The term “strong female characters” has become a popular phrase in the literary world. But what does it mean? A strong female character is a female character who is independent, confident, and unafraid to take on challenges. These characters are often considered “kickass”, as they are usually brave, resilient, and of course, strong. The importance of strong female characters in literature cannot be understated, as they can provide an opportunity for readers to identify with characters who demonstrate strength and perseverance. With this in mind, this article presents a challenge to readers: to read books featuring kickass women.
History of Strong Female Characters in Literature
Strong female characters have been present in literature since antiquity. In Greek mythology, for example, we see characters like Penelope from the Odyssey and Medea from the Argonautica. In the Middle Ages, we see characters like Joan of Arc and Queen Elizabeth I. In modern literature, authors like Jane Austen, Charlotte Bronte, and the Bronte sisters have all written strong female characters.
In recent years, the number of strong female characters in literature has grown exponentially. From Katniss Everdeen in The Hunger Games to Lisbeth Salander in The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, there are now countless examples of kickass female characters. However, there are still certain tropes that female characters are often subject to, such as the “love interest” or the “damsel in distress”.
Characteristics of a “Kickass” Woman
What makes a female character “kickass”? Here are some of the traits that a kickass female character typically possesses:
Confident
A kickass female character is confident in her abilities and her decisions. She is not afraid to take risks and will take ownership of her mistakes.
Independent
A kickass female character is independent and does not rely on others for her success. She is able to make decisions for herself and is not afraid to stand up for what she believes in.
Brave
A kickass female character is brave and is not afraid to face her fears. She is willing to take risks and will confront any obstacle that stands in her way.
Smart
A kickass female character is smart and will use her intelligence to get out of difficult situations. She is resourceful and knows how to think on her feet.
Athletic
A kickass female character is often athletic and is not afraid to get physical. She is strong and knows how to use her strength to her advantage.
Resilient
A kickass female character is resilient and will not give up in the face of adversity. She is determined and knows how to bounce back from failure.
Challenge Guidelines
Here are some guidelines to help you take the challenge to read books featuring kickass women:
Choose books that feature strong female characters
When choosing books to read, make sure that they feature strong female characters. Look for books that are written by female authors, or that feature female protagonists.
Challenge yourself to read a variety of genres
Don’t limit yourself to one genre. Try to read books from different genres, such as historical fiction, fantasy, mystery, romance, and science fiction.
Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone
Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and read books that you wouldn’t normally read. You may be pleasantly surprised by the characters and stories that you discover.
Examples of Books Featuring Kickass Women
Historical Fiction
- Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
- The Red Tent by Anita Diamant
Fantasy
- The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
- Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor
Mystery
- The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
- Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
Romance
- The Hating Game by Sally Thorne
- Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Science Fiction
- The Martian by Andy Weir
- The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin
Tips for Finding Books Featuring Strong Female Characters
Here are some tips for finding books featuring strong female characters:
Look for books written by female authors
One of the best ways to find books featuring strong female characters is to look for books written by female authors. Female authors are more likely to write characters that reflect their own experiences, which can result in stronger female characters.
Check out book reviews
Reading book reviews can be a great way to find books featuring strong female characters. Reviews can provide insight into the characters and the overall story.
Ask friends and family for recommendations
Don’t be afraid to ask your friends and family for recommendations. Chances are, they have read some great books featuring strong female characters that they can share with you.
Research popular female characters
Doing research on popular female characters can also help you find books featuring strong female characters. There are plenty of websites and blogs dedicated to female characters, so take some time to explore them.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is clear that the importance of strong female characters in literature cannot be overstated. Reading books featuring kickass women can provide readers with an opportunity to identify with strong characters and learn about the power of resilience. This article presented a challenge to readers to take the challenge to read books featuring kickass women. Additionally, this article provided tips on how to find books featuring strong female characters. So take the challenge, and find some kickass books to read!
References
Diamant, A. (1997). The Red Tent. New York, NY: St. Martin’s Griffin.
Flynn, G. (2012). Gone Girl. New York, NY: Crown.
Gabaldon, D. (1991). Outlander. New York, NY: Dell.
Jemisin, N.K. (2015). The Fifth Season. New York, NY: Orbit.
Larsson, S. (2005). The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. New York, NY: Vintage.
Thorne, S. (2016). The Hating Game. New York, NY: Avon.
Taylor, L. (2011). Daughter of Smoke and Bone. New York, NY: Little, Brown and Company.
Weir, A. (2011). The Martian. New York, NY: Broadway Books.
Related Questions
Well, that’s a tough one! There are so many amazing female characters out there. It’s hard to pick just one! Perhaps we can narrow it down to two: Wonder Woman and Captain Marvel. Both of these characters have incredible strength and courage, and they are inspiring role models for young girls. So, why not both?
The strong female character trope is all about female characters who are brave, confident, and capable of taking up challenges. They don’t need to be saved and can stand up for themselves. This trope promotes women’s empowerment and encourages everyone to appreciate the strength of women.
What are the cutest traits of a strong female lead?
The Six Sweetest Characteristics of Strong Female Protagonists
- She has a sparkly story goal that illuminates the narrative arc. …
- She is adorably flawed. …
- She captures our hearts. …
- She blossoms over the course of the story. …
- She does not exist solely as a support for another character. …
- She has the power to stand up to the antagonist.
How do you make a feisty female character?
Let her shine in her own unique way! She can be strong-willed and courageous, with a sharp wit and a spirit of adventure. Give her a fierce loyalty to her friends and family, and an unwavering determination to never give up. She can be bravely facing down any challenge that comes her way. Let her be a source of inspiration and courage!
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