How to Create Engaging Female Characters by Going Beyond Archetypes

In novels and contemporary real life, women are commonly forced into living out one of two stereotypes, says writer and psychotherapist Dr. Stacey Simmons. Most often, they must choose between idealized, passive femininity — when they are always expected to be beautiful, available, and youthful — or being ostracized and pushed to the sides of society. When writing female characters, authors too often resort to these highly recognizable archetypes, explains Dr. Simmons. But there is more variety...