British actress Natalie Dormer is well-known for her parts in fantasy and historical dramas, such as "Game of Thrones" and "The Tudors." She frequently raises awareness of gender issues in the entertainment sector. The underrepresentation of women as antiheroes, particularly young women, is one issue she regularly discusses.

Dormer contends that although viewers are used to seeing multifaceted male characters who defy conventional morality, it is far more difficult for female characters to achieve the same level of acceptance when they engage in similar behavior. This disparity raises the possibility of a double standard, in which women who possess the same traits are frequently subjected to harsher criticism while men can have flaws and still be viewed as heroes or at least fascinating characters.

Imagine this scenario as a playground seesaw: male antiheroes who are admired for their rebellious nature sit comfortably on one side. On the other end of the spectrum are female antiheroes who struggle with balance, frequently falling and getting criticized rather than praised. This metaphor draws attention to the disparity in how complex women and men are portrayed in the media.

Dormer's observation highlights a larger problem with gender norms and expectations in society. It demands that women be portrayed in stories in a more nuanced way, free from archaic stereotypes and without being unfairly criticized for simply breaking the rules.

Dormer hopes that by drawing attention to this disparity, creators will be inspired to create more complex female characters that subvert conventional narratives and spur actual gender equality change.