Why Female Characters Deserve Better: Crafting Real Women in Storytelling
Dive into a fresh perspective on storytelling that celebrates classic archetypes while embracing creativity. Join us as we craft narratives that inspire, challenge, and unite.
In today’s media landscape, there’s been a long-overdue push to highlight strong, capable female characters in stories across film, TV, and animation. On the surface, this seems like an awesome shift, but it’s clear that the execution usually misses the mark. Instead of creating authentic, multidimensional female characters, many stories deliver heroines who feel flat, invulnerable, and, quite honestly, unrealistic. Female audiences are noticing, and they’re frustrated.
At Soaring Song Studios, we’re listening.
The Problem with the “Perfect” Heroine
For some reason, many modern female characters lack the depth, growth, and relatability that make for compelling storytelling. Audiences are presented with heroines who are flawless from the start. They barely struggle, they don’t learn, and they don’t fail. These characters are often labeled as “Mary Sues,” a term used to describe characters who lack challenges or weaknesses. The result? Stories that feel hollow and disrespectful to the very women they’re supposed to inspire.
Female viewers want to see heroines who are real—characters who face obstacles, make mistakes, and grow through their experiences. They want stories that acknowledge the depth of femininity, not ones that dismiss it in favor of an exaggerated, one-dimensional form of strength.
The Misunderstanding of Strength
One of the most common mistakes in storytelling is equating strength with masculinity. Far too often, female characters are stripped of their femininity to be portrayed as “strong.” They reject or suppress natural traits like empathy, vulnerability, or nurturing instincts, as though these qualities are weaknesses.
But here’s the truth: being feminine is not the opposite of being strong. Femininity itself is a form of strength. Female characters don’t have to act like men to be heroic. I think some of us might need to re-read that last sentence. Embracing the unique female qualities can lead to richer, more compelling stories.
Consider this: some of the most powerful heroines in history and literature are memorable because they balance their vulnerability and courage. Think of the women who endure great challenges, not by rejecting their femininity, but by leaning into it as a source of power and identity.
What Female Audiences Want
Female audiences are tired of being underserved. They want characters who:
- Have Depth: Women want to see female characters who feel like real people—imperfect, complicated, and human.
- Face Challenges: Growth is born from struggle. Watching a character overcome obstacles makes their victories meaningful and relatable.
- Embrace Femininity: Strength can come from traits like compassion, collaboration, and resilience, not just brute force or stoicism.
- Make Mistakes: Perfect characters are boring. Women want to see heroines who stumble, learn, and ultimately become stronger for it.
When these elements come together, the result is a character arc that feels authentic and inspiring. Female viewers can connect with these stories, not just because they feature women, but because they feature real women.
The Path Forward: How Soaring Song Studios is Tackling the Issue
At Soaring Song Studios, we’re committed to doing better. We believe that female characters deserve the same care, complexity, and attention as their male counterparts. Here’s how we’re making that happen:
- Realistic Growth: Our female characters will face real challenges that test their limits and shape who they become. They will grow, learn, and transform in ways that are compelling and meaningful.
- Authentic Representation: We will create characters who celebrate the diversity of femininity. From warriors to artists, leaders to nurturers, our heroines will reflect the richness of the female experience.
- Balancing Strength and Vulnerability: Our stories will showcase the full spectrum of strength, from physical prowess to emotional resilience. We reject the idea that femininity is a weakness; instead, we’ll embrace it as a cornerstone of our storytelling.
- Mistakes are Welcome: Perfect heroines are unrelatable. Our characters will make mistakes, face consequences, and grow as a result. This is how we create heroines who feel real and inspiring.
Why This Matters
Representation isn’t just about seeing more female characters on screen; it’s about seeing them portrayed with honesty and respect. When stories reflect the real challenges and triumphs of women, they do more than entertain—they inspire. They show women that their struggles and victories are meaningful, that their stories matter.
A Better Future for Storytelling
We believe that storytelling has the power to change lives. By creating nuanced, authentic female characters, we can offer audiences something they’ve been missing: a reflection of themselves that feels real. At Soaring Song Studios, we’re not just making content; we’re creating a movement. A movement that champions the truth, celebrates healthy diversity, and honors the beauty of being human.
To the women out there who are tired of flat, unrealistic female characters: we hear you. We’re here to tell your stories with the depth, care, and the respect they deserve.
And to all our future viewers: get ready for heroines who will inspire, challenge, and move you—not because they’re perfect, but because they’re real.
Stay tuned for the stories we can’t wait to share. The future of female characters in storytelling is bright, and we’re excited to be part of it.
