A heroine can and should have flaws. She can be klutzy, scarred or handicapped, have issues from previous trauma; be timid, abrasive, cynical or afraid to trust; be too self-protective, too quick to act, too ready to condemn and a thousand other things. Her given flaw should serve a purpose in the story, however, usually one which interferes with the attainment of her goal. Change in it can illustrate the evolution of her character.

Labels: character development, creating heroines, flaws, goals in fiction

A romance heroine doesn't have to be drop-dead-gorgeous, but should be attractive in her own offbeat or non-trendy fashion. She is the stand-in character for the (predominantly) female reader, the one with whom she must identify, and few women consider themselves completely unattractive.

Labels: character development, creating heroines

The motivation for your main character should never be self-serving. If your romantic heroine's goal is marry a rich man, for instance, it should be for an altruistic or sympathetic reason, something beyond her own wants and needs.

Labels: character development, Motivation