“PERSPECTIVE/OBJECTIVE”

                                      

 

How to Write Authentic Female and Male Points of View in Fiction

 

 

Creating authentic characters requires a deep understanding of their unique perspectives. Writing from the point of view (POV) of characters of different genders can sometimes challenge an author’s abilities. In today’s episode, we’ll explore how authors approach writing from both male and female perspectives and strategies to make each voice distinct and true to life.

 

1. Understand the Character’s Perspective Objective

 

When writing from any character’s perspective, think about their “perspective objective”—the goals, dreams, and fears driving them forward. This concept is vital for bringing authenticity to both male and female characters. Each character, regardless of gender, will have unique motivations and challenges that shape their actions and inner thoughts. Defining a perspective objective for both your male and female characters gives them depth and makes their point of view feel genuine.

 

Example:

 

   •       Female Character Objective: “To prove her worth in a male-dominated field while staying true to her values.”

   •       Male Character Objective: “To find stability and success in his career while navigating his changing relationships.”

 

When these objectives are clear, your character’s perspective becomes more defined, creating a foundation that drives realistic, relatable decisions and reactions.

 

2. Consider Social and Emotional Conditioning

 

Men and women often experience different social conditioning, affecting how they respond to situations emotionally and socially. Women might be conditioned to be more emotionally expressive, while men may internalize or express emotions differently. This isn’t a rigid rule but can be a guiding principle.

 

   •       Female POV: A woman might notice emotional nuances, interpret body language more, or think about relationships and connections. Her narrative may reflect these internal considerations.

   •       Male POV: A man’s POV may focus more on action, concrete facts, or solutions. He may be less likely to dwell on emotional interpretation and more likely to describe what he observes or does.

 

These are generalities, and they should not become stereotypes. Every character is unique, and real people often defy societal expectations. Balance these ideas to add subtlety rather than relying on them too heavily.

 

3. Use Inner Monologues to Reflect Gendered Perspectives

 

The inner monologue is where you can explore the inner world of each gender. Consider how your character’s background, experiences, and perspective objective influence their thoughts. This internal dialogue helps readers connect with your characters on a personal level.

 

   •       Example of Female Inner Monologue: “She scanned the room, noticing the subtle glances. She wondered if they saw her as an equal or if she’d have to work twice as hard to prove herself.”

   •       Example of Male Inner Monologue: “He looked around to gauge who could be an ally. The team needed results, not small talk. He’d prove his worth with actions, not words.”

 

Through inner monologue, you reveal the character’s personality layers and showcase how their gendered experience shapes their outlook.

 

4. Portray Relationships and Dialogue Authentically

 

The way characters interact with others is key to writing an authentic POV. Women may communicate differently than men, using more qualifiers or nurturing language, while men might use direct, concise language. Dialogue should reflect these patterns, but remember that every character has a distinct personality.

 

   •       Female POV Dialogue Example: “I just think… maybe there’s another way to do this? We could try looking at it from a different angle.”

   •       Male POV Dialogue Example: “Let’s try a different approach. It doesn’t seem that complicated.”

 

Consider the subtleties of relationships as well. Female characters might focus more on interpersonal dynamics, while male characters could prioritize actions over discussing relationships. Again, avoid falling into stereotypes, but use these patterns to add depth.

 

5. Be Mindful of Physical Descriptions and Focus

 

Authors often approach physical descriptions differently based on a character’s POV. Female characters might notice more sensory details—colors, textures, expressions—while male characters may focus more on the overall setting or functional details.

 

Example:

 

   •       Female POV: “The room smelled faintly of cedar and old books, and she loved how it gave her a sense of comfort. She noticed his slight smile, wondering if he, too, felt the warmth of the place.”

   •       Male POV: “The room was dark, filled with shelves of old books. He appreciated its simplicity—it was a place where he could think without distraction.”

 

This approach helps shape the world through the character’s specific lens, giving readers a sense of how they perceive their environment.

 

6. Don’t Stereotype—Focus on the Individual

 

While societal norms and gender can influence a character, everyone is unique. Avoid reducing a character to a set of traits based on gender alone. A woman might be action-oriented and emotionally reserved, just as a man might be introspective and emotionally expressive.

 

Instead, draw inspiration from the character’s personal history, personality, and perspective objectives. Consider how their unique experiences influence them and make them multi-dimensional.

 

Final Thoughts

 

Writing from different gender perspectives is about finding the balance between authenticity and individuality. Authors can write male and female perspectives that resonate deeply with readers by focusing on each character’s objective perspective, understanding their inner world, and staying true to their personal experiences. Gender influences the lens, but the depth of the character ultimately connects with the audience.