When writing a male character who becomes overly emotional, resist having him punch a wall or another male character.

Many men, if not most, have trouble handling emotions. We all know this. Instead of breaking down in fits of bawling, they may react a little violently since they can't understand or come to terms with their feelings. And as men, they're certainly not going to cry.

In fiction, we often put characters into highly volatile situations in which they may not know how to react. Or maybe a better way to put it: You, as the writer, may not know how the character should react.

There are, of course, stereotypes as men as big galoots who shoot first and ask questions later. That's fine if your character is Dirty Harry, but not all that interesting.

A male character who struggles with his emotions is much more intriguing. Punching a wall (or someone else) may be a quick way to give some insight into your character, but it's a shallow insight. And we don't want that, do we?

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