What do readers like in female characters?

[madelinemasoch]

I know there's no universal reader, but are there any trends and prevailing tastes that would help answer this question? In particular, for stories that are more thick with actual storytelling than stories that are pure sex fantasies... stories that have more dramatic and literary elements than not. You can answer for yourself what you like to see in a female character, as well, obviously. In terms of the specific niche/subgenre, it would be more in the vein of femdom/cheating type characters, which is already polarizing as it is. Any insights into any particular audience are welcome, as well, but that's the one in question for the stories I'm writing.

I'm concerned about this because it's possible that (particularly male) readers wouldn't like a character who appears as perhaps less than put together, kind of a fuck-up, less than refined. Female readers might find that aspect more relatable, I'm not sure. Also I'd just like as much information about this as possible going forward. I'm not going to pander to anyone, anyway, I'd just like to know.

 

[MyBareTorso]

Big boobs... Sorry, someone was gonna say it, I just thought I'd get it out of the way immediately...

 

[THBGato]

Intelligence. Wit. Compassion. Bravery. Growth.

 

[THBGato]

I'm concerned about this because it's possible that (particularly male) readers wouldn't like a character who appears as perhaps less than put together, kind of a fuck-up, less than refined.

There are a lot of male readers of lesbian sex stories, judging by the comments, whose heroines fit this. I hope she wouldn't be offended by this, but "less than put together" and "kind of a fuck-up" basically describes all of onehitwanda's protagonists and her stories are wildly popular with readers of both genders. (I wouldn't call her character "unrefined" though!) Ditto those of BrokenSpokes.

 

[Live_Oak]

Personally, I find internal conflict sexy. Reading about a woman's thoughts in taking a new step is compelling to me.

 

[Agent0069]

Personally I try to write for understanding and caring characters, although one of my favourite stories is about a total bitch that takes what she wants with no regards to what others think.

I suppose there’s no universal metric, but so long as the character with all their traits is consistent within the story (even if she undergoes mood swings or changes due to external circumstances) - it should be fine.

Also, as it was said, for a lot of male audience the size of breasts and the shape of ass is more important than the quality of personal backstory. There was an interesting observation that I read comparing male and female psychology and where woman are either looking for specific traits in person - like a character (big baddie that does whatever he wants), or for status (he’s fat and dumb only if he’s poor - otherwise he’s chubby and cute). For a typical male it’s enough to just take a look, and, well, appearance is the only factor that decides if he’ll put up with her or not. Just a thought.

 

[lovecraft68]

Kicking back with a with a drink waiting for the inevitable posts of men talking about what they think a woman should act like.

Common sense rules
You never ask a woman her age
Never ask her weight
Never ask a woman if she's pregnant
Refrain from describing what women should be like in a public gathering or forum with women present.

 

[Live_Oak]

Kicking back with a with a drink waiting for the inevitable posts of men talking about what they think a woman should act like.

Common sense rules
You never ask a woman her age
Never ask her weight
Never ask a woman if she's pregnant
Refrain from describing what women should be like in a public gathering or forum with women present.

I agree with all of that. I like your writing, Sir.

 

[Hypnobitch01]

I know there's no universal reader, but are there any trends and prevailing tastes that would help answer this question? In particular, for stories that are more thick with actual storytelling than stories that are pure sex fantasies... stories that have more dramatic and literary elements than not. You can answer for yourself what you like to see in a female character, as well, obviously. In terms of the specific niche/subgenre, it would be more in the vein of femdom/cheating type characters, which is already polarizing as it is. Any insights into any particular audience are welcome, as well, but that's the one in question for the stories I'm writing.

I'm concerned about this because it's possible that (particularly male) readers wouldn't like a character who appears as perhaps less than put together, kind of a fuck-up, less than refined. Female readers might find that aspect more relatable, I'm not sure. Also I'd just like as much information about this as possible going forward. I'm not going to pander to anyone, anyway, I'd just like to know.

Wanting respect, needs and desires, anatomical accuracy.

 

[HordHolm]

I'd definitely go with intelligence - if nothing else, I'm not really interested in reading about overly stupid people. Wit I think goes alongside intelligence, although it can be overused (a snarky comeback to every situation can get overwhelming). And someone mentioned growth upthread. I think this is essential for any main character, otherwise what's the point? OK, a character might not need growth, much, in a quick stroker - a character sketch can pretty much do, but for any kind of longer story with an internal dialogue there has to be growth.

I also like characters, be they men or women or aliens from planet Zirkon, to display internal logic and to be believable for the time and space they inhabit.

And please, no Manic Pixie Dream Girls... They give me a headache.

 

[Lucy_Lastic]

I like characters and situations to be believeable and relatable. Impulsive behaviour is fine as long as there's rationalisation. I like female characters to actually be people, not just the thing put in the story for men to do stuff to.

Reluctance followed by realisation... hot. Who hasn't been there?

 

[Lucy_Lastic]

I also like characters, be they men or women or aliens from planet Zirkon, to display internal logic and to be believable for the time and space they inhabit.

Totally. I have to believe that if I was in that situation I might act that way, or even if I wouldn't, I have to believe the character would.

