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 do agree Katie.
Although Harry Potter is brilliant, I never liked Hermione much. She's such a push over to Harry and Ron, I just found it irritating. Doing their homework, helping them with every tiny little thing. I'm surprised she didn't wipe the dribble from their chins.
I find I always like the more minor characters in books like Harry Potter and Twilight.
But modern books are the reason I love classics so much.
Jane Austen said she loathed nice characters.
I'd say that for a character to be well rounded they need to have flaws. I'd hate to see perfect characters with no weakness or vulnerability. It isn't realistic. But I do think that some of the more popular female protaganists recently have been too weak and that this has left them difficult for me to identify with. You are right, we've had a wonderful run of strong women on tv (interestingly though the ones you mention are all from urban fantasy where I think strong women enjoy more coverage in literature too).