The Challenges of Writing Female Characters from a Male Perspective

In the film industry, and even in literature, there is a persistent tendency for male authors to fall into certain traps and contribute to gender stereotypes when crafting female characters. This practice often stems from incomplete understanding and the failure to adequately represent women as complex, independent individuals. One notable incident that highlights this challenge is from a Telugu movie Murari, where a director, driven by his male-centric perspective, insisted on a scene where a female character kneels before a male lead, inadequately portraying her emotions. In this article, we will explore some common pitfalls that male writers often encounter and draw lessons from successful portrayals that avoid these traps.

Overlooking Female Independence and Depth

One of the fundamental mistakes male authors make is deciding what a woman should feel, neglecting her true personality, desires, and thought process. This often leads to a shallow portrayal of female characters that primarily serves the narrative desires of the male protagonist. For instance, a character like Sonali Bendre, as mentioned, would not necessarily express her love by offering herself, especially if the relationship is still in its nascent stages. A well-rounded female character would have her own desires and might be more focused on mutual fulfillment rather than merely submitting to the male hero's needs.

Stereotypes and Objectification

Male authors tend to define female characters based on surface-level traits and physical descriptions, reducing them to mere objects or sidekicks. This approach can include physical attributes like red hair, green eyes, or a bombastic voice, or personality traits like sultry, feisty, or demure. Furthermore, women are often depicted in clichéd roles such as the “woman in the refrigerator,” where they are killed to advance the plot. Such portrayals not only diminish the value of female characters but also perpetuate harmful stereotypes. In contrast, movies like Soorarai Pottru, directed by a female director, do a far better job of showcasing the desires and deeper aspirations of their women characters, making them more relatable and authentic.

Lack of Empathy and Understanding

For some male authors, it might be intimidating to delve into a woman's thoughts and emotions deeply. It's often easier to adhere to surface-level characteristics and avoid the complexities involved in genuine character development. By sticking with superficial traits, they can avoid the challenge of creating multi-dimensional characters and instead fall back on well-worn tropes. The character in Kaatu Payale from Soorarai Pottru serves as an excellent example of how a female character's desires and motivations can be portrayed authentically, providing a richer and more nuanced story.

Conclusion

Male authors and writers need to recognize the importance of writing female characters as fully-fledged individuals with their own agency, desires, and motivations. By understanding and respecting women's perspectives and experiences, writers can avoid falling into the pitfalls of stereotypes and create more compelling narratives. Directors and screenwriters, especially those predominantly male, should strive to collaborate with female voices and perspectives to enrich their scripts and stories. Ultimately, the key to successful character development lies in authenticity and empathy, ensuring that all characters, regardless of gender, are represented with depth and nuance.