Guest Post - Nadia Jones

Favorite Female Fiction Characters

When I was in high school, applying for colleges and scholarships, one of the questions I was asked was, “Which fictional character do you most closely resemble?”

It’s was an interesting question to me then, and it’s even more interesting to me now. These girls and women with whom I identified have changed me, shaped me and still live on with me.

Ramona Quimby of Beverly Cleary’s Ramona series

Ah, Ramona the Pest. She is a character for outspoken little girls everywhere. Beverly Cleary is an author who brilliantly captures what it’s like to live inside a child’s world – full of impulses and imagination, yet largely sheltered from the larger realities of life. Part of what made Ramona’s character so wonderful is that we are able to grow with her as she matures and begins to accept and fight the new realities that shape her life.

Lucy Pevensie of The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis

The youngest of her brothers and sisters, Lucy is the first to travel to Narnia. She is faithful, courageous and adventurous; and she is also compassionate. Her innocence and faith bind her to the magic of Narnia, and she often sees what her older brothers and sisters do not, which forces them to respect her as more than a child. 

Matilda Wormwood from Roald Dahl’s Matilda

Neglected in her home life, Matilda is a book-loving outcast who dreams of the day she can go to school to escape her family. Her immense intelligence fuels special powers that help her defeat the villains of her life, but it’s Matilda’s brave defense of her friends that makes her a true hero.

 

Anne Shirley of Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Laud Montgomery

Awkward and dreamy in her youth, Ann Shirley grows into an educated, self-possessed woman. Although she comes into the world largely alone, orphaned and dispersed across relatives, her lively imagination and spirit capture the hearts of those around her.

 

Katniss Everdeen of The Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins

Katniss Everdeen is strong, yet kind. Her deep loyalty to protecting those most vulnerable launches her time and again into dangerous situations. She is focused, determined and skilled in hunting. One of her most remarkable qualities is that she faces death without hesitation, and even as conspiracies unfold and plots are launched, Katniss is able to remain courageous and loyal to her values. She is a girl-warrior, a survivor, and a truly great character.

Who are your favorites?

This is a guest post by freelance writer and blogger Nadia Jones. Nadia enjoys sharing her knowledge on topics of education and higher learning. She offers online college advice and guidance to readers throughout the blogosphere. Reach her at nadia.jones5@gmail.com.

Thanks Nadia, you actually listed most of my favourites - Lucy, Matilda and Katniss. I would add in Cat Royal (Julia Golding's Drury Lane series) and Hermione Granger (Harry Potter).