What Makes A Heroine?

[elder_bonnie]

I've been stalled on my favorite novel for months, and it's all Helena's fault. Helena Shiloh, my leading lady, is the single most frustrating character I've ever tried to develop. Not just that I don't know what she looks like, what her backstory is, or what her personality is like, but I just can't figure out how to make her that perfect

Comments

[darkravenkiki]

Oh man, I am so with you on that. I hate how female characters always have to fit into molds like "the bitch", "the demure one", "the slut", etc. They always seem to be there just to be rescued by the strong male leads, too. Very few writers know how to write compelling and well-rounded female characters, it seems. Here are a few of my favorites. :3

Alyx Vance - Half-Life 2
Quite possibly the only useful AI in a video game EVER. She can take care of herself, and frequently does, and has saved Gordon Freeman's life on plenty of occasions. I love how she's not typecast as "the ass-kicker", despite how good she is at it. She's so sweet and caring when the heat isn't on, but is always ready whenever the action starts again. She gets affected by what happens, but she never becomes the "useless cry-in-a-corner" female either. She knows when to grieve and when to fight, and that's why I love her.

Lisa Cuddy - House MDCuddy is such a ridiculously strong character. She's a hospital administrator who manages to keep House in check

[gemini_melia]

Dang I meant to list Pepper as one of mine and completely forgot. Her awesomeness knows no bounds. And while I have some issues with harmony overall I agree with you on her as well.

[elder_bonnie]

Oh, you've definitely brought some fantastic women to my attention. Namely, Lisa Cuddy and the canon-version of Irene Adler (not crazy about the 2009 movie's rendition).

I haven't watched a ton of House, but I'd like to think I've seen more than enough episodes to get a feel for the relationship between Cuddy and House. At first, I thought she was far too overbearing, but I eventually realized that it was only when House was around and being difficult. She's incredible, smart, strong, feminine, and rational, and YES, she's pretty much the only woman who can even remotely keep House in line. Also, she shares my name ^^

As for Irene Adler, she should definitely be commemorated for outwitting Sherlock Holmes and earning herself the title of The Woman. Her part in the original stories is brief, yet extremely memorable, and I can't help but admire her.

I completely agree with you on your final point. Layered characters make the world go round, male or female ^^

//Side Debate: Would House's character be even remotely as likable/

[gemini_melia]

This is a really interesting discussion because I often have the same problems, which leads me to write male characters more than females

[elder_bonnie]

I can relate. I've had a strong preference for writing male characters for the last ten years. I find it a little difficult to write female characters without projecting myself on them even just a little bit, and in the same boat, I sometimes have trouble writing my male characters without giving them the kinds of characteristics and physical features that I like in men xD

I really do need to read Howl's Moving Castle. I've only ever seen Miyazaki's movie which, while absolutely beautiful, still doesn't entirely follow the book (or so I've heard).

I don't think Elizabeth Bennett is too terribly cliche ^^ She is a fantastic woman. I'm not too crazy about Kiera Knightly's rendition, though. I'm much more fond of the BBC miniseries with Jennifer Ehle :)

[anna_sg1]

Well, it really late here so I'll get back to this comment properly tomorrow - I'll just say I'm half/half with my liking of female characters, half of the times I love 'em, half of the times I roll my eyes.

Lately, it's been more on love. :D

Like:

Vala Mal Doran - SG-1
Buffy Summers - BtVS
Sam Carter - SG-1
Elizabeth Weir - Atlantis
KAHLAN Amnell - Legend Of The Seeker
Cara Mason - Legend Of The Seeker
Rose Tyler - Doctor Who
Martha Jones - Doctor Who

There are others and I have more to say about this topic (if you're interested in my ramblings) but I just can't even type anymore - must. sleep. :D

[elder_bonnie]

That would be a yes, madame. Ramblings, please! ^^