I saw a headline online that simply read, “Why you should stop writing strong female protagonists.”

Umm….what? why?

Did I read the article? No. Why? I didn’t read the article because it is not my cup of tea but it did get me thinking. It seems that the books, movies, and shows that interest me usually have strong female characters in them. It’s what drives the story for me.

Having strong female characters isn’t something that’s shameful nor is it something to take offense to. We should all install the very image of an empowering female in our daughters, nieces, sisters, and so on.

I don’t want my niece growing up in a world where she believes she needs a man to save her or do things for her. I didn’t grow up that way and I sure as heck don’t want other girls thinking the answer is a “knight in shining armor.” Sure, we all need help sometimes, but it’s important to know you can be your own hero. YOU can pick yourself up out of the gutter and make something of yourself.

Those closest to me say I have a “type” of character I always root for. Let’s take a look into some of the female characters I’ve come to know and love; and the actresses who portray them.

Here’s the secret…are you ready?

They are ALL strong females.

Surprise, right?

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Hermione Granger/ Emma Watson

 

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Katniss Everdeen/Jennifer Lawrence

 

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Tris Prior/ Shailene Woodley

               

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Daenerys Targaryen/Emilia Clarke

 

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Raelle Collar/Taylor Hickson

   

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Scylla Ramshorn/Amalia Holm

   

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Wynonna Earp/Melanie Scrofano

 

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(Pictures and gifs are not my own.)

I picked some well-known characters to prove my point. All of these lovely ladies are brave and strong warriors in their own way. As a woman, it is important to portray such characters and show the world that women are not simply “housewives” or “princesses.” We can kick ass too. We can take on the world and make it a better place. We aren’t afraid to get our hands dirty or speak our minds.

Not only has each one of these characters influenced me but the beautiful actresses who play them have as well. I don’t know if any of them realize what an impact they have made on the life of their fans or this world as a whole. They are in the spotlight every single day because of their jobs. They work tirelessly to do their characters justice as they portray them.

I believe the entire cast of Motherland Fort Salem to be strong female characters. I focused on Raelle and Scylla only because they are my favorites. I understand Scylla, to some, is a villain, but her story is a deep one and I think there are more sides to it. As a writer, I’m in awe of just how complex and well developed the stories are for each character on MFS. Great job to Eliot, the show’s head writer, who’s truly created a masterpiece.

I’ve written strong female characters in my books. Not just one either. All of them are strong in their own ways. Now, do they all require help along the way? Of course, but their main drive is from their own strengths. It’s IMPORTANT to KEEP writing strong female character’s in books, in screenplays, in everything!

What do you think? Are strong women characters important in storytelling?

Please leave a comment below! Let’s Discuss!