Ironically, in a world like today’s; with the constant inappropriate imagery, advertising, films, games, books and tv and plastic surgery. There is a desire to have female characters in fiction with a bit of gumption.
What I found interesting in regards to Twilight is the outrage among women over Bella's damsel in distress demeanour. Considering how beloved Disney princesses are and they're not slammed for being rescued.
I think the expectation for female characters in literature to be 'totally kickass' is too high. It is realistic to show a female character as having weaknesses and even clumsiness, she's only human. Yet if they show the slightest bit of vulnerability 'It's an outrage!' Where did this come from? Next people will be complaining if women cry in fiction next.
There are good examples of women with a head on their shoulders. But there are also bad ones. Just like there are good books and bad books. Just avoid the ones you dislike. Don't read them! Don't buy them! Poor sales of the book should make a statement. But it could also be that an older woman wrote it, they come from a different time so their heroins could be a little old fashioned. Younger female writers might be able to produce a more modern heroin with a pleasing attitude and behaviour.
Look for better examples, and if you're still dissatisfied, then write one yourself. A heroin, how you think a heroin should be, backbone and spunk.
Until then consider other pursuits. Trade in fiction for non-fiction. Pick up a biography about REAL women, not fictional ones. Ones throughout history, who defied the expectancy of housewifery and maternal attachments and went out into the world entirely independent, and used her abilities and knowledge to great success. Women writers, inventers, artists, nurses, explorers. Believe me, those women are 'totally kickass' and inspiring.
And then if that still isn't enough, consider fictional characters in television and film. Such as Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Charmed & even Sabrina the Teenage Witch (as she learns many valuable lessons.) A great example of female heroin’s kicking ass, saving people and pursuing life and dreams.
And not forgetting Fiona from Shrek! She took out Robin and all his merry men and was herself, warts and all, not succumbing to the expectation of a pampered princess and vanity.
But please, let's not condone violence for our heroins.
~ Sarah
I think some of the other characters are a bit more rounded in Twilight, Jacob for example. I guess the issue with Bella is that she allows herself to be a victim. She is completely dependant on Edward. First of all she doesn't run when she realises he could be dangerous, but then when she finds out he isn't really she doesn't try and convince him for sex, she just accepts that she can't have any. And then when he leaves her she just turns to mush and doesn't even attempt to either move on or get him back. She can't even convince him to make her a vampire, that comes from the vampire ruler people.
'That's funny, because Bronte' said Austen's books were so prim.'
Prim, maybe, but her characters were interesting and flawed.
I love the Brontes, but Austen is my favourite traditional author. The Brontes and Austen wrote about the life they knew. Austen and the Brontes were from different social backgrounds. They took a different approach to writing, but they wrote about similar things. The tension in families and in romance. Austen took a practical approach to the marriage-market and making your way in society whereas the Brontes were romantics.
Austen was a genius. How did she manage to write six brilliant novels in such a short period of time?
You don't accidently stumble onto perfection six times - Walter Allen
I do agree that she is a terrible role model and completely unlikeable. I honestly don't remember the books that well, which is saying something. Did anyone like anything else other than each other in that book? And why so many other writers felt the need to copycat it is beyond me.