How to Write Strong Disabled Characters

A 3 Point Guide to Writing Strong Female Disabled Characters.

A disabled character is just like any other character. So why do so many writers struggle with writing a disabled character well?

The words strong and disabled don't usually go together in literature, but I'm here to tell you that it is possible, and a lot easier than you perhaps first thought.

The 'Centers for disease control and prevention' estimate that 1/5 of USA adults are living with a disability. That is the largest minority group in the USA! So imagine the reader potential you could gain by representing a disabled character in a realistic and powerful way.

I can't speak for others, but as someone who has a disability, books that include characters with disabilities I am instantly drawn to. But I have a few major TURN OFFS.

In the following guide, I hope to inform you about the what to do and what not to do when writing my favorite type of character- a strong female who also happens to be disabled.

1. Write realistically!

My number one pet hate are the disabled characters who are only disabled. That's it. That is their whole identity. Just like anyone, being disabled is only a small part of a large and often complex personality.

Give your character quirks, depth, a personality that goes further than a wheelchair or pill bottle when it comes to her disability, and more depth than a Barbie Doll when it comes to her femininity.

Someone who has depression doesn't have to feel suicidal. They are allowed to laugh. They are allowed to have friends and don't have to be alone- even this is how they may feel. Someone who is in a wheelchair may not be an invalid! And they are allowed to feel things below the waist! They are allowed to have an active love life!

So why not write about all that?

I know it can be hard writing a strong female disabled character, but what helped me was knowledge. Stick to what you know so you can realistically write about what they are going through. There is nothing worse than reading a character who has the same disability as you and yet you can't recognize a single thing they are going through. Also, a lot of people remember what a character with a specific disability was like- and if you've got it wrong then the reader's knowledge is wrong.

Of course not everyone knows a lot about a particular condition, so research really is key. If you can portray realistically what living with a disability is like, people are going to connect to your character a lot more.

2. You don't have to be physically strong to be strong.

A little self-explanatory, but it's the most important one to understand. Not being physically strong doesn't mean you can't be strong in other ways. Mentally strong, emotionally strong- there are many types. Just because your character can't be physically strong doesn't mean she has to be weak. It doesn't have to be either or.

This one also applies to writing strong female characters in general, because at the end of the day that is what a disabled female character is.

You all know the books that have physically strong, badass female characters, who kick butt, can fight, throw ninja stars, shoot arrows- but what else are they? As women? What else defines them other than being 'badass.'

I have written a few disabled characters and by far my favorite is Grace, from my book Saving Grace. She has anxiety, and struggles with self-confidence, she also has a physical disability that means she isn't able to be physically strong. But she is caring, compassionate and thoughtful. She brings people together and when the time comes to step up, she faces her fears to save the people she loves.

She is by far the strongest character I have written.

3. There is more to life than romance.

Women's lives do not have to revolve around just romance. Give your character more depth, allow them to have a life! If you're introducing a female character for the purpose of romantic tension for your leading male character, make sure you give her some realistic traits! If they are going to be integral to the plot, give them their own story arc.

Disabled people do not need saving with love. There is nothing to save. Perhaps support, or nurture, but suggesting that true love alone can cure someone can actually be quite damaging. True love is amazing, but it can't cure health problems. People can still have depression, anxiety, Cancer- even if they are madly in love.

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Writing realistic role models- even in genres such as science fiction and supernatural- is what is going to help so many people realize that they aren't alone in the world.

Remember- 1/5 Americans have a disability. That's a lot of people who are being under-represented. So imagine what this number is across the world and how many people want to- and need to- read characters like them.

If you would like support with finding out about a particular condition, head over to (a campaign I started here on Wattpad to help get more mentally and physically disabled characters into literature) and message me (The founder) With the condition you are looking into!

That's all from me!