Which gender do you find yourself identifying with in novels, films and television?

[Cait]

Hi everyone,

Whilst most of us read or watch films and television largely for entertainment purposes it could be argued that to some degree that entertainment stems from the fact that we identify with the characters and see them as being true to a reality we recognise.

With this in mind, when watching television or films or reading a novel do you find yourself being drawn to particular characters and character traits, and if so which gender do you find yourself identifying with most?

I'm interested to hear all your thoughts on this and any particular examples of characters you are drawn to are more than welcome.

Peace.
x

[kristinacd55]

Female. I especially imagine myself in what she's wearing lol

[Fractured]

For whatever reason I usually find myself most often attracted to the female characters.

Back in middle school I read The Rose of the Prophet Trilogy (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rose_of_the_Prophet) by Margaret Weiss and Tracy Hickman. Overall story centered on characters similar to what could be stereotyped as the wars in the Middle East during prehistoric and early historic times as multiple tribes following different gods coexisted in a desert landscape. One character, Matthew, was from a Medieval European setting on a voyage similar to the Christianizing efforts of the 1700 and 1800s. Religion and politics aside, he had long flowing hair and wore robes plus a youthful boy's facial structure. This caused the group of nomadic marauders who wiped out his group to spare him, thinking he was a female. And in the story he chose to live as a woman (rather than die as a man) which made his owners - he was sold into slavery - think was was crazy. I enjoyed following his adventures and that of the lead female protagonist much more than I did the male leads in the book.

Likewise, I rather read about Ayla from The Clan of the Cave Bear than her mate Jondalar. (Well, in the earlier books. I refuse to read the last two books in that series due to poor craftsmanship.)

I just finished two books by Tim Akers, The Horns of Ruin and The Heart of Veridon. Horns had a female protagonist and Heart had a male. Not sure if it was the story line or the characters but I much preferred Eva Forge in the Horns.

Yet, I love Drizzt Do-Urden (a male lead) in the Dark Elf Trilogy by R.A. Salvatore.

So, I guess it depends - I prefer an action centered character overcoming great odds and going through self discovery.

'Fraid I don't watch enough television or movies to be able to discuss those. :)

[Lorileah]

Back in the old days when I read a lot of books, I always connected with the female parts, science fiction, westerns, murder mysteries (which often was not a good thing to be the femme fatale in. I guess I had to read the whole book to find out who murdered me) and yes even erotica (especially the GOR novels). I did read Playboy for the articles and to imagine being the centerfold. I still watch old movies to see and imagine the women of that era. But now not so much. The blurred line on most shows now make male/female fairly interchangeable

[BillieJoEllen]

For the most part I identify with the female roles. I sometimes live vicariously through what the women are wearing and through the emotions they are revealing

[Kate Simmons]

Usually the hero or heroine who is action/adventure oriented.:)

[joannemarie barker]

definitely the female in rom coms :) I wanna be that girl the guy gets in the end :)

[Frédérique]

With this in mind, when watching television or films or reading a novel do you find yourself being drawn to particular characters and character traits, and if so which gender do you find yourself identifying with most?

I’m attracted to gentleness or tenderness, regardless of which gender is expressing it. This gentle nature may be part of an entire persona that exudes silent strength, or a positive, caring outlook. The person never argues, does not impose his or her will on others, and he or she is attentive, intelligent, and loving. I remember watching the film The Secret Garden (the recent one), and I expected to automatically like the girl character. However, the boys in the film impressed me more with their display of gentleness, transcending boyishness in the process and forging some kind of gender-unspecific personality that I long for…

Another good example of this is the young angel in The Last Temptation of Christ. A young girl plays the role, but she seems more like a fusion of the genders – she speaks softly, and her words carry weight, since she (as an angel) is imbued with otherworldly wisdom, comportment, and compassion. These types of characters inspire me, so I’ll sit through an entire film just to catch a glimpse of them. Of course, it’s a performance, but what experience does the actor draw upon for such a moving display of human pathos?
:thinking:

[suzy1]

I never thought of this till you asked the question Cait.
Having thought about it I have realised that it is the women. I get really involved and worked up when a woman is being misunderstood, unappreciated, or not treated with the respect she deserves.
I think I might be a nicer person than I give myself credit for!

SUZY

[Lissa Stevens]

More and more I identify with the female roles. I read a lot and I find myself reading more and more books by females authors with female lead characters. I like less action movies and books, now I prefer more Lifetime type entertainment.

[AKAMichelle]

I get more out of the female roles

[Anna B]

Usually I couldn't give a t*ss about the male characters, but with the female characters that is a different matter.

Anna x

[2B Natasha]

Guess I'll be the spanner in the works here. I rarely identify with a female character. Mostly because the current crop of actresses are so poor as to render their charector meaningless. There are of course exceptions but for the most part it's true. At least for me.

As to other character on other media. I have no preference. It's all about the story and not the charector for me. Male lead role indentify. Female lead role identify with that charector.

[Kathryn Philips]

Usually I couldn't give a t*** about the male characters, but with the female characters that is a different matter.

