Welcome to this post! That’s kind of a random way to say it, but thank you for sticking with me so long as I ramble through these stereotypes. Have you filled out the form yet? https://forms.gle/e8wNNd8oPy9m3KYAA
Today, I have another post for you written by Leah N. Bix!
Rules for Writing the Not-Like-Other-Girls Character by Leah N. Bix
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The Five Rules of the Not-Like-Other-Girls Main Character!
Yes, another one. Sue me. I’m growing the empire! *laughs maniacally*
You don’t like pretty things. Period. You’re not like other girls! And EVERY single female human being other than YOU likes pretty things! Even better if you don’t like pretty things to not draw attention to yourself!
All the boys like you. Usually in the form of two main competitors in a love triangle, but often there are one or two other guys in the background who would go to the ends of the earth for you even though you COMPLETELY ignore him the whole time. But wait! Guess what! YOU ARE NOT ALLOWED TO HAVE AN IDEA WHY THEY LIKE YOU SO MUCH! If you’re oblivious to the fact altogether, that’s good too.
Everybody adores you. This is touched on in the above rule. But this section goes beyond the undying love of your love interests. All the characters worship your ‘brilliance’ and ‘courage’ even if you’re just being a decent human being. And if they don’t worship you, they’re either the bully or the villain. Oh and also everyone bows to all of your wishes… oddly enough.
You are a natural at fighting. Like I said before, YOU. ARE. NOT. LIKE. OTHER. GIRLS. And handling a bow and arrow is the unlike girls thing you could EVER do! If you can’t single-handedly take out an entire army of super-powered soldiers while still telling your love interest that “you’re just a nobody” then there is no point to this endeavor whatsoever.
You are underdeveloped to the pinnacle of underdevelopment. Your author literally copy and pasted you from ninety percent of other female leads. Congratulations. This is your life now!
Leah N. Bix is a fourteen year old young writer with an avid love of all things imaginary. Ever since she was a little girl turning hollow tree stumps into a dragon lair that led to her secret library, stories have always been at the forefront of her mind. Now instead of dragon lairs, she fuels her imagination with writing which she hopes will bring honor to God through Biblical, practical themes and fantastical story-telling.
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As I read this, I literally thought of Sophie Foster in Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger.
What are your thoughts on the not-like-other-girls stereotype? Comment below!
This is so true for so many characters! Like every cheesy YA romance. *lists them in my head* 😂 This one was great!