PKMN Breeder Aello
What are you looking for when you say you're interested in a "strong" female MC? Just for curiosity's sake.
3nodding Do you mean a female who can actually physically defend herself? Or is a female who might need someone to come beat up all the monsters but is strong intellectually or in spirit enough? If the female was the one pulling the strings the whole time, as in she had deliberately put herself in the paladin's path knowing that he would choose to help her so that she could further her own plans to bring down the main antagonist, would that make it any different?
I don't know that I'll be changing anything in my story, I'm just really interested in what people actually look for in a strong FMC. Anyone else can feel free to throw their two cents in as well.
3nodding
I think it's a bit of both, to be honest. I love a heroine that can kick butt but it's also nice to read about one that may need a bit of assistance. Take Makedde Vanderwall from Tara Moss' series of the same name, for example. She has this strong, independent quality about her but there's times where she's completely helpless and needs the assistance of Andy Flynn and the rest of the police force. Anyone that isn't totally "woe is me" and just takes the back seat, really - if that makes sense.
I think the "pulling strings" scenario you mentioned is actually really clever. It's devious and I don't think that would change my thoughts on her that much. I might find myself annoyed by her unwillingness to actually contribute, but it would all be part of her master plan. I like how cunning it would be.
I hope my response makes sense, I have trouble explaining myself most of the time.