THE "SPECIAL GIRL" TRAP: SECRETS TO WRITING STRONG FEMALE HEROES IN YOUR SCRIPT

Break the clichés, create real characters!

Recognize This Trope?

There’s a character we’ve all seen too often on screen:

“The ordinary-looking girl who somehow becomes extraordinary in the eyes of one man.”

He’s handsome, rich, or mysterious—and for some reason, he notices only her. Why?

Because she’s “not like other girls.”

Here are some (unfortunately memorable) examples:

1. In The Notebook, Allie chooses Noah over her rich fiancé—because he’s a “free spirit.”
2. In Pretty Woman, Vivian wins over billionaire Edward with her “innocence.”
3. In Titanic, Rose dumps upper-class Cal for poor Jack—because he’s “authentic.”

The problem?

These characters have no real traits—other than being chosen by a man.

Where Did This Trope Come From?

It’s straight out of fairy tales:

1. Cinderella is only noticed by the prince after a magical makeover.
2. Snow White wins the prince with her beauty and purity.

Modern films just swapped virginal innocence for quirky blandness:

1. In Twilight, Bella “loves Edward for who he is”—yet somehow everyone envies her.
2. In 50 Shades, Christian Grey fetishizes Ana’s shyness. ????

How to Avoid the Trap: The 4 Golden Rules

1️- "Special" ≠ Boring!

Give your character a real passion, fear, or hobby. For example:

1. Elle Woods in Legally Blonde wears pink AND gets into Harvard.
2. Mulan disguises herself as a man to fight—not just for love, but for family honor.

2️- Love Shouldn’t Be Her Only Trait!

1. Katniss in The Hunger Games may love Peeta, but her priority is the revolution.
2. Wonder Woman’s Diana loves Steve, yet her main goal is to stop a war.

3️- Flip the “Not Like Other Girls” Narrative!

Other girls can be powerful too!

1. In Ocean’s 8, the women team up—instead of tearing each other down.
2. Bridesmaids starts with rivalry, but ends in sisterhood.

4️- Don't Make the Male Lead Too “Perfect”

Flawed, realistic men can be lovable too!

1. In Silver Linings Playbook, Pat struggles with bipolar disorder, and Tiffany loves him as he is.
2. In 500 Days of Summer, Tom idealizes Summer—but she’s not some magic dream girl. She’s real.

Bonus: The Character Test!

Ask yourself:

✅ Would her story still be compelling without a love interest?

✅ What does she talk about with other women? (If it’s not just about men—congrats!)

Audiences today want more than just “girls who become worthy through a man’s love.”

They crave complex, powerful, independent characters—just like real women.

“A well-written female character can be captivating—even without a love story.”

Now you tell us:

Which movie heroines do you think avoided the "Special Girl" trap? Let’s talk in the comments!