Thursday, March 24, 2011

Strong Heroine Study Guide

Or rather, recommendation list. I thought since last week I blogged about what I think makes a strong heroine (and what doesn't cut it) I'd give you a list of some of my favorites. Please tell me your favorites in comments!!

This list does not include just about every character Tamora Pierce has ever written. That goes without saying. :P

In no particular order:

1. Liesel Meminger, THE BOOK THIEF
2. Rose, EAST
3. Gemma Doyle, A GREAT AND TERRIBLE BEAUTY and sequels
4. Meggie, INKHEART trilogy
5. Elizabeth Bennet, PRIDE AND PREJUDICE
6. Grace, SHIVER trilogy
7. Bianca Piper, THE DUFF
8. Lennie, THE SKY IS EVERYWHERE
9. Francesca, SAVING FRANCESCA
10. Kate & Cecelia, SORCERY & CECELIA trilogy

I'm sure there are some more I could think of as well, but for the most part, what I like about these characters is that they don't feel the need to parade how strong they are. They just quietly stick to their guns, muddle through their problems both on their own and with their friends, and they get through it. To me, that seems so much more real than attacking the problem head-on with a baseball bat or giving it snark all the time. These characters take what they've been dealt and make it work.

Who are some of your favorite strong heroines?

1 comment:

  1. Great post! I'll have to pick up some of these titles. I started THE BOOK THIEF but kept forgetting to finish, although I do agree that she is a strong heroine. Rose in EAST, Grace in SHIVER, Bianca in THE DUFF all are great ones.

    She's not the main character, but I think Alaska in LOOKING FOR ALASKA was a strong character even though she did have her depressing moments. I also think Rue in GOLDEN is strong. Norah in NICK AND NORAH'S INFINITE PLAYLIST too. And I think that's all I can come up with for now.

    Great post!

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