Talk to Me Tuesday is a brand new weekly meme where we will discuss anything (and everything) literary-related in an open forum of honesty. Questions for the next week will be posted one week prior to the post on the Features page. If you'd like to participate in this weekly feature, simply create your post, link back to me, and add your post to the wonderful Mr. Linky below. Have fun, and have at it!
This week's question: Do you have a preference between male and female MCs, and why?
Someone actually asked me this the other day, and I was a bit surprised because A) I’d never really thought about it before and B) I wasn’t sure it really mattered until I actually decided to sit down and think about it. Before I go on, let me preface this by saying that there is always an exception to the rule when it comes to my opinions on books and literature in general. I know…colour me fickle. But here’s the thing – whether it’s a male or a female MC, I want to be able to get to know the character because, frankly, if I can’t get into their head, the book tends to be a bit hopeless for me.
I also think when it comes to MCs that the tense is important in my preference. If it’s third person, I can get to know the character (male or female) a lot easier than in first person. For example, Harry Potter, and yes, HP is my go-to example because I think it’s a literary masterpiece. Harry’s character is accessible, continues to grow throughout, and takes us on a journey with him. For me, this works.
Now, if I’m reading first person, I have to say that I usually prefer reading from a female perspective. In a book like Crash Into Me (which I ended up not reviewing on my site), the MC was completely inaccessible to me because of just how masculine he was. I felt a bit lost. Another book with a male MC that didn't work for me was Girl Parts...it was much too teenage boy...and too crass. However, in Leaving Paradise, I see a perfect example of balancing both a female and male MC. Seeing both distinct POVs and finding an understanding with both Maggie and Caleb worked for me. I could relate to both.
Here’s what some of your fellow bloggers weighed in on their thoughts of male and female MCs.
Anna from Her Stardust Soul says: “Emotionally I connect with male and female MCs equally, like Harry in Harry Potter and Sarah Dessen's MCs. But as far as experiences go, it's easy and fun to relate to the girly troubles of female MCs.”
Tara from Hobbitsies says, “I prefer female MCs because I enjoy the male-induced swooning more than what would occur with a male MC.”
Rachel from Crack a Spine says, “I prefer female MCs, the reason being I feel a stronger connection when reading, as females are more emotional than males.”
Liz from Midnight Bloom reads says, “I like either male or female MC's as long as they are likable enough. It's also nice if I find some sort of common ground that persuades me to hear out their stories. Hearing either kinds of POV's has its advantages.”
So, I think my general thought is that if the character is accessible, relatable and honest, I don’t really think it matters if they’re male or female. Yes, I enjoy some nice male eye-candy from a girl’s perspective, but it’s not the end-all/be-all for me.
Want to weigh in and do your own Talk to Me Tuesday post for this week? Go ahead and link up!
