Not all role models come from real life. We all have characters from literature and movies that we identify with, whether we were 13 at the time and felt a connection over acne and lusting after high school boys, or 23 and facing the real world like the capable adults we’re all trying to be. This is not a comprehensive list, but it is, however, a bunch of well-rounded, realistic women that we know and love, even if they don’t exist outside our minds and hearts. Whether you idolize these women or simply appreciate a character for what she does, their presence in the fictional world has made our real one a heck of a lot better.

1. Blair Waldorf from "Gossip Girl"

We don't call her Queen Bee for nothing. Blair knows what she's after and will stop at nothing to get it, and if that doesn't teach all of us teenage girls out there something, I don't know what will. Killer fashion inspiration isn't the only thing Blair gifts us -- she also provides a plethora of motivational quotes that just wouldn't be as encouraging without her signature sass behind them.

2. Tami Taylor from "Friday Night Lights"

Though the show has no shortage of strong-willed, realistic characters, Tami Taylor is easily "FNL’s" most empowering. If we don't already have a mom like her, we've vowed to become that type of mother ourselves. Tami’s level-headed advice, driving passion, and great hair are all elements we strive to emulate in our own lives. Not to mention, her commitment to her husband and their relationship is not only admirable, but downright adorable.

3. Lena, Tibby, Carmen, and Bridget from "The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants"

Whether you invested yourself in the books or cried over the movies (ahem, or both), these four girls and an overworn pair of pants taught us what the most unconditional type of friendship looked like. Whether grouped together or separated by chapter into individuals, each of these girls embodied qualities we could all relate to. Lena was creative and soft-spoken (or rather, knew how to hold her tongue), while Tibby shared with readers her too-true transition into adulthood while being unapologetically herself, Carmen discovered her passion while coping with family troubles we could all relate to on some level, and Bridget’s free spirit reminded us to embrace our lives because sadness doesn't last forever. For characters in a book, these four women covered any base we would ever need.

4. Jess Day from "New Girl"

Let's face it, we're all a little weird, and Jess is the weirdest of them all. Not only does she have a passion for her job, a super fun group of friends, and rockin’ bangs, but she isn't ashamed of her quirks. Jess loves who she is and isn't afraid to show her personality to anyone, because haters don't get her down. Women who snort when they laugh and wear dresses every day can be smart and strong and capable, and no one shows us that better than Jess.

5. Hermione Granger from "Harry Potter"

Cheers to the girl who taught us that being a know-it-all isn't such a bad thing. Hermione showed girls everywhere that smart is important, too -- after all, where would Harry and Ron be without her? Not only did she spark a renewed interest in learning, but she represented a character that was like the rest of us. Buck-toothed and frizzy haired, Hermione was an everyday icon that all the 11-year-old girls out there could plausibly strive to be. And on a side note, Emma Watson isn't a bad role model either.

6. Rory Gilmore from "Gilmore Girls"

Much like Hermione, Rory Gilmore encouraged us to reach for our academic dreams. But more than that, she encouraged us to be real people: to create positive relationships with our moms, to make time for friends, and to live our lives the way we desire, instead of settling for what we’re handed. Whether dealing with boys, Paris, the newspaper, or all of the above, Rory handled every situation thrown at her with grace, patience, and a get-stuff-done attitude. Sure, she went to Yale, but Rory never once doubted her abilities, and that is what really makes her so impressive.

7. Casey Cartwright from "Greek"

Casey may have a few moments that are less than admirable, but don’t we all? It’s what makes us human, and Casey is a perfect, true-to-life example of what girls face in college. A lot of her problems center on relationships, but that’s what makes Casey so real and easy to connect with -- college is full of boy and friend drama, and Casey’s trials and tribulations give us a little insight into the future (Hint: Everything turned out OK for Casey, and it will for you, too). Pair her personal life with her job focus and you’ve got the life and times of every college student ever, just more put together.

8. D.J. Tanner from "Full House"

D.J. is another instance of a normal girl who makes us feel like maybe our own lives will turn out OK. We can all identify with her crazy and unconventional family, the pressure she feels to be popular and fit in, and the life problems that seem like the world to a teenager, at least on some level. But hey, D.J. turned out functioning and impressive, and so can you!

9. Princess Mia from "The Princess Diaries"

We know her, we love her, and we are her -- no one embodies teenage awkwardness quite like Mia Thermopolis. And we love it. Mia is a perfect example of a clumsy girl just like the rest of us, who miraculously transforms into a successful human being. Not only does she instill hope in the rest of us, but she makes everyone feel a little bit less awkward, because, let’s face it, none of us have hair that big.