A common theme among Twitter lit chats of late (or perhaps it's always been this way) is the female protagonist. Which are your favorites? What makes her a good character to look up to and respect?So often I see readers, both ladies and gents, gravitate toward female characters that can "kick ass," meaning their physical strength is their signifying characteristic. You know the types. Women who can beat the tar out of anyone they meet and defy any dangerous situation. But I've noticed a trend with the "kick ass" characters: they're mostly females excelling in predominantly male roles. Assassin, Ninja, action hero, secret agent, the list goes on. Not that those characters aren't fascinating, but why do they tend to be more fascinating than women who excel in predominantly female roles?
Take Maria from The Sound of Music. Hers was a traditional role: the governess, the motherly figure. Her entire world revolved around the von Trapp family. Yet she had the guts to escape the grip of Nazi soldiers and somehow survive a trek through the mountains to find refuge in Switzerland. Talk about kick ass.
What about Esther Summerson in Bleak House? She was a housekeeper. After surviving a bout with smallpox, she finds her face badly disfigured. Yet she does not wallow in self-pity from wounded vanity. She presents herself to the world, holds her head high, and life goes on. I know very few women who could go through such an experience with as much strength and dignity.
Following this train of thought, I asked some of my friends who their favorite female protag was and why. They came up with some great examples, and their reasonings seemed to have a trend.
- None of them are damsels in distress.
- Their identities do not rely on the love interests in their lives.
- They stand up for their principles and beliefs, and do not deviate.
- They have perseverance in adverse circumstances.
- None of them kill--even those who could be considered action hero types.
- None use sex or sensuality to get ahead.
- Many of them knew what they wanted and went after it in upstanding ways, no matter what others, or society, thought of them.
- Most broke out from traditional female stereotypes and became women of importance. They weren't just females doing a man's job equally or better--they were simply themselves.
So, what do you think makes a strong female character? What are some of your favorites and why? I'd love to explore this topic further.
I always appreciate the female heros who "kick ass" because I consider myself one of those women. I've never thought about those women who excel in tradition "female" roles. I especially like the examples you gave above. This is very though provoking. :)
ReplyDeleteMy favorite female protag actually does do a couple of those things in your lest of nevers. My favorite female character right now is Phedre no Delaunay of the Kushiel's Legacy books by Jacqueline Carey.
ReplyDeleteShe is not a physically strong character, and actually does get rescued a couple of times in the series, but she is incredibly smart and capable. The main trend that she doesn't conform to is the one about sex. She has no problem using sex as a means to get what she wants, but that's kind of baked in to who she is. She is a prostitute. But the world she is in actually reveres the act of love as part of their religion.
It's a very complex and powerful series. I highly recommend it. The first three books in the series follow Phedre and the second three follow a male character. I think I actually enjoy his story a bit more, but not that's because I really like the exploration of his relationships and the female characters he is involved with.
Alisha - You definitely are one of those women! I think, however, that your ability to kick ass is not your defining characteristic. You are steadfast and passionate and seek justice. Actually, you would make a great female heroine!
ReplyDeleteRobert - I haven't heard of that series. I think the sex thing comes from the femme fatale characters. Nowadays they seem overdone. The character you describe doesn't seem to fit into that category.
For me, I love when a female character isn't super kick ass from the get go, but finds her strength in a time of need and saves herself/others in tough situations. It gives me hope that I could do that too, if push came to shove.
Thanks Mandy! It's very nice of you to say. I agree with you. Kahlan Amnell from the Sword of Truth series is very much that way. She was always strong in character, but found herself rising not only to the occasion of leader but a beacon of hope when the need arose...and we find out later that she becomes pretty handy with a sword, but she definitely doesn't start off that way. ;)
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