In her book "Why Not Me?", Mindy Kaling shares her experience of receiving notes on her character Danny Castellano. The feedback emphasized the importance of portraying him as a strong and masculine figure. Kaling was advised against creating scenes where her character would outsmart him or dominate their interactions.
This guidance reflects a broader concern in storytelling about maintaining traditional gender dynamics. Kaling’s insights highlight the challenges writers face in balancing character strength with narrative expectations, particularly when dealing with themes of masculinity and power in relationships.