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
The problem with Bella is that she is nothing but weakness. There's nothing to her and she is utterly defined by the men in her life.
Bella's known likes: Edward, Jacob
Bella's known dislikes: Edward getting hurt. Jacob getting hurt.
That's why some people dislike her.
Disney princesses are constantly slammed for being pathetic, but it's a little more accepted because it's from a different time - twilight has no such excuse. Frozen, the new disney film for example, has two extremely strong female princesses which is more suited to a modern audience.
Obviously all main characters should have weakness, but they need strengths too!
Hermione is a great example of such a character. What Katie says is right in that she holds the group together, but she doesn't do it as a favour; most of the time when she's 'doing their homework' she's doing it because she likes showing off and being the know-it-all. There are times in the books when this goes too far and she loses it a bit too, which shows she wouldn't wipe their chins and has normal human limits.
I promise I'm not playing devil's advocate here but I loved Hermione and I don't like Emma.
Hermione was the one who fixed all the problems and kept the boys functioning, I thought she was a strong character because things would have fallen apart without her.
I know I'm in a tiny minority but I always found it difficult to identify with Jane Austen's charatcters, with their love of high society and their waiting for the right man to come to them.
That's funny, because Bronte' said Austen's books were so prim.