12 literary heroines we love
Great female characters, like the great women you meet in real life, can change your perception of what’s possible. They can inspire you to take risks, stick with it, go on great adventures, or just express yourself. The best of these heroines aren’t perfect people, they’re flawed and vulnerable just like we all are.
Our favorite characters are drawn so well that they feel like people we know and stay with us long after we finish reading the book. From classics and modern fiction to books for young adults and children, here are some of our favorite literary heroines.
Jane Eyre by Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë
Charlotte Brontë was recently voted the most popular novelist of all time in a survey of British women. Jane eyre tells the story of orphan Jane as she moves from an abusive childhood to a turbulent romance, eventually finding love in Mr. Rochester’s arms. Feminist before the word was even coined, she never allowed herself to be dominated by a man and, in a highly controversial move for the time, she only agreed to marry once she knew they would be. equal.
Jo March from Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
Little woman was the original book for young adults long before they became a thing, and paved the way for books like What Katy did next and Anne of the Green Gables. Of the four sisters in March, Jo is the most attractive: we love her for her bravery, her wit, and her knowledge of her wit. She refuses to marry Laurie, the rich boy next door, even though her family expects her to say yes. Instead, she travels to New York to pursue a career as a writer. Rebellious and outspoken, Jo’s way of living her life is a lesson to follow your heart rather than convention.
Scarlett O’Hara from Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell
During the first six months after its publication, Blown away by the wind has sold a million copies and inspired one of the most famous movies of all time. Margaret Mitchell’s epic book has everything you want in a book: love, drama, tragedy – plus one of the greatest lines of all time, “Frankly my dear, I don’t care”. Headstrong Scarlett isn’t always likable, but she’s a survivor.
Scout Finch from To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee
A six-year-old might seem like a strange narrator for a serious book like Kill a mockingbird, which tackles racial inequalities. But Scout Finch is a heroine brave enough to challenge the adults around her and hold on when she needs to. She helps defend her father, Atticus Finch, from attack and bravely takes on a racist teacher. Pint-sized inspiration!
Celie of the color purple by Alice Walker
Celie is a 14-year-old black girl living in poverty, separated from her sister and abused by her father. But when mysterious jazz singer Shug Avery comes to stay, Celie discovers friendship, love, faith, and most importantly, strength. Celie refuses to be defined by what has happened to her in the past and despite everything, she is looking to the future.
Lyra from Her Dark Materials by Philip Pullman
The His Dark Materials trilogy is one that many readers first come to as children, but it still holds value for adult readers. At its heart, it’s a story of good versus evil, and how children are left right to wrongs caused by adults. Lyra, the heroine is a headstrong and fiery young woman who is drawn into a battle waged by much higher and darker forces over a mysterious element called Dust – something powerful individuals like Lyra’s uncle Lord Asriel. , want to operate for their own ambitions.
Bridget Jones From Bridget Jones Diary by Helen Fielding
Single 30-something Bridget Jones is distressed by the state of her love life, her career and her weight. She’s obnoxious and prone to falling out of nonsense, but Bridget has so much more than that. The heroine of Helen Fielding who was completely, kindly honest about herself, her failures and all, in a way that was revolutionary when first released 25 years ago. And can you imagine how much fun you would have having a glass of wine with her?
Sephy from Noughts and Crosses by Malorie Blackman
Sephy is part of the wealthiest family in society. When she falls in love with Callum, a void, she could ignore his feelings and live according to her family’s expectations. But she doesn’t. His bravery in the face of racism and classism sets an inspiring precedent for children and young adults around the world. An important character in a very important book.
Marjane Satrapi from Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi
This illustrated memoir tells the story of Marjane’s turbulent teenage years, who grew up in wartime Iran, and her escape with her family to Austria. Although the stakes are high, the spirited teenager remains true to herself.
Offred from The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
Offred, real name June, is a woman who dreams of a better life and despite all the hardships she endures, she instills the spark of rebellion piece by piece through her actions and inspires the women around. of her.
Katniss Everdeen from The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
The rise in the massive popularity of young adult books has brought a whole slew of young heroines unleashed. The queen among them is a bow and arrows carrying Katniss. From the opening book of Suzanne Collins’ Hunger Games trilogy, when she steps forward to participate in a fierce battle to protect her sister, Katniss demonstrates courage and courage. She is as strong as her male counterparts, and unlike many male action heroes, she is never arrogant about her abilities.
Queenie from Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams
Queenie is a journalist in her twenties who lives in London and is going through major changes. He’s a brilliant character: daring and funny but also vulnerable and flawed. The book describes Queenie’s struggle with her sanity, her job, and the breakdown of her relationship, and although it is full of adversity, it’s a story of love and hope. Carty-Williams was motivated to write the book because of her frustration that there were no women like Queenie in contemporary fiction.
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