Books Quote by Courtney A. Kemp
“The baseline character in a lot of Western literature is a man. So we, as women, do a lot of suspending of our disbelief to experience a novel or a play or a movie through that male character.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Gender and Narrative, 2015
Women often must adopt male protagonists to engage with stories, highlighting a gender bias in literary focus.
In simple terms: Women rely on male leads to enjoy narratives.
Key Takeaway
Seek diverse perspectives in storytelling.
Themes
gender bias
representation
literature
female experience
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
analytical
observational
When to use this quote
- reading novels
- watching films
- theatre attendance
- creative writing
Key Concepts
patriarchal narrative
identification
suspension of disbelief
Questions to Reflect On
- How can creators center female protagonists?
- What impact does this bias have on readers?
A Different Perspective
Male‑centric stories can limit female agency.