Anna x
Its funny, Anna and I were discussing this in a private conversation. Definitely the female characters.

[Anna B]

I always tune in to Breakfast TV just to see what the female presenters are wearing...(warped or what?)

Anna x

[Fractured]

Just to throw another media outlet into the discussion - video games.

I've really enjoyed the Final Fantasy games that had good strong female characters as well as the female characters in other RPGs. Action games don't depend on the characterization so much (think Lara Croft). I seem to select the females in the fighting games such as Street Fighter and Marvel vs. Capcom. This has always been the case - even before I recognized the CD aspect of my life.

I'm actually going through and pulling characters now and pulling images for the ones I like based on the artwork. Some of the costuming is really exceptional. So I guess it doesn't hurt that I prefer the costuming of the female characters to the male characters.

[the_me]

Just to throw another media outlet into the discussion - video games.

I've really enjoyed the Final Fantasy games that had good strong female characters as well as the female characters in other RPGs. Action games don't depend on the characterization so much (think Lara Croft). I seem to select the females in the fighting games such as Street Fighter and Marvel vs. Capcom. This has always been the case - even before I recognized the CD aspect of my life.

Agree'd. I mean, bet you could guess what helped me in picking my name! I've been the -exact- same way regarding female characters in pretty much every game I've played, playing the males only to unlock more features then switching right back when able! Wish my xbox didn't break, I want to play DoA Beach Volleyball so bad right now. :(

Film and TV are actually a bit different for me... It would really depend on the character. There are many female characters I just wish I could be myself... like anything Amanda Tapping does... :<3: ... but there are quite a few male ones I do wish I could be as well. Thinking hard about it, female does outweigh male for me in this category.

As far as pure physical atraction goes, as compared to overall character, it is pretty 50/50 for me.

[Joanne f]

Most of the time i just run with the film more than a character (think i was the shark in jaws) :heehee: but occasionally there is one i connect with like Jennifer Hewitt in Ghost whisperer as i love the clothes she wears or Jack Sparrow in Pirates of the Caribbean and there is a couple of scenes in Mamma Mia when they are dancing and i would have loved to be dressed like them and dance , made me feel real envious.
Mine you i also want to be the characters in things like Red Cliff so it is not just all girlie :D

[VioletJourney]

Both. I can identify with any strong, admirable character, male or female.

[Tina P Hose]

I find myself 60% female, 40% male. In that thought.

[Charisma]

I see myself as female bout 80% of the time.

[2SpeedTranny]

Guess I'll be the spanner in the works here. I rarely identify with a female character.


I'll be a monkey wrench too then.

My interest in female characters is either 1) want what she's wearing, or 2) want to see her naked. Or sometimes both.

As for identifying with characters... Charlie in "Two and a Half Men" would be a good example.

And since most of the trannies I've met IRL (about 30 now) think this way, I'd have to suggest that a lot of replies in this thread are outright lies, wishful thinking, or cracked brain stem.

:D

[Paula_56]

sometimes both I am trans

[KrystalA]

I read a lot of books. Mostly whodunit books, and I always identify with the strong yet feminine character who always manages to come out on top.

[Kaz]

The simple answer is that I always see the other side... but sometimes the other side isn't the female version... I tend to see all sides, but sadly not all at the same time?

[Dawna Ellen Bays]

It depends on the character...and usually how she looks, what she wears, and how she carries herself. Most recently I wanted to look like Brittany Daniel in the HORRENDOUS sci-fi flick "Skyline."

As far as "what she's wearing," my first experience with that emotion was Catherine Mary Stuart in the 80s sci-fi "Night of the Comet." I didn't like THAT movie, either, to be honest, but there's a scene where Stuart and another girl try on "high-fashion" clothes in an abandoned department store, and I SO wanted to be doing that with them.

And THAT reminds me of the scene in the original "Dawn of the Dead" where the female lead (a very plain-looking woman) gives herself a heavy makeover at a mall makeup counter. I remember thinking as she slid off one of her false eyelashes "Oh, WHY can't that be me?" Except for, you know...all the zombies...

But I probably mostly identify with the male lead...he gets to be with the girl in question...

Be warned that the clip contains a "sexual-orientation" slur...don't let it ruin your enjoyment of the scene...

Edit: the "Night of the Comet" scene is here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=91xWXTIwTwM) :
The part I love starts at the 2:14 mark, but the moment I love most is 3:08 to 3:31. I wanted to BE her from the shoes up to that silky black dress, applying mascara...

[joan47]

A no brainer, female 90% of the time

[Claire Cook]

More and more I identify with the female roles. I read a lot and I find myself reading more and more books by females authors with female lead characters.

Me too -- although the Alice books were always my favorites as a kid and I strongly identified with her .. and of course I wanted a dress and apron like she wore!

[noeleena]

Hi..

So for me then wishfull thinking out right lying or a cracked brain. hmmm , Whats I R L, no idear.

okay i can handle the being nuts , insane & out of my tree.

Tho i will say im just a woman who is different & intersex may have a little to do with that .
So as i cant relate to men , it'll have to be women only,

Im so glad im insane at least i dont have to prove who i am. & them from the assylum told me im a woman.

