Writing strong female protagonists is both a rewarding and challenging endeavor. In An Unforgiving Desert, Skylar Kawabata exemplifies the qualities of an everyday woman who discovers her inner strength when faced with extraordinary circumstances, which happens to be one of my favorite themes to write!
The Appeal of Everyday Heroines
I've always been attracted to writing about ordinary women who uncover their hidden strengths when thrown into tough situations. Skylar Kawabata is no exception. Growing up, she believed that her primary responsibility was taking care of her family. Her mother's third consort, Dom, was abusive and convinced her that this was her lot in life as the “first-daughter.” Despite these challenges, Skylar grew up strong and resilient.
Skylar's everyday life revolved around her family, particularly dealing with Dom’s oppressive control. Dom’s constant degradation and manipulation created an environment where Skylar had to develop mental toughness just to survive daily life. Yet, she never saw herself as anything extraordinary; she was simply doing what needed to be done for her family's sake.
“I had job from the moment I was born. And if I didn’t do my job, I was screwed.” – Skylar Kawabata
That’s a heavy burden, right? This quote highlights the weight of responsibility Skylar carried from a young age. Her resilience wasn’t born out of choice but necessity — a common thread among many real-life women who find themselves in similar situations. By focusing on these relatable aspects, I aimed to create a protagonist that readers could see themselves in, someone who might not realize their own strength until they’re forced to confront it.
Overcoming Abuse and Finding Inner Strength
Skylar's strength is rooted in her turbulent upbringing. Dom's abusive behavior and controlling nature forced her to develop resilience early on. He degraded her constantly and even manipulated her test scores to make her feel inferior. However, Skylar knew she was smart — she has a near-photographic memory and retains vast amounts of information.
Dom’s abuse extended beyond physical or emotional maltreatment; it was psychological warfare designed to break Skylar’s spirit. By altering her test scores, Dom tried to undermine Skylar’s confidence in her intelligence, making her believe she was less capable than she actually was. This kind of manipulation can have long-lasting effects on a person's self-esteem.
“Dom’s smile was small, his eyes glinting with a hint of evil… He was altering my scores just for Mom.”
Despite this constant barrage of negativity, Skylar found ways to affirm her self-worth quietly. She hid her intelligence as a means of self-preservation but also as a strategic move. She understood that showing too much competence could make her a target for exploitation or envy.
Her journey in An Unforgiving Desert is not just about surviving physical trials but also about reclaiming her identity and recognizing her worth independent of others' opinions.
The Double-Edged Sword of Intelligence
One significant challenge in writing strong female protagonists is balancing their intelligence with societal expectations. Women like Skylar often face prejudice from men with big egos who feel threatened by their competence. This dynamic is evident in Skylar's initial interactions with Kalvin.
Kalvin initially believes that Skylar must have cheated her way into flight school because he can't reconcile her competence with his own insecurities. This misunderstanding sets the stage for their evolving relationship.
Skylar knows that being overtly intelligent can sometimes be detrimental in environments dominated by fragile male egos. She navigates this by strategically underplaying her capabilities while still excelling when it truly matters. Kalvin is the type that definitely doesn’t want to be shown-up by a woman.
“Do you think Skylar’s abilities are bullshit? Do you think she cheated on the test?” Damian’s voice lowers to a growl. “Come on. Enlighten me.”
Kalvin rolls his eyes and blusters under the glare of Damian. “Well, you know, she’s a princess. She’s only here because her family paid her way.”
What… the… fuck?
My scalp heats as my skin cools. I blink a few times. “I’m sorry. What did you just say?”
“Are you saying I passed her because she bribed me?” Damian is not having any of this either, and my respect for him raises two notches.
Kalvin blows a frustrated breath out his nose. “Please, sir. She has the backing of two of the wealthiest families in the Duo Systems. I think everyone can draw their conclusions from that.”
This quote highlights the tension between them at the beginning of their relationship. Kalvin’s attitude isn’t uncommon; many men feel emasculated by women who outperform them academically or professionally. However, through the course of their journey together, Kalvin comes to respect and admire Skylar’s intelligence rather than feeling threatened by it.
