As an aspiring TV writer who thinks multi-faceted, realistic characters are incredibly important, it’s refreshing to see characters on TV who defy stereotypes. I grew up watching television and falling in love with the characters. I tried to imitate the characters I related to the most, finding myself along the way. This is why it’s important to have many diverse and interesting stories told through diverse and interesting characters. Equal representation and showcasing a world that looks similar to the real one we live in, is important. But, diversity is arguably even more important for the people who grow up learning and building their perspectives by watching the fake worlds and people on television. The media, for better or worse, is shaping the views that will one day be a influencing the minds of the next generation to shape our world.

There is no singular definition of a strong female character in television because there are so many things that can make a female strong. These are some of my favorite female characters who I strive to be like, relate to, and admire as a viewer of television and as someone who loves to write strong female characters.

1. "Jane the Virgin" - Jane Villanueva

Memorable quote: "A virgin is not who I am."

2. "Friends" - Rachel Green

Memorable quote: "Oh, I'm sorry. Did my back hurt your knife?"

3. "New Girl" - Jessica Day

Memorable quote: "You don't like my style, that's fine. But I'm not gonna change who I am. So you're just gonna have to deal with it and respect it."

4. "Castle" - Kate Beckett

Memorable quote: "Even on the worst days, there's a possibility for joy."

5. "Scandal" - Olivia Pope

Memorable quote: "I am not the girl the guy gets at the end of the movie. I am not a fantasy. If you want me, earn me."

6. "Parks and Recreation" - Leslie Knope

Memorable quote: "What I hear when I'm being yelled at is people caring loudly at me."

7. "Private Practice" - Amelia Shepherd

Memorable quote: "I am not fragile. I'm a drug addict. I've fallen off the wagon twice and I've gotten back on. That doesn't make you fragile, Derek. It makes you very freaking strong."

8. "Jessica Jones" - Jessica Jones

Memorable quote: "They say everyone's born a hero, but if you let it, life will push you over the line until you're the villain."

9. "Gossip Girl" - Blair Waldorf

Memorable quote: "Destiny is for losers. It's just a lame excuse for letting things happen to you instead of making them happen."

10. "How to Get Away with Murder" - Annalise Keating

Memorable quote: "I am who I am. If you don't like it, I don't care."

11. "Fuller House" - Stephanie Tanner

Memorable quote: "What do you think? Too much?"

12. "Grey's Anatomy" - Arizona Robbins

Memorable quote: "I had to figure out how to be me."

13. "The 100" - Clarke Griffin

Memorable quote: "Maybe life should be about more than just surviving."

If you're looking for a show with a strong female character, look into these. It just might shape your perspective for the better.