Strong Female Characters in Literature

Never underestimate the power of fiction. 

Literature has provided us with a lot of kickass female book characters; women who inspire and motivate us to better ourselves as individuals. 

There are a lot of inspirational characters out there and narrowing our list down to just ten was difficult, but we got there in the end. 

Here are our ten favourite famous female characters in literature!

*

1. Elizabeth Bennet from Pride and Prejudice. 

Jane Austen's iconic protagonist, we admire Lizzie Bennet for so many reasons. If we had to choose just three of her personality traits that we love most they would be her intelligence, wit and how headstrong she is. 

Elizabeth Bennet Quotes: 

"Do not consider me as an elegant female, intending to play you, but as a rational creature, speaking the truth from her heart."

"My courage always rises with every attempt to intimidate me."

"What are men to rocks and mountains?" 

*

2. Molly Weasley from Harry Potter.

Mother to Ron and a maternal figure to so many others, Molly Weasley is nothing short of amazing. She's strong, selfless and fiercely protective of her loved ones; a winning combination in our eyes. 

Molly Weasley Quotes:

"Beds empty! No note! Car gone... could have crashed... out of my mind with worry... did you care? ... never, as long as I’ve lived... you wait until your father gets home, we never had trouble like this from Bill or Charlie or Percy..."

"Not my daughter, you bitch."

 *

3. Jo March from Little Women.

The principal character and the second oldest sister in Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. Jo's determination to break free of societal expectations, combined with her bravery, passion and caring nature is inspiring. 

Jo March Quotes:

"I don’t like to doze by the fire. I like adventures, and I’m going to find some."

"I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship."

"I like good strong words that mean something."

*

4. Jane Eyre from Jane Eyre.

The central character of Charlotte Brontë's brilliant novel. We admire Jane Eyre's integrity and the way she overcomes adversity whilst remaining true to her beliefs and self-worth. You can read more about the brilliant Jane Eyre in our essay right here. 

Jane Eyre Quotes: 

"I am no bird; and no net ensnares me. I am a free human being."

"I am not an angel, and I will not be one till I die: I will be myself."

"I would always rather be happy than dignified."

*

5. Anne Shirley from Anne of Green Gables.

The main subject of L.M Montgomery's renowned novel, Anne's optimism, rich imagination and resilience is nothing short of admirable. Despite her flaws, she is relatable - to both adults and children alike. 

Anne Shirley Quotes:

"Isn't it nice to think that tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it yet?" 

"Dear old world, you are very lovely, and I am glad to be alive in you." 

"Kindred spirits are not so scarce as I used to think."

*

6. Scout Finch from To Kill a Mockingbird.

The narrator of Harper Lee's brilliant novel, Jean Louise Scout Finch has a huge number of admirable character traits. Honest, bold, accepting and eager to learn.

Scout Finch Quotes: 

“I felt the starched walls of a pink cotton penitentiary closing in on me, and for the second time in my life, I thought of running away. Immediately.”

 *

7. Hermione Granger from Harry Potter.

Harry Potter's best friend in J.K Rowling's world famous book series. Hermione Granger's character traits are all pretty admirable, our three favourites being her fierce loyalty, her bravery and of course, her intelligence. It's cool to be smart. 

Hermione Granger Quotes:

"Books! And cleverness! There are more important things - friendship + bravery."

"Fear of a name only increases fear of the thing itself." 

"I'm hoping to do some good in the world." 

 *

8. Arya Stark from Game of Thrones.

One of many central characters to George R.R Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series. Arya is inspiring for a number of reasons but most of all we love how she is both adventurous and non-judgemental. She rejects those restricting societal norms to become willful and independent.

Arya Stark Quotes: 

"The man who fears losing has already lost."

"Fear cuts deeper than swords."

*

9. Eponine from Les Miserables. 

Eponine is one of the many characters in Les Miserables by Victor Hugo. She's had a tough life, experiencing many hardships. She's resilient, wise and brave - defying the life that her parents had seemingly set out for her. 

Eponine Quotes: 

"She slowly opened her eyes... and said to him with a voice that already seemed to come from another world, 'you know Monsieur Marius, I think I was a little bit in love with you."

 *

10. Bathsheba Everdene from Far From the Madding Crowd. 

Bathsheba Everdene Quotes:

"Well, what I mean is that I shouldn't mind being a bride at a wedding if I could be one without having a husband."

 *

Tell us who would make your list!