Learning to Love the Leading Lady: A Guide to Understanding Your Heroine

If you’re writing a romance from the female's Point of View (POV), then she has to be Numero Uno. Number One, first and foremost. The reader must like her, laugh with her, share her anxieties, fears, and desire to give the hero what for on her behalf as and when required.

But since I’m not tied to a publisher, I thought it would be nice to break this rule in my most recent book, Beneath the Beta, which is predominantly from the hero's POV. As unfair as it seems, a hero with negative traits will be given far more leeway than a heroine with negative traits. So be careful here.

Another thing I’ve realised is that, no matter how wimpy the reader might be him/herself, s/he prefers a heroine with a bit of backbone. Even among staid and proper society, she’s got to have some stand-out traits.

The Victorian Ladette

Elizabeth Bennett, of Pride and Prejudice, clomping on foot through the muddy fields to see her sister Jane who is holed up sick at the Bingley household, always springs to mind in such instances.

Even though her mama's capricious plotting was behind that, and Elizabeth would have preferred to go in the family carriage, it still imparts that idea that Elizabeth is of independent enough mind to disregard any social niceties she doesn't care for. If you're a fan of period you'll understand what sticklers they were for a certain level of etiquette.

Giving Your Character Character

If the heroine starts off as a spoilt cow, then we should see her mature as the book goes on, or find out that she is, beneath that mean alias, really Catwoman or Storm but with some vulnerable traits.

She can be rich or poor, but she must have some kind of innate qualities to make the reader relate to her from the outset. She must also be able to wield power over the hero, even if she is totally unaware of it.

However you place your heroine, it's essential that the audience can relate to her. And that she conveys all the elements of the character development that you want your readers to know. She is one of the major drivers for the story. Make sure you've plotted those personality traits and characteristics from the beginning. Even if there are some unexpected side turns further along, the reader is committed to the adventure and will be willing to take them with her.