As a female reader, there have been many female characters who have inspired me and molded me into the person I am today. So, today I have compiled a list of my favourite female characters who I have stolen personality traits from, learned from and been shaped by. Who are your top badass fictional females?
Katniss Everdeen in The Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins
If I am being completely honest, The Hunger Games and more specifically, the character of Katniss Everdeen, shaped my personality when I was a pre-teen! Without spoiling anything for anyone who has been living under a rock and has never read or seen this incredible trilogy, her selflessness is demonstrated many many many times throughout the series. First when she volunteers as tribute and then when she shares her victory. Her experience in the games shows her to be a strong and courageous young woman who has a rational and cool-headed reasoning. Additionally, she has softer qualities which make her truly badass such as being a great big sister to Primrose and a big sister figure to Rue. All round an incredible role model for young readers!
Elizabeth Bennet in Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
A woman I was recently introduced to but instantly shot up to the top of my badass fictional female list is Elizabeth Bennet. As well as being very intelligent and somewhat sassy, Eliza know who she is and what she wants. This manifests as her not following the typical social rules of marriage like her sisters and the rest of society and instead wanting to marry for love. In the book she is described as being “lively, playful disposition, which delighted in anything ridiculous”… I want her as my sister!
Margery O’Hare in The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes
Similarly, Margery O’Hare is a woman who knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to go for it. Being stubborn and self-sufficient, not relying on anyone but herself, she may come across as cold-hearted at first. But as you learn about her past, you can understand her reasoning for being distance and realise that she is actually incredibly strong and resilient, in regards to everything she goes through and the way she is treated by others.
Lucy Pevensie in The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
Sweet, sweet Lucy! She is the youngest of the four Pevensie siblings and the first of whom to discovered the magical wardrobe that leads to Narnia. Her curiosity is showcased immediately which makes her character so interesting. The journey she goes on with her siblings throughout the series displays her qualities of bravery and courage. However, what makes her character so loveable is the amount of kindness, compassion and empathy she has for all around her. She becomes so protective of not only her siblings but also her new friend, Tumnus. Lucy has remarkable qualities that make her an amazing fictional female character!
Evelyn Hugo in The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Evelyn Hugo is such a stubborn, audacious and uncompromising women, that at times it is chilling. She is painted as a flawed character throughout her journey of success as a Hollywood film actress, this is what I think makes her such an amazingly relatable character. We see that she is a fiercely protective mother, wife and friend, willing to do anything for those she loves, even if it means hiding dark secrets. Another amazing fictional female character who knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to go for it. For me, Evelyn Hugo is the ultimate badass women.
Sarah-Jane Friedman in Dear Martin by Nic Stone
Apart from being an intelligent and high achieving student, SJ is a true ally to the Black community and isn’t afraid to make that know. Through her debates and conversations with other students and the main characters, it is clear that she recognises the injustices of the world and the role her white privilege plays in them. But she goes even further to educate not only the characters but also the readers about the things that should not happen to Black people but sadly do. This shows her compassionate nature and her activism for racial injustice which I think everyone can learn from.
Lady Macbeth in Macbeth by William Shakespeare
You know the saying that behind every strong man is an even stronger women? Well, this is true in the Scottish play of Macbeth. Except, this play shows that behind every power hungry megalomaniac is an even more terrifying and calculating sociopath. Today, Lady Macbeth would certainly be called out as a vile women and even in Elizabethan society, it is clear that her character does not conform to the social norms of women. Without his wife, Macbeth would be an insanely boring character as it is her manipulation and the plans she has masterminded which are the driving force behind the play. A bit of a wildcard for the strongest, bravest and most badass fictional females but it is without a doubt that Lady Macbeth always overshadows her husband.
What do you think of my favourite badass fictional female characters? Who are yours?
Ro x
Read With Ro 