: Re: What are the standard genre characteristics of contemporary women's fantasy I want to write a fantasy novel with a female protagonist, and I want to familiarize myself with reader expectations.

@Hamaas631

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This is an interesting question, and while I don't believe there is a "prototypical" plot, let me try to find the answer by defining a contrast between typical male and typical female protagonist. I beg everybody's pardon in advance if my generalization will look offensive. Please keep in mind that the following is my personal observation of genre's tropes and by no means an advice to follow these trends.

Female protagonist usually starts from a weaker position than a male protagonist. While both genders can find themselves in a bit of trouble early in a story, boys more often than girls find the ability to turn the situation in their favor starting from the very beginning. Stereotypical situation is when female protagonist is controlled by an evil figure like stepmother, and there is nothing that she can do until she gets an outside help or makes an important discovery;
Female protagonist is often established as somehow exceptional from the very beginning. It can be a noble birth, or unique talent, but then the protagonist is falling on hard times despite (or because of) this special distinction. Boys, by contrast, often start as total commoners and only later reveal special talents or royal blood;
Female protagonist is more often driven by passion or compassion than by a need of ultimate justice or out of competitive spirit;
Romance plays a greater role. While modern heroine is no longer a "Damsel in Distress" who needs a Prince Charming to rescue her, there's still a need for a male who is in some respect stronger than the protagonist. By the way, having a lesbian protagonist is not entirely out of question;
During Hero's Journey, female protagonist finds new strength, but she still remains gentle and vulnerable at some level.

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