I recently read a Twitter post stating they were changing there main character’s appearance to “average” to make her more “relatable” for female readers.
This is the moment I wish for an unlike button.
It’s not that book characters shouldn’t be average looking, by all means I’d appreciate it if more books were realistic. However, like gender swapping you can’t just change a character’s appearance and call it good, especially for women.
It’s sad, but true, culturally woman and girls are often valued by there looks.
If your character is beautiful it will change not only there confidence, demeanor, and mood, but it also will change how others react to her. This goes deep into character development in ways most of rarely think about or want to think about.
Here’s a personal example. I recently changed my profile picture from a fun, quirky photo(I’d just finished my first 5k race and was in great shape physically) to a serious and done-up photo (on my way to a wedding while 4 months pregnant, round is a shape…). No big deal right? Wrong. My Twitter account traffic is up, my interactions have increased, my blog following has increased. All because of a “prettier” picture.
Crazy. Sad. Fascinating. Take your pick.
It’s me in both photos but you have a different gut reaction to each.
What I’m getting at is looks matter deeply and psychologically to humans. Looking good increases our confidence and our ability to interact. The saying, “Dress for success” is not a joke it works in business and in life. Be careful about the character you paint with looks. If your hot college chick isn’t secure that says something else is going on- what is it? If your average girl is confident in her looks, why? Does she not give a care or does she have the maturity to appreciate herself?
Most of us don’t appreciate ourselves but you are beautiful just the way you are.
So don’t change your character’s looks on a whim to meet some marketing ploy or trick. Guys can be just as conscious about looks as girls can so don’t let gender fool you. If you do change it make sure you modify behaviors from and towards the character accordingly throughout your text. This isn’t an easy edit to make.
Our world is judgmental by default, sad truth. Be sure your characters reflect it.
Happy Questing!
Holy Homesteading 
SUCH a good point! I’d never really thought about it in quite this way, but it’s so true! My first thought was going back to the Little House on the Prairie books- so much of Laura’s personality and relationship with Mary came from the fact that she perceived Mary to be more attractive than her. Maybe a “little” things but it plays a big role in character developement. Great post!
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Thanks Kerri! I love your example a perfect illustration of how looks change us and make us who we are internally and how the world reacts to us.
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I really loved this. At first, I was like, “Wait, we need more “average” looking characters instead of supermodels,” but then I kept reading and I was like, “SPOT ON, HANNAH.” I am also fascinated, but not surprised, at how your response on Twitter suddenly changed. Unfortunate that is the way the world is functioning, but through stories that are real and aware like you show here, we can slowly work to change that mindset!
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Id love more realistic characters in writing or even writing that reflects the flaws in our world like you suggested. The photo change was so weird for me, because it’s still just me… Idk makes an alternate online life seem possible (story idea!) Anyways glad you liked it and hope it helps with future character development 😊
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That was one of the reasons I fell in love with Weeks’ Lightbringer series so much, because our protag, Kip, was fat. I experience the same thing, whenever I update photos or post a “cuter” one as opposed to goofy or candid. Um, yes, story idea! They are everywhere. 🙂
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