We got put in Instagram jail… then spiraled into a Galentine’s deep dive on FMCs: agency, tropes, and ACOTAR takes.

We got put in Instagram jail (for extremely writer reasons)… and then pivoted into a Galentine’s Day episode about female main characters (FMCs): why so many female protagonists feel frustrating in fantasy romance, romantasy, and contemporary romance, and what actually makes a great FMC.

We unpack the traits that make readers root for her—agency, purpose, intellect, and meaningful choices—and why the hero’s journey can be a trap for women characters. Plus: ACOTAR vs Throne of Glass, the return of the manic pixie dream girl, and how writers can “dig deeper” to avoid defaulting to stereotypes.

Question: Who’s your favorite FMC of all time—and what FMC trope are you done with?