Is Your Female Character Realistic

1. Is your character connected with a legend because...

They are the secret heir to something

They are the chosen one of a prophecy

They are the only one with a certain talent that has not been seen for years

They possess a special trinket

None of the above

This is another one you have to use in moderation, because otherwise it gets silly. Here's where I have a bone to pick with 'Wings Of Fire' *SPOILERS* as not only are the five dragonets the dragonets of the prophecy, but Clay has the skill of fire-proofness, Tsunami, Sunny and Glory are all in line for the throne, Sunny is part-NightWIng and nearly every dragonet is related to an animus dragon (which are supposed to be really rare) *END SPOILERS*

Explanation

This is another one you have to use in moderation, because otherwise it gets silly. Here's where I have a bone to pick with 'Wings Of Fire' *SPOILERS* as not only are the five dragonets the dragonets of the prophecy, but Clay has the skill of fire-proofness, Tsunami, Sunny and Glory are all in line for the throne, Sunny is part-NightWIng and nearly every dragonet is related to an animus dragon (which are supposed to be really rare) *END SPOILERS*

2. Does your character have any unexplainable, yet useful assets, such as:

Profound wisdom, even if she's inexperience.

None of the above

For once, it's not gonna be a case of 'None of these are bad on their own'. YES, THESE ARE BAD! No-one is impressed when your character just 'knows' stuff, or if she can just 'do' stuff.

Explanation

For once, it's not gonna be a case of 'None of these are bad on their own'. YES, THESE ARE BAD! No-one is impressed when your character just 'knows' stuff, or if she can just 'do' stuff.

3. When she falls in love, is it...?

Love at first sight

Incredibly deep and profound

Resulting in marriage, and they're only teens

Forming the world's most good-looking couple, or at least up there

None of the above

These are the ones that you need to use with care. All of these are intense examples, but if you tone 'em down they'll work a lot better.

Explanation

These are the ones that you need to use with care. All of these are intense examples, but if you tone 'em down they'll work a lot better.

4. How often do you mention your characters appearance/reference their beauty:

None. Nobody knows anything about her appearance

Once or twice

Quite a few times, and in poetic terms (ocean eyes, raven locks)

So, I know some people prefer never to write anything about the appearance of the character, but it is kinda important to be able to visualise. Conversely, constant reminders of how gorgeous and beautiful she is and the precise shade of her eyes is kinda annoying, unless they add to the story.

Explanation

So, I know some people prefer never to write anything about the appearance of the character, but it is kinda important to be able to visualise. Conversely, constant reminders of how gorgeous and beautiful she is and the precise shade of her eyes is kinda annoying, unless they add to the story.

5. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but is your character:

Beautiful with little to no effort

Beautiful enough to provoke jealousy

So beautiful that people fight over her

None of the above

There is nothing wrong with having a beautiful character, but she shouldn't be so gorgeous that she rules the world. Also, while natural beauty is wonderful, having day to day 'stun-factor' would involve brushing and styling her hair, putting on makeup etc.

Explanation

There is nothing wrong with having a beautiful character, but she shouldn't be so gorgeous that she rules the world. Also, while natural beauty is wonderful, having day to day 'stun-factor' would involve brushing and styling her hair, putting on makeup etc.

6. Has your character ever died and been resurrected?

Yes

More than once actually

No, but she has undergone something that should have been irreversible, but she was able to change it

No, never.

There isn't really a way we can get around this. Unless there is a REALLY GOOD explanation, don't do this! And if you must, DO NOT DO IT MORE THAN ONCE! If you do, it will get tired and predictable.

Explanation

There isn't really a way we can get around this. Unless there is a REALLY GOOD explanation, don't do this! And if you must, DO NOT DO IT MORE THAN ONCE! If you do, it will get tired and predictable.

7. Is/Does your character's name...

Contain punctuation marks (such as hyphens or commas)

More than two words

A word that is not usually a name (like Sapphire)/Contains one or more words that are not usually names.

Extremely unusual for the situation (like a ancient Eygptian princess being named Sadoko)

Spelt in a way that is different from normal (like spelling Avery as Aeverie)

Mean 'strong', 'beautiful', 'warrior' or 'princess'

None of the above

While none of these things in and of themselves are wrong, they can be Mary-Sue traits, especially combined. I mean, how many girls do you know named Emmarleigh Skye-Ash'a

Explanation

While none of these things in and of themselves are wrong, they can be Mary-Sue traits, especially combined. I mean, how many girls do you know named Emmarleigh Skye-Ash'a

8. Do you feel that this quiz has attacked your character?

No, why?

Perhaps a little

YES! HOW COULD YOU BE SUGGESTING MY BEAUTIFUL CHARACTER IS A...A...MARY-SUE!

Okay, if you feel that you're being attacked...you probably are ;)

Explanation

Okay, if you feel that you're being attacked...you probably are ;)

9. At some point, your character probably runs into people who disagree with them, are those people

Evil or simply not very nice

Being controlled by someone evil

Running on a dubious or selfish agenda

Extremely stupid

Someone whose opinions are irrelevant (like the class clown, the fusty old guy, etc)

None of the above

Come on guys! Everyone runs into people who disagree with their choices, opinions or motives, but that doesn't make them evil or wrong.

Explanation

Come on guys! Everyone runs into people who disagree with their choices, opinions or motives, but that doesn't make them evil or wrong.

10. Does your character have...

Eyes of an unusual hue (Do not check if she has contacts)

Eyes with other unusual qualities

A birthmark or scar that in no way detracts from her appearance

Hair of an unusual hue (Do not check if she dyes it)

None of the above

Once again, none of these things are bad, but only throw them in IF THEY HAVE RELEVANCE! A good example of this is in the 'Wings Of Fire' series where *SPOILERS* Sunny is depicted as looking unusual because she is a hybrid SandWing-NightWing *END SPOILERS*

Explanation

Once again, none of these things are bad, but only throw them in IF THEY HAVE RELEVANCE! A good example of this is in the 'Wings Of Fire' series where *SPOILERS* Sunny is depicted as looking unusual because she is a hybrid SandWing-NightWing *END SPOILERS*

11. For this question, focus on your character's best ability...?

Is she a genius or prodigy?

Is the ability something that not many people would be able to do?

Did she learn it remarkably quickly?

Does she not have to train/practise to stay good

Does she never get it wrong, make mistakes, or if it's magical or superpower-esque, backfire?

Is it dormant or unknown, until the critical moment (Do not check if it is foreshadowed, or a plot point)

Is it not offset by something she is terrible at

None of the above

This one is a 'use in moderation' example. In order to make your story realistic, you have to add elements of weakness

Explanation

This one is a 'use in moderation' example. In order to make your story realistic, you have to add elements of weakness