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Witchcrafting: Writing Strong Magical Female characters

Writer's picture: Dani CliftonDani Clifton

The Witch. She’s more than a cautionary tale; she’s a powerful, independent figure. Throughout history, she has represented magic, mystery, and wisdom, and sometimes danger. In fiction, witches are often portrayed as either good or evil, showcasing a wide range of personalities and abilities, from benevolent healers to wicked spellcasters.


witch

Iconic witches in fiction include intelligent and resourceful Hermione Granger of the Harry Potter series, who’s also hot-headed and insecure. Buffy the Vampire Slayer’s Willow Rosenberg, is initially shy and insecure but grows into a powerful and confident witch. And there's Sabrina Spellman from the Chilling Adventures of Sabrina. Sabrina's independent and defiant. She faces difficult choices and moral dilemmas as she struggles with the duality of her mortal and witch identities. All three of these characters showcase the depth and complexity that can be achieved.


Throughout history, witches have often been viewed as a threat to societal norms and power structures, symbolizing rebellion against patriarchal and authoritarian systems. Witches have long been associated with the power of nature and the feminine, challenging the dominant masculine values of Western culture. Indeed, there’s a little witch in every woman.


Does your story require a strong female character? Consider the witch archetype. With her you can explore themes like power, ancient knowledge, and morality. Equip her with unique abilities and mastery over her fate such as protective spellcasting, healing potion craft, or other forms of nature-based magic. But the modern world offers new avenues for magic; while some witches embrace the ancient paths, others forge their own, finding power not in the land, but in the humming wires of technology.  


A digital witch could be analytical, strategic, quick-witted, perhaps even aloof or reclusive. She might be fascinated by artificial intelligence or the internet's vast network, viewing it as a living entity. Or, she might see it as a tool to be manipulated for her own ends. Instead of herbs and crystals, she might use specialized software, circuit boards, or even neural implants.


Regardless of who she is at her core, your witchy character should be multifaceted while avoiding the trap of one-dimensional stereotypes. Give her a complex personality. Perhaps she’s a walking contradiction: fiercely independent and self-reliant, yet deeply empathetic and compassionate. She could have a sharp tongue and a quick wit, but beneath her sometimes-prickly exterior lies a heart of gold and an unwavering loyalty to those she holds dear. Maybe her magic is as much a part of her being as her intellect, and she wields both with equal skill and determination, while striving to maintain the delicate balance between power and responsibility.


Empower her! Give her agency over her own choices. In fiction women are often portrayed as passive, or as victims of circumstance. Not these witchy women! These gals drive the plot forward through their actions and decisions. Let your character face challenges head-on! Allow her to be vulnerable and make mistakes, but most importantly, let her learn from them.


Consider giving her unique quirks and flaws to add depth to her personality. Maybe she has a habit of absent-mindedly braiding her hair when deep in thought, or what if her guilty pleasure is reading cheesy romance novels to unwind after a long day of practicing magic.


On the flip side, you could give her more serious flaws that create tension and conflict. What if she struggles with addiction to magic? Or maybe her powers are too closely tied to her emotional state, causing her to lose control and unleash destructive magic when she’s angry, frightened, or overwhelmed. These flaws not only make her more relatable and human, but provide opportunities for character growth and development throughout the story.


Your character is going to need an interesting backstory. It could be rooted in tragedy, such as being orphaned during a coven purge, or losing a loved one to a curse. Maybe she comes from a line of strong women with knowledge of ancient magic, or she could be descended from powerful witches with unique abilities. A hidden bloodline or a forbidden romance might have led to exile which also shaped her connection to magic, defining her motivations and actions. Whatever you decide, this backstory not only explains her powers, but drives her decisions and motivations throughout the story.


Just as in real life, fiction offers endless possibilities for diverse female characters. Include women from various cultural backgrounds, ages, and magical abilities. Explore different magical traditions or better yet – create your own unique magical system. And let her explore light and dark. Maybe she possesses both light and dark aspects of magic. Personally, I enjoy writing morally grey characters. Yours might choose to walk the line between good and evil. What if her powers come at a terrible price, such as the expense of others' well-being? Does she choose who pays the price? Explore this and challenge your readers’ expectations.


A well-defined magical system is crucial. Clear rules and limitations prevent deus ex machina scenarios, where a seemingly unsolvable problem is suddenly resolved by an unexpected and unlikely occurrence. This ensures the story remains logical and engaging, maintaining the audience’s suspension of disbelief.


Having your character navigate the constraints of their powers adds tension and heightens drama in your narrative. For instance, what if magic comes at the cost of her physical health, or requires rare or hard-to-obtain ingredients? Your character might be forced to strategize, or make difficult choices. This will certainly heighten the drama of your narrative.


Consider giving her innovative powers that go beyond traditional spellcasting, such as time manipulation, dream control, or the ability to communicate with inanimate objects. This will allow you to explore new dynamics and creative possibilities.


A person is a sum of the people they surround themselves with, so assemble a diverse cast of characters to guide your character’s journey. Maybe a wise mentor offers her ancient wisdom, while a cunning rival seeks to exploit your protagonist’s weaknesses, each encounter should shape their understanding of the world and their place within it. Supporting characters, such as fellow witches, family members, or romantic interests can add depth and nuance to upir character. You might include contrasting personalities, skills, and motivations that challenge and grow yur character, such as a skeptical friend, a protective aunt, or a love interest with no magical abilities.


Your character’s journey is intertwined with the world she inhabits. To provide a rich backdrop for her personal growth and development, weave a world that reflects the challenges and opportunities she and others like her face, both in the past and present. Consider how historical events and societal structures have shaped their lives, and how they continue to influence the world around them.


Always be mindful of common tropes and clichés associated with the witch archetype, like the evil old hag, the seductive enchantress, or the isolated hermit. Avoiding these overused stereotypes creates a more nuanced and compelling character. Subvert these expectations by adding unexpected twists. Instead of the bumbling apprentice witch, maybe create a character who uses her awkward vulnerability as a strategic advantage.


There’s always inspiration to be found in research. Draw from real-life historical figures, myths, or folklore. Maybe there are confident, strong women in your own familial bloodline. Study influential women throughout history and incorporate elements of their lives into your character. Research various magical traditions and cultural beliefs to add authenticity to your magical writing.


Witchcrafting—writing strong, magical female characters—requires a thoughtful approach. By drawing on the rich and varied history of witches, you can create multifaceted characters who challenge stereotypes and drive your story forward. Equip your witches with unique abilities, complex personalities, and compelling backstories. Balance their strengths with realistic flaws to make them relatable and human. Ensure your magical system is well-defined and consistent to maintain the audience’s engagement. Surround your protagonist with a diverse cast of characters to add depth and nuance to her journey. By doing so, you can craft a powerful and engaging narrative that resonates with readers and celebrates the enduring allure of the witch archetype.


~Blessed be, and happy witchcrafting!

Dani

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