What makes a female character kick ass?
To me, there are several answers to that question. I enjoy female characters who
1) Stand up for themselves and the ones they care about
2) Fight back against injustice
3) Show their vulnerable sides
4) Have an explosive character arc
5) Know their own worth and aren't afraid to go for what they want
6) Aren't afraid to be themselves no matter what others think of them
The following is a list of some of my favourite female characters, who each show strength in different ways.
Elizabeth Bennet
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
There are several reasons why I love - and always will love - Miss Elizabeth Bennet. She is a feisty character who stands her ground and stands up for what she believes in. I like that she is opinionated and doesn't shirk back from voicing those opinions. But perhaps her best feature, and what makes her so strong, is that she is able to admit when she is wrong.
Hermione Granger
Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling
Hermioner Granger has been my 'bossom friend' (as someone else on this list would phrase it) since I was a child. I myself have always been preoccupied by books, studies and good grades and in Hermione I found a soulmate that I could relate to. Her strength lies in her faith in herself and those around her. It lies in her goodness and her kindness. Sometimes her strength even lies in her fist or her wand. Mostly, her strength lies in her knowledge and her ability to use that knowledge in the right situations.
Louisa 'Lou' Clarke
Me Before You series by Jojo Moyes
When I think of Lou the first image that springs into my mind is of her yellow and black striped tights. Lou is herself. She doesn't shrink back and pretend to be anything less or more than what she is. She owns herself completely - flaws, vulnerability and difficult emotions too.
Anne Shirley
Anne of Green Gables series by L.M. Montgomery
From the moment Anne broke that slate over Gilbert's head I knew that she was one of the strongest characters, I would encounter. She has spunk like no other character! She is tenacious and goes after what she wants, quite unapologetically. She can be a bit of a steamroller if someone gets in her way, as poor Gilbert learned, and she has a hard time admitting mistakes, but she is painfully aware of her flaws and consciously works on them, which is something I admire.
Lauralanthalasa 'Laurana' Kanan
Dragonlance series by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hichman
This woman has perhaps the most amazing character arc I have ever read. She starts out a spoiled princess and ends up a warrior and army commander. She learns to take care of herself and not rely on any man to get what she wants. Furthermore, she fights for what she believes in and for making a difference in the world. That makes her pretty bad ass if you ask me.
Eowyn 'The White Lady'
Lord of the Rings series by J.R.R. Tolkien
"But no living man am I! You look upon a woman." This always gives me chills. Eowyn knows how to fight and she is eager to prove her worth. Instead of being ashamed of being a woman, she uses it to her advantage and proclaims it loudly. But more than that, she is also vulnerable and even slightly fragile in certain situations. While she can summon incredible strength, she is also not ashamed of showing her vulnerable side.
Starr Carter
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
The Hate U Give is, for me, one the books that really stand out for me because it made me feel so many things. I am certain, that this is actually the book that has made me cry the most. Starr witnesses the murder of a friend and while she is sad and has a hard time moving on, she stands up for what she believes is right. She fights for justice for her friend. She doesn't cower, she doesn't back down - she stands tall and uses her voice to right a wrong.
Leslie Burke
Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson
I recently re-watched this movie (I read the book years ago) and was once again struck by how amazing a character Leslie Burke is. She is the new girl at school and therefore an easy target for bullies. But instead of letting the bullies get her down, she creates a wonderful new world and an amazing friendship with Jesse to help both of them overcome the harshness of everyday life. Her imagination and kindness form the basis of her strength.
Katherine Swynford
Katherine by Anya Seton
Katherine Swynford is actually the only character on this list that is also a real life actual woman. She was the mistress and later wife of John of Gaunt, the third son of the English king, Edward III. Their children would go on to found one of the most famous ruling dynasties - the Tudors. This book shows the hardship that Katherine endured throughout her life. She came from almost nothing, the daughter of a lowly knight, spent years as the mistress of a Prince while he married and had children with other women. They too had children, illegitimate children, who were scorned and cast out of polite society. But she endures it all, sticks by her man even though he hardly ever deserves it, and ends up the Duchess of Lancaster and matriarch of a dynasty. What makes her strong? Love. Her capacity for love - the love of her children and the love of her man.
Ella
Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine
Ella lives most of her life as the victim of a curse, which forces her to do whatever she is commanded. Whether she is commanded to do the dishes or harm another person, she is compelled by the curse to do so. Still, Ella does not let this get her down. Nor does she use it as an excuse to behave badly or lash out. She is still kind and generous. And she is determined to take control of her own life and rid herself of the curse.
Susie Salmon
The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold
At the opening of The Lovely Bones we learn that Susie Salmon is dead - she has been murdered. But that doesn't stop Susie from wanting justice for herself. And closure for her father. As a ghost she helps solve the mystery of who murdered her. Though she is only a little girl, her willpower, craving for justice and sense of right and wrong is so strong, that not even death can stop her. I call that immense strength.
Aliena of Shiring
Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett
The things that Aliena goes through during the course of this book would be enough to break many other women. Like Laurana, Aliena started out as a privileged slightly spoiled lady, but had everything taken away from her. Some might wish to give up, but not Aliena. She uses her strength, intelligence and tenacity to build herself up from scratch. She makes something of herself - on her own in a world were women were not permitted to be their own person. She throws convention out the window and makes her own rules.
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