Creative Non-Fiction
The Art of Empathy in Writing
Why authors don’t have to be their characters.
The notion that a writer must be their character is a common misconception in literature.
While personal experiences can undoubtedly enhance a writer’s ability to portray certain aspects of a character, it is not a requirement for crafting compelling and authentic fiction.
Instead, what matters most is the writer’s capacity for empathy, research, and imagination.
Let’s explore this idea with examples from famous and emerging writers who have successfully delved into diverse characters and the challenges they may face.
White Writers Portraying Non-White Characters:
One powerful example of this is Harper Lee, a white author who penned the classic “To Kill a Mockingbird.” The novel provides a poignant perspective on racial injustice in the American South, with Atticus Finch as a prominent character.
Lee’s ability to empathize with the African-American community and her extensive research allowed her to write convincingly about racial tensions and discrimination without being a person of color herself.
Although Errin Haines’ critique of Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird” rightly points out a disparity in character depth, emphasizing that while Lee meticulously profiles the white characters, the African American characters lack the same level of complexity, potentially obscuring their humanity.
This critique shows how white privilege can manifest in real life and literature.
Atticus has come to represent more than just a white savior. He stood in an Alabama courthouse not to block justice for a black man but to fight for it. In doing so, he wasn’t just attempting to save Tom Robinson; he was absolving the entire white race from the ills of racism. — Errin Haines
It serves as a reminder that even celebrated works may have inherent biases and limitations in their portrayals of diverse characters.
It underscores the importance of striving for more inclusive, nuanced, and empathetic portrayals better to reflect the complexities of the human experience in literature.
Male Authors Creating Strong Female Protagonists:
One notable example of a male author successfully writing complex and authentic female characters is George R.R. Martin, the author of the “A Song of Ice and Fire” series, which inspired the popular television series “Game of Thrones.”
Martin’s novels feature a wide range of female characters, each with their distinct personalities, motivations, and challenges.
Characters like Daenerys Targaryen, Arya Stark, and Cersei Lannister are known for their depth and complexity, showcasing Martin’s ability to create well-rounded and compelling female protagonists and antagonists.
His skill in portraying these characters’ inner thoughts and struggles has earned him praise for his portrayal of women in the fantasy genre.
I love how he addressed writing whole lives into his female characters. The author’s character development approach emphasizes humanity’s universal aspects, regardless of gender.
He strives to create fully realized, multifaceted female characters who share the same fundamental desires as male characters — such as respect, power, protection of loved ones, financial aspirations, and a longing for love.
The world is one great web, and a man dare not touch a single strand lest all the others tremble. — George R. R. Martin, A Song of Ice and Fire
However, he acknowledges the constraints imposed by a patriarchal society, where women may face limitations and societal expectations.
Some characters conform to these roles, while others resist, leading to conflict, character tension, and the essence of storytelling — the human heart in internal struggle.
This perspective underscores the idea that portraying characters’ complexities, whether male or female, is at the core of storytelling.
Martin writes based on common humanity, a phrase he references in his interview on YouTube.
LGBTQ+ Representation in Literature:
In today’s diverse literary landscape, authors like Scarlett Ibis James* are not necessarily breaking new ground by portraying characters whose experiences they might not share.
James, for instance, doesn’t need to be transgender to craft authentic transgender characters. Instead, she relies on research, sensitivity, and empathy to create well-rounded, realistic portrayals.
I want to create many people and celebrate their imagined lives in ways we can all relate to. — Scarlet Ibis James
When James conceived of the story of Oorun, Adrian, and Norm, she conjured the storyline first as a scorching contemporary romance serial.
It’s a story about honesty, self-discovery, and choosing the right people for your life. Only as I was writing the story of their ‘meeting again’ did Norm emerge as transgender man. I thought to myself, ‘Well, why not?’ — Scarlet Ibis James
James has written about Black men, Black women, white men, white women, biracial people, humans from many backgrounds, and folks of various ages. She hopes to continue breathing life into many more characters.
James is a cis-gendered, middle-aged Black woman living in America, born in Trinidad and Tobago, parent of two young men, wife to a Haitian man, corporate executive, sister, friend, and on Medium, reader and writer.
She hopes that no human is excluded from flowing out of her virtual ink pen. James wishes to create understanding and connection by opening these diverse stories to various audiences.
My fans should come for the literature and linger for the value and connection beyond the narrative. — Scarlet Ibis James
Challenges in Representing Characters Outside One’s Experience:
Acknowledging the potential challenges writers face when creating characters different from themselves is essential. Misrepresentation, stereotypes, or unintentional insensitivity can occur if an author does not approach the task with care and respect.
How Good Fiction Writers Overcome These Challenges:
1. Research: Writers should invest time in thorough research to understand the backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives of the characters they aim to create. This can involve reading, interviewing, and immersing oneself in the culture or community.
2. Empathy: Empathy is at the heart of great storytelling. Writers must try to deeply understand their characters’ emotions, struggles, and motivations, even if they haven’t personally experienced them.
3. Sensitivity Readers: Many authors seek feedback from individuals who share the background or experiences of their characters. These sensitivity readers can provide invaluable insights and help authors avoid harmful stereotypes.
4. Diverse Writing Communities: Engaging with diverse writing communities and listening to diverse voices can broaden an author’s understanding and help them write more authentically.
And so, the notion that a writer must be their character is a limiting perspective in the world of fiction. The magic of storytelling lies in the writer’s ability to step into the shoes of diverse characters and bring their experiences to life.
By embracing empathy, conducting diligent research, and seeking input from relevant communities, authors can successfully create characters who resonate with readers, regardless of whether they share the same backgrounds or identities.
Good fiction is not limited by the author’s personal experiences but by their ability to tap into the shared human experience.
© 2023 K. Joseph, All Rights Reserved
꧁༒☬T͎h͎a͎n͎k͎ ͎y͎o͎u͎ ͎f͎o͎r͎ ͎r͎e͎a͎d͎i͎n͎g͎!͎☬༒꧂
*Unpublished interview by K. Joseph of her writer, Scarlet Ibis James.
Disclaimer: This post is a product of my original thoughts, creative ideas, and boundless imagination. AI writing and editing assistance from Grammarly and chatGPT helped my story’s birthing process.
