I'm here to write! : Forum : need help with a character


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need help with a character

13 Years Ago


I have a problem:  I've written a short story in first person, and every now and then, someone who reads it thinks that the protagonist is male.  I'd thought that the feminine name would be sufficient to indicate that Alandra is a woman, but apparently not.  (All I can think of is that some readers assume that the "I" of the character is the same "I" as the author, forgetting that this is fiction.)  So how do I keep this kind of misunderstanding from happening again without resorting to something both awkward and inappropriate for the story, like having her think (to herself), "I'm a woman"?
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Re: need help with a character

11 Years Ago


In Author's Note express the fact that you don't want people questioning the sex of the character, and that the character IS a woman. Or, ignore people who can't help but over-read it. 

Also, could always have a random girl-y moment. Like a period, or something random-- but depending on how the story is, could ruin it. So, probably best to just keep it to the above advice.