Navigating Gender Dynamics
Skylar's journey also highlights the gender dynamics that often complicate relationships between strong women and men with fragile egos. Her intelligence and competence are assets but also sources of tension.
“Pressure’s been high on you, huh?”
I stare into my MRE. “What do you mean?”He huffs a short laugh. “‘My matchmaker would not find you to be a suitable candidate for my network,’” he repeats back to me. “I’ve seen this all before. Your family wants you to settle down, take on the reins of the family business, and get on with life so they can retire, right?”
I don’t answer.
“If I’d had a sister, this would have happened to her, too. Instead, my parents got two sons, thankfully without the Vir gene, that they now pester constantly to find a network to join.”
This moment signifies a turning point where Kalvin starts seeing past his prejudices towards acknowledging Skylar’s worth genuinely — a testament not only to his growth but also hers for breaking down those barriers without losing herself in the process.
I reach over and find his hand. He squeezes my fingers in his.
“Thank you for hearing me out and not judging me based on what you learned of me from Cressida.”
“That was a ‘consider the source’ moment,” he says with a weak laugh.
“And thanks for not lumping all the responsibilities on me once you knew I was…”
“Smart. Yeah, you hide it well.”
“I just don’t shout about it.” My heartbeat kicks up, ready to get defensive, but I take a breath through my nose and try to hold back. “I do what needs to be done, and I don’t brag about it, you know?”
Only my family knows I’m too smart for my own good. Everyone else sees a pretty face and a curvy body. I use those as a shield to keep the true parasites away. I’m sick of men wanting me for my parts instead of the whole me. I’m sick of men using me to get what they want.
“I see that.” He pauses to sigh. “And I’m sorry. I guess I’m just like other men out there. I judged you unfairly.”
If this were any other day, I would tell him it’s okay, that I’m not offended. But for once, I’m just going to take his apology and leave it.
“Thank you,” I whisper. “Let’s rest until the sun goes down some.”
The gender dynamics at play are complex; it isn’t just about one person changing but both parties evolving together towards mutual respect rather than competition or resentment — an important aspect when writing believable character arcs involving strong females paired against traditional masculine stereotypes without resorting into clichés or caricatures.
Crafting Multi-Dimensional Characters
Writing strong female protagonists like Skylar Kawabata involves embracing their complexity — their strengths, vulnerabilities, intelligence, and resilience. It's about creating characters who are not only relatable but also inspiring in their ability to overcome life's challenges.
Skylar's journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and authenticity. She navigates a world that often underestimates her, proving time and again that she is capable of greatness. Her story is one of self-discovery, empowerment, and triumph over adversity.
As an author, crafting such multi-dimensional characters requires a delicate balance. It's important to show their strengths without making them seem invincible and to reveal their vulnerabilities without diminishing their power. For Skylar, this meant highlighting her intelligence and competence while also exploring the emotional scars left by years of abuse.
I loved writing this dynamic! It kept me on my toes, always thinking about what people perceive of Skylar versus how she was inside, the “real” her. In a lot of ways, she’s a slippery character, hard to pin down and understand. But that’s what makes her so intriguing.
Writing strong female protagonists like Skylar Kawabata is both challenging and rewarding. It involves finding their complexities, showcasing their resilience, and navigating gender dynamics that often complicate their relationships. Through Skylar's journey in An Unforgiving Desert, I aimed to create a character who embodies strength in all its forms—physical, emotional, and intellectual.
Skylar's story serves as a powerful reminder that even ordinary women can discover extraordinary strength within themselves when faced with adversity. Her resilience, intelligence, and determination make her a role model for readers who may see themselves in her struggles and triumphs.
Start the Amagi Series today with An Unforgiving Desert!
Skylar Kawabata, an accomplished pilot fighting for her future, must defend her ship, the Amagi, and her very name from her estranged family, who are driven by the vicious lies of the abusive consort Dominic in the Amagi Series. Read it for free on my website today!
