: Re: How to write female characters with agency? I'm attempting to write a novel, an historical fiction with a small fantasy component (time travel through a portal). The travelers (main characters)

@Chiappetta298

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Men and women often take a different approach to solving problems. What I'm guessing is that you've got a great opportunity to show how the 14th century man has expectations of him which he may not be prepared for, and the woman has to learn different ways to achieve her goals. Speaking in public as if there are 'obvious' truths would be a recipe for disaster. On the other hand there are plenty of examples of powerful Venetian women you can look at and use their techniques. Family ties were very important. Loyalty, and showing allegiance, or feigning it, are crucial elements. You have to go to church, get told the sun goes round the earth and shut up no matter how 'obvious' the alternative is. Straying from the party line is plotting which is a dangerous game. Men and women would probably have different (exclusive) forums for debate and communication.

You've got an interesting situation of compare and contrast to play with. A comparatively tall, fair-skinned, disease-free woman would soon attract suitors whether she wanted them or not. Lots of possibilities for you to explore her evolving reactions.

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