Trick
Auror
DISCLAIMER: Please don't turn this thread into a 38 page argument about representation in fiction. The last time I asked about a similar topic, it was epic. It did get me to a great solution but the thread just wouldn't die...
That said, I have a female character who started out as a very minor side-character. When introduced, she is described as an "overtly sexual" woman who dresses in tight leather (she's a thief so there's a bit of a reason) bearing lots of cleavage and being almost inappropriately flirty.
This is through the eyes of a twelve year old boy who is flabbergasted by her. She is in some kind of relationship with his mentor (sort of the head-thief) but its exact nature isn't clear to the MC. It's obvious to the reader that they are in a physical relationship, anyway.
After the epic thread I mentioned earlier, I decided to eliminate another side character and promote this one to fill both roles, which immediately made her much more important and integral to the story.
My question is: Do I need to revise her introduction and tone down the sexy/flirtiness factor to avoid her being seen as a shallow female character? With the new change, she will grow as a character a lot. Before, her being a shallow character didn't really matter. Now, I have this idea of the MC slowly realizing that this beautiful and dangerous woman in fact has very low self-esteem. The death of another character is the agent of change for her and she lessens the sexy front she puts on and shows more of her true self. I fear though, that some readers will be annoyed by her at first, especially when she seems like a stereotype (which she kind of is but women like her do exist). She grows free of the stereotype but will I lose a lot of people before that can happen?
That said, I have a female character who started out as a very minor side-character. When introduced, she is described as an "overtly sexual" woman who dresses in tight leather (she's a thief so there's a bit of a reason) bearing lots of cleavage and being almost inappropriately flirty.
This is through the eyes of a twelve year old boy who is flabbergasted by her. She is in some kind of relationship with his mentor (sort of the head-thief) but its exact nature isn't clear to the MC. It's obvious to the reader that they are in a physical relationship, anyway.
After the epic thread I mentioned earlier, I decided to eliminate another side character and promote this one to fill both roles, which immediately made her much more important and integral to the story.
My question is: Do I need to revise her introduction and tone down the sexy/flirtiness factor to avoid her being seen as a shallow female character? With the new change, she will grow as a character a lot. Before, her being a shallow character didn't really matter. Now, I have this idea of the MC slowly realizing that this beautiful and dangerous woman in fact has very low self-esteem. The death of another character is the agent of change for her and she lessens the sexy front she puts on and shows more of her true self. I fear though, that some readers will be annoyed by her at first, especially when she seems like a stereotype (which she kind of is but women like her do exist). She grows free of the stereotype but will I lose a lot of people before that can happen?
Last edited: