As a self-proclaimed feminist and lover of books, there is nothing I love more than seeing a strong woman protagonist in literature. Over the years through reading many, many books, I have encountered many novels that have some truly badass women making life changing decisions and standing up for what they believe to be right for the greater good. Enjoy a list of some of my absolute favorite powerful and incredibly inspiring female characters to ever grace the world of literature.
1. Nancy Drew
For as long as I can remember, I have been obsessed with Nancy Drew. I used to read the mystery novels very often, but I was really into the computer games. Nancy Drew is brilliant and stubborn yet very passionate about solving mysteries while she was often told to "stay out of it". I wanted to be a detective for many years because of my interest in Nancy Drew.
2. Matilda
Almost everyone has seen the adorable and heartwarming movie version of "Matilda", but many people don't know it was originally a novel before it was made into a movie. Matilda overcame her hardships by reading which resembles me when I was a little girl and even today. Her intelligence and hardworking attitude is truly admirable.
3. Hermione Granger
This one is a no-brainer. When I started reading the HP series, I related to Hermione immediately. She was never afraid to openly admit her dedication and passion for reading and learning. Hermione also found friends who loved her and accepted her for exactly who she was, and that on its own is encouraging. Additionally, her wittiness never fails to make me laugh.
4. Katniss Everdeen
I have my reservations about this one, but hear me out. While reading The Hunger Games trilogy, I was a little fed up with the love triangle happening with Katniss, Peeta, and Gail, but that does not take away from the fact that Katniss is the epitome of standing up for something you believe in regardless of the consequences.
5. Hester Prynne
The Scarlet Letter has been my favorite novel since I was a junior in high school. Although the language is hard to read and understand, I was fascinated with Hester's character. Hester lived in the time of the Puritans which was extremely oppressive towards woman. In the midst of Hester's shame and public humiliation due to getting pregnant by an unknown man, she still fought to give her daughter a better life and make the most of the situation she was is.
6. Eowyn
I have always loved "The Lord of The Rings" series, and Eowyn is one of the reasons I love the series. She is a true bad-ass woman who ignores her set gender role within their society. I mean, she literally disguises herself as a man so she can fight in battle alongside her friends! Anyone would be stupid to try to mess with her.
7. Coraline
I was unaware that "Coraline" was a novel before it was made into a movie, but Coraline is one of the most brave and courageous young women in literature in my opinion. Sure, this movie/novel is creepy and eerie, but Coraline is never afraid when facing evil.
8. Minerva McGonagall
The second strong woman from the Harry Potter series is non other than Professor Minerva McGonagall. Although she is not the head master of Hogwarts, she plays a crucial part in holding the school together and overseeing issues that arise. She is willing to do anything to protect her students and those she loves.
9. Eugenia "Skeeter" Phelan
If I were to have lived in the 1960's, I like to think I would have been a lot like Skeeter from "The Help." Skeeter is an aspiring author during a time when women did not write for major publishing houses or newspapers. Even though Skeeter is told she can't, she goes ahead and writes a novel that is provocative and exposes the issues in her society.
10. Charlotte "Charli" Blake
Written by Australian author G.J. Walker-Smith, the Wishes series is one of the best series and love stories I have ever read. The main character Charli is a seventeen year old girl who wishes she could get out of her small town and experience the world. She doesn't live in a dystopia, and she definitely doesn't change the world, but she is still incredibly fierce. Charli meets a boy who changes her life, but she doesn't allow him to hold her back from her aspirations and goals in life. I admire and relate deeply to Charli's head-strong personality and desire to live the life she has always dreamed of.
