Looking for a Heroine

Romina Julian
Contributor
The Hunger Games trilogy is a new phenomenon in the world of young adult literature. The story of a girl competing in a government-organized TV event where kids are chosen to fight to the death has captivated audiences both young and old.
There is also a film adaptation in the works with Jennifer Lawrence (of Winter’s Bone fame) cast in the role of protagonist Katniss Everdeen. Literary critics have commented positively on the characterization, referring mostly to her fearlessness, quick-thinking and her loyalty and compassion to others. With the growing interest in the series and many young readers, especially female readers, looking at her as a role model, is literature bringing the smart, independent female heroine back to the public?
There have been a number of young female heroines in pop culture, but not many in literature. TV characters like Buffy Summers and Veronica Mars have forged the archetype of the modern woman warrior among teen audiences. On the big screen, actress Chloe Moretz captivated audiences with her role as Hit Girl in the film Kick-Ass, while Hailee Steinfeld was nominated for an Oscar for her scene-stealing role in True Grit. However,  role models like these can be harder to find in modern literature.
When the Twilight books came out, many young girls were intrigued with a girl falling in love with a vampire and a werewolf. At the same time, the books pushed the idea that a woman should be dependent on men. The protagonist, Bella Swan, would often spew forth lines like “He unleashed the full, devastating power of his eyes on me, as if trying to communicate something crucial.”
While the Twilight phenomenon spread among young adults, the late Stieg Larsson’s novel The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo was becoming a bestselling hit for the older crowd. Literary critics praised the character Lisbeth Salander, commenting on her courage to overcome her rape when facing her rapist, as well as going against all conventional female stereotypes. However, the book’s graphic nature on sexual violence made it unsuitable for the young adult demographic. Now The Hunger Games is providing young girls a strong female character with qualities comparable to those of Lisbeth.
Speaking personally, two of my female character role models have been Hermione Granger and Luna Lovegood from the Harry Potter series. I have adored Hermione Granger for her intelligence and quick-witted nature – not to mention her magical powers and relatively rare name. When J.K. Rowling introduced the character of Luna, she fascinated me with her eccentric personality, her sense of individuality and her vibrant sense of style.
When I asked three girls from Brampton’s Holy Name of Mary Catholic Secondary School which female fictional characters they consider role models, Laura Riina, a twelfth grade student, listed Jane Eyre, Jo March (Little Women), Elizabeth Bennett (Pride and Prejudice), Lady Macbeth and Samantha Jones (Sex and the City). The latter’s high self-esteem and unwillingness to conform to sexual norms were good traits for a role model, she said.
Audrey Acob, a grade 11 student, cited Mulan and Hermione as her ideal role models. Marie Trotter, a tenth grade student, said Hunger Games’ Katniss is a role model because she refused to be ruled by others, is still generous and loving. However, Audrey added it is impossible to write an “ideal” role model without turning her into a “Mary Sue.”
There are several characteristics to look for when creating a fictional character, and it is often difficult when creating a female character that can appeal to a wide variety of readers. One of the most important traits in a fictional character is her flaws.
Nobody’s perfect, and that should be true for characters in fiction. Character flaws can affect a character’s motives and make the character appear more human. Lisbeth’s anti-social behaviour is linked to her traumatic childhood, while Katniss’ family hardships made her stronger and assume the role as family protector. Even Holly Golightly from Breakfast at Tiffany’s, a character idolized by many women, has her flaws. Character flaws enable the reader to question whether they should feel sorry for them, or despise them for their behaviour.
Bella Swan is often criticized for being a perfect “Mary Sue” – these characters are often thought of as the product of a wishful author. They can do no wrong, and let the readers insert themselves into a perfect, yet sometimes shallow, character. To make matters worse, people often compare Bella’s physical features to author Stephenie Meyer’s; many speculate Bella is basically Meyer’s ideal self.
According to the girls I talked to, Bella is a negative influence for young girls: Bella depends on men and can’t make her own decisions. “[The book shows girls] unless they have a man in their life, and are loved by them, they are virtually nothing,” said Laura.
So, does the world need more novels where female characters are portrayed in a positive light? According to the girls, the answer is a resounding “yes.” Marie said such characters will encourage young girls to become “young women of virtue.” Laura thinks that while there are a lot books featuring positive female characters, she would like to see more of them in the young adult fiction genre, which appeals to girls who “have the most to gain by learning from strong female role models.” Audrey believes today’s pop culture phenomenons, like Glee, are positioning girls into being damsels in distress.
They agreed if they ever have children, they would give them books like The Hunger Games and the Harry Potter series, which taught them things like courage, perseverance, self-sacrifice and equality. Characters like Katniss or Hermione teach girls how to develop into mature, confident women in real life.
As literature moves from the passive female to the heroine who uses intelligence and still can kick ass, it might provide young girls a bright future, and help them become independent women.
Now, if only we could fix the Rebecca Black situation.