The "cool girl" archetype, as described in Gillian Flynn's "Gone Girl," reveals the lengths women go to for male approval, often sacrificing authenticity for acceptance.
A "cool girl" is game for anything her partner wants, wearing makeup but not too much, and leaning into exactly what a man looks for.
This character is effortlessly fun, quiet, and doesn't take herself too seriously, highlighting the painful lengths women go to fit into this ideal.
Author's summary: Women's authenticity is imprisoned by societal expectations.