Are you like me where you find yourself putting down a book because it does not have a strong female protagonist? Are you wanting to find a book with a female character that will empower you while reading at the pool this summer? If you answered yes to both of these questions, I have ten incredible female characters that I consider a “must-read!” These characters will inspire you to be courageous, independent, and to make a difference in the world around you; just don’t blame me when you find yourself unable to put these books down this summer.
Celaena Sardothien – Throne of Glass By Sarah J. Mass
If there is any female character that I wish I could be, it would be Celaena Sardothien. Celaena is an infamous assassin that makes the strongest men quake in their boots. She is the epitome of strength – a woman that will keep fighting until her last breath. Celaena is a book character that I think of on my lowest days because I know that if Celaena can keep standing despite the hardships she has faced, I can also. If you feel like life is getting you down, pick up Sarah J. Mass’ Throne of Glass and read about Celaena. She will make you want to take on the world and win.
Cristina Rosales – Lady Midnight By Cassandra