Creating Christian fiction characters as role models

[Shawn Lamb]

Through various media, be it social, online, television, movies or books, those who write or create visual images have a powerful platform for influencing the way people think and preceive themselves, especially kids. As Christians, we must consider the impact our words and action will generate upon others. Will the impact be for good, evil or no impact at all?

 

As the mother of an adult daughter, I wrestled with all aspects of life that assault a girl’s self-image and society’s ideal of what a woman should be versuses Scripture. Most heroines are portrayed as kick butt, take no prisoners, mouthy, independent and cunning - in short, totally opposite of biblical principles. I tried to make Shannan, the female lead of my YA fantasy series Allon, atypical of fantasy heroines and show another side - one of a quiet, unshakeable self-confidence that allows her to blend into the background or take charge when needed. Central parts of the story hinge on Shannan and her unflappable nature but mostly she in the undergirding support for Ellis and the Guardians.

 

Girls today are rarely given a role model in fiction that shows how unselfish giving of strong, unwavering support for the hero, friends or family, can be helpful and desirable characteristics for a woman. How there is strength in serenity and beauty in a positive calm, self-controlled spirit. But these characteristics are praised in Scripture. Proverbs 31:10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. 

Still, Shannan is far from dull. She can stand toe-to-toe with Ellis, handle a bow, keen to nature and stare down any Guardian or Shadow Warrior, but not necessarily with weapons in hand rather an unyielding determination to do what is right. By using Shannan, I hope to give girls an example of the beauty of spirit and will that transcend physical appearance or martial prowess to a person’s heart and character.  Proverbs 31:30-31 Favor is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord she be praised. Give her the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates.