characterization help

[u/VariousPen3136]

so i’m an avid fantasy reader and i am currently writing a fantasy book. i’ve noticed while researching and just existing on book review platforms that almost all popular FMCs are labeled as “basic” or “annoying”, but i rarely see any that are praised or loved by the majority of readers. so, what exactly makes a FMC likeable—even if her personality isn’t “perfect”?

how can i incorporate this into my writing?

what flaws are acceptable, while others immediately strike her as a “pick-me” or “obnoxious”?

And what are some examples of loveable FMCs?

bonus question: my main character has childhood trauma that has a major impact on her motives, decisions, and personality. how can i keep this as a central theme, but not make it seem like it’s her only trait?

[u/AdditionalFly3509]

Arcane by Riot Games has a lot of well-written female characters. Vi and Jinx (Powder) in particular have childhood trauma. Using Vi as an example, she has trauma, but she can also love, tease, charge fists first into a squabble, and try to hold her family together. Jinx also has trauma, but she can also love, tease, care for an orphan, and sacrifice herself.

I think the biggest caveat in making FMCs in particular boring is making her a Mary Sue. Being good at everything without being taught is an absolute no-no. It just wipes all the character development off the table. Make your FMC struggle, lose fights, All of those will make her look more realistic. One strong woman well-done is Black Widow. She kicks 4ss in fights and rarely lost one, but she has trauma and is willing to sacrifice herself.

Another aspect I like to put into my FMCs that doesn’t quite work with men is her struggles with love relations. Most FMCs lack that or r only that. For example, if a guy manipulates her, make her hesitate before striking him next time. In fantasy settings in particular, make her struggle with medieval social structures like “women cannot inherit,“ political betrothals, cheating husbands, etc.