 

[SimonDoom]

Some random thoughts, assuming you're asking about a female main character in a femdom/cheating erotic story, and you want to know what qualities might make the character more erotically appealing (as opposed to appealing in a broader, not necessarily erotic sense):

I'm generally more interested in characters who've reached middle age, though not exclusively.

I don't mind a character who might be "fucked up" in some ways. It could be interesting. But I'll like her more if you throw in some good traits. Maybe she's nice to animals. If she's a femdom or cheater, then it's especially important to give her some sympathetic traits. If she's just a shallow, selfish, mean person, I'm much less likely to find her appealing.

You don't have to describe her looks in any particular way, but give her some appealing trait. I tend to like women who are athletic. For a femdom that would be an especially appropriate physical trait.

Round out her personality and make her motives and actions at least plausible within the context of the story.

Give her a vulnerable trait. This will create some tension with, and appeal that offsets, the cheating/femdom elements.

Have her grow/learn something/experience something new from her actions in the story.

Intelligence and verbal ability. Wit, and a talent for observing detail in a scene, or about another character. Good dialogue really enhances a character's completeness and appeal.

 

[AchtungNight]

An open mind, easygoing personality with a good amount of lust and sass, respect for others and herself, willingness to share pleasure and kick ass- and ability to do both. Bravery, confidence, and healthy nymphomania. The latter is particularly essential in erotic stories.

 

[StillStunned]

Red hair. And everything that entails.

 

[alohadave]

I'm concerned about this because it's possible that (particularly male) readers wouldn't like a character who appears as perhaps less than put together, kind of a fuck-up, less than refined.

As always, it depends on the story and the skill of the author.

If the character is written in an interesting and/or compelling way, I'll accept just about anything.

If you make me connect to the character in some way, that's good.

If some readers don't like it, so what? You can't please everyone, so please yourself. Write the character as you see them.

 

[TheRedChamber]

For Femdom characters Im not sure that readers dont just want a perfect mindreader who knows exactly what the sub wants and provides it without breaking a sweat.

My one (published) femdom character messed with the sub because she thought it was a laugh, kind of got off on it, and was making everything up on the spot (including not being able to get the butt plug out of the plastic wrapper). That story didnt do particularly well.

For cheating wives the important thing seems to be for the wife to proclaim loudly in paragraph one 'I never thought little old me could be a cheater' before instantly cheating halfway down page one.

 

[jehoram]

A sense of humor, and a penchant for nudity.

 

[Mastered_again]

I can only speak for what I like and that greatly influences the female characters that I've created, although any one is a subset of the qualities:

Intelligent
Emotional
Fallible
Funny/Sense of Humor/Whit
Introspective
Loving
Supportive
Thoughtful

These qualities cannot be conveyed in purely sexual fantasies, you need "real life" situations. Based on the positive (albeit limited) reactions to the stories, it seems these combinations are well received across both genders. Don't get me wrong, their having voracious sexual appetites doesn't hurt either.

That said, I've created some self-centered, materialistic bitches on wheels to act as adversaries and sources of conflict. Totally unlikable and intentionally so. Being fun to write them is an added bonus.

 

[Rob_Royale]

I'm concerned about this because it's possible that (particularly male) readers wouldn't like a character who appears as perhaps less than put together, kind of a fuck-up, less than refined.

Readers here run the gamut. Everyone from folks just looking for something to get off to, to readers who are interested in a great story, great characters and to be entertained. If your less-than-refined character is interesting to you then it will be interesting for people looking for that. Just tell your story. Your work will find its audience.

Unless you've deleted it, apparently.

 

[madelinemasoch]

Readers here run the gamut. Everyone from folks just looking for something to get off to, to readers who are interested in a great story, great characters and to be entertained. If your less-than-refined character is interesting to you then it will be interesting for people looking for that. Just tell your story. Your work will find its audience.

Unless you've deleted it, apparently.

Thanks.

The stories I once had published here I removed, but I'm going to resume publishing next year. Some of them may return and some may not.

 

[madelinemasoch]

For Femdom characters Im not sure that readers dont just want a perfect mindreader who knows exactly what the sub wants and provides it without breaking a sweat.

My one (published) femdom character messed with the sub because she thought it was a laugh, kind of got off on it, and was making everything up on the spot (including not being able to get the butt plug out of the plastic wrapper). That story didnt do particularly well.

For cheating wives the important thing seems to be for the wife to proclaim loudly in paragraph one 'I never thought little old me could be a cheater' before instantly cheating halfway down page one.

This is probably the opposite of what I'm going for.

 

[Privates1stClass]

My ideal female character doesn't need big tits or a nice ass. She doesn't have to be the most beautiful woman in the room. However, she should be believably written--she should have confidence in herself, be intelligent, have some wit, be interested in sex, be a loving partner, romantic, and playful. She takes her man seriously and encourages, rather than pushes him. My female character fits most categories on Literotica.

 

[RetroFan]

Can I say cheerleaders?

I wrote a story last year where the narrator is a cheerleader and used this a tag, and was amazed how many times cheerleader has been used as a story tag across many different categories since then.

 

[Bramblethorn]

Red hair. And everything that entails.

Propensity to sunburn and atypical reactions to medications get me hot.