society puts such strict limits on what men can and can’t do.

Avoiding the limited range of interests and hobbies in male characters is crucial for creating authentic and engaging portrayals. Who needs one-dimensional portrayals of masculinity when you can have a whole spectrum of fabulousness? Let’s challenge those gender stereotypes, embrace our quirks and differences, and give our characters room to grow and evolve. It’s time to break free from the boring old mold and let our creativity run wild! Hey, let’s give our male characters some hobbies other than just lifting weights and fucking all the girls! It’ll make our stories more fun, attract more readers, and show that guys can do more than just grunt and flex.

5. Ignoring the Influence of Social Constructs

When creating male characters in your story, don’t forget that they’re not just mindless robots programmed by society’s expectations. Unless, of course, you’re writing a sci-fi novel about mindless robots programmed by society’s expectations. In that case, carry on.

Yes, society loves to put people in little boxes based on their gender. It’s like we’re all just playing a big game of “follow the gender rules” and nobody knows who made them up in the first place. If you don’t give your male characters some social construct love, they might end up as bland as unseasoned tofu.

Plus, you’ll miss out on the chance to add some juicy layers to your story. Don’t be a lazy writer, spice things up! In this section, we will delve into the pitfalls of ignoring the influence of social constructs on male characters and provide guidance on creating more authentic and thought-provoking portrayals.

a. Lack of Contextual Understanding

Social constructs play a significant role in shaping individuals’ lives, including male characters. They’re like puppet masters pulling the strings of our lives. Ignoring these constructs means missing out on the contextual understanding necessary to create well-rounded and believable male characters. Ladies, let’s not forget about the societal expectations, pressures, and challenges that come with being a man. This understanding adds depth to their experiences and allows for more nuanced storytelling.

b. Unrealistic Portrayals

By ignoring the influence of social constructs, male characters may be portrayed in ways that do not align with real-world experiences. Society loves to put men in a little box labeled “tough guy” and throw away the key. If you don’t mess with these expectations, you’ll end up with a character as flat as a flat tire. To create more authentic characters, you gotta dive into the mess of social constructs.

c. Missed Opportunities for Commentary and Critique

Social constructs provide a rich backdrop for storytelling, offering opportunities for commentary and critique. You can poke fun, make a statement, or just plain roast them.  Ignoring these constructs means missing out on the chance to explore and challenge gender norms, toxic masculinity, and other societal issues. Who says guys can’t be deep? Male characters can totally be used to explore societal norms and get us all talking about gender equality. Plus, it’s a great excuse to have some eye candy on screen.

d. Undermining Character Agency

Social constructs influence individuals’ choices, aspirations, and relationships. Ignoring the impact on male characters? That’s like ignoring the impact of coffee on Monday mornings. Male characters can totally struggle with their own expectations and societal norms, and come out the other side as better men. It’s not just a chick thing, you know.  By acknowledging and addressing social constructs, writers can create narratives that empower male characters to navigate and challenge the limitations imposed upon them.

e. Fostering Empathy and Understanding

Exploring the influence of social constructs on male characters can foster empathy and understanding among readers. By showing characters who are constantly battling with the expectations of society, readers can gain a better understanding of just how messed up the world really is. If we can get writers to talk more about social constructs, we might just be able to trick people into being nicer to each other.

Ignoring the influence of social constructs on male characters is a pitfall that undermines the authenticity and depth of storytelling. By recognizing and exploring these constructs, writers can create more realistic and relatable male characters. It’s like giving your characters a GPS to navigate through the maze of societal norms and expectations. And who doesn’t love a good challenge? Let’s see those stereotypes get put in their place! By doing so, writers can engage readers in thought-provoking narratives that shed light on the impact of social constructs and promote a more nuanced understanding of gender and identity.

Conclusion

While female writers possess the ability to create compelling and nuanced male characters, there are common mistakes that can hinder their portrayal. Recognizing and avoiding these pitfalls is essential for crafting authentic and well-rounded male characters. Some of the common mistakes include:

a. Overemphasis on stereotypical masculinity

Female writers sometimes fall into the trap of relying too heavily on traditional stereotypes of masculinity, resulting in one-dimensional characters. Breaking away from these stereotypes allows for more diverse and realistic portrayals.

b. Neglecting emotional depth

Male characters should not be devoid of emotions or emotional depth. Neglecting this aspect can lead to characters that feel distant and unrelatable. Exploring the emotional journeys and vulnerabilities of male characters enhances their authenticity and resonates with readers.

c. Lack of vulnerability and sensitivity

Male characters should be allowed to express vulnerability and sensitivity. Neglecting these traits perpetuates toxic masculinity and limits the potential for character growth and authentic relationships.

d. Limited range of interests and hobbies

Male characters should have a diverse range of interests and hobbies, beyond what is traditionally considered masculine. Limiting their pursuits restricts their individuality and hinders relatability.

e. Ignoring the influence of social constructs

Social constructs play a significant role in shaping male characters’ experiences. Ignoring their influence can result in unrealistic portrayals and missed opportunities for deeper storytelling and social commentary.

By recognizing these common mistakes and actively avoiding them, female writers can create male characters that are so awesome, even guys will want to be them. And who needs stereotypes when you can have multi-dimensional characters that are relatable AF? If you want to write about dudes, you gotta show ’em some love, break the rules, and make everyone feel welcome in your tales. It’s like a recipe for a killer story! By using their magical powers of wordsmithery, lady writers can sprinkle some much-needed spice onto the bland and one-dimensional male characters that litter our books. Let’s give those dudes some depth, ladies!

Are you a male writing female characters? Check this article.

Common Mistakes of Men Writers When Writing Female Characters