...noeleena...

[sometimes_miss]

"Which gender do you find yourself identifying with"
Depends on the story; also, if there are no female characters in it, then the question is moot, don't you think?

[Elena Ornamental]

The question of identification is interesting to me. It is essential that the viewer is able to RELATE to characters in media; otherwise the media will be unsuccessful in it's aims. Identification seems to me to be stronger; I think of the example that women watching Clark Gable in a movie fantasize themselves playing against him. This is an "inside" feeling by the viewer. I read a lot (science fiction, fantasy, biography) and to me what I read is "outside", something I'm watching happen. Maybe it depends on how alienated a personality is? Anyway there's RELATING to a character and IDENTIFYING with a character which are two different things.

[Fractured]

I'll be a monkey wrench too then.

My interest in female characters is either 1) want what she's wearing, or 2) want to see her naked. Or sometimes both.

As for identifying with characters... Charlie in "Two and a Half Men" would be a good example.

And since most of the trannies I've met IRL (about 30 now) think this way, I'd have to suggest that a lot of replies in this thread are outright lies, wishful thinking, or cracked brain stem.

:D


The question of identification is interesting to me. It is essential that the viewer is able to RELATE to characters in media; otherwise the media will be unsuccessful in it's aims. Identification seems to me to be stronger; I think of the example that women watching Clark Gable in a movie fantasize themselves playing against him. This is an "inside" feeling by the viewer. I read a lot (science fiction, fantasy, biography) and to me what I read is "outside", something I'm watching happen. Maybe it depends on how alienated a personality is? Anyway there's RELATING to a character and IDENTIFYING with a character which are two different things.

Good distinctions. So let me rephrase - I usually end up rooting for the female lead. If I were to actually analyze to the minutest detail I'm not sure I can say which I would identify with. I can't identify with Charlie Sheen's "Two and a Half Men" character since I don't have the personality, traits, or history of that persona. I can relate to them in that I find the situations funny and wish I had as many relationships (ok, maybe not that many) and a smartass comeback line to anything. I seem to empathize more with female characters than I do with male characters. I can feel bad for Will Smith's character in Legend and feel the loneliness when he gets angry at a mannequin for not talking to him but I can't be sure that it's a stronger empathy than I feel for the lead in My Big Fat Greek Wedding.

Perhaps it would just be safer to say I like the female characters more without saying I identify or relate better to them. But then that isn't answering the question, is it? :)

[t-girlxsophie]

I have always Identified with the females in costume dramas or tv progs from the 50/60s mainly for the clothes and the look,These days I would love to be action hero and as there seems to be stronger roles for woman in thrillers/action films it would be even better to be the Action Heroine:) even better could combine the two a la Kiera Knightley in Pirates of the Carribean

Sophie

[abigailf]

Yet, I love Drizzt Do-Urden (a male lead) in the Dark Elf Trilogy by R.A. Salvatore.



I have always identified with Cattie-Brie in that series. I read them all, 16 or so books.

[suchacutie]

Both....

Makes sense :)

tina

[Kate Simmons]

I believe a lot of us are decended from the Zep Tepi(literally meaning "First Ones"). According to some of their legends a group of beings known as The Neteru ruled Heliopolis in ancient times. They were both male and female but all had the ability to assume any form they chose, including both men and women. I believe our sense of adventure comes from this.:)

[Fractured]

I have always identified with Cattie-Brie in that series. I read them all, 16 or so books.

Cattie-Brie was a decent charcter but I didn't much care for Wulfgar. Drizzt's struggle with his family and his heritage are what really got me though - deciding that he beliefs did not match the rest of Menzoberranzan and fighting against them all then going to new territory looking for a place to belong. That struck a chord in me.

[Barbara Dugan]

The characters that always I identify on any type of media are the gender bender ones like Drag Queens, Cd's or transvestites

[tabithavalentine]

Like a few others, I focus on the character, not the gender. The one place where this changes is in RPG games. Back in my World of Warcraft days, I always had an alt (which more than often became my main) that was a female. I guess I've finally figured out why :)

[Michaela42]

For the most part I relate to the female characters, but with a bit of an exception. I really associate with strong female characters (such as Buffy Summers) who can show their vulnerable side. The weak and whiny ones (like Dawn Summers) grate on my nerves and I want to hurt them :)

[Mary Morgan]

As a child, I was always trying to be the heroine when we played cowboys. I identified with Miss Kitty (Amanda Blake) and Maureen O'Hara, Cappucine, Ann Baxter, and so on. I still do.

[Andromeda]

I find that I identify with the protagonist in any well written book or well filmed show. Gender does not seem to be much of a factor. I will admit that I am always interested in how the writers and or directors actors and the like handle the female characters especially when they are the main characters as these these tend to be less stereotyped at present.

[Chun-Li]

Usually the male characters. I keep as slender as I can for my CD purposes, but the inner male in me wishes to be big n muscular and more manly.

But in videogames I always go female since it's more of an extension of yourself.

[ArleneRaquel]

The female characters of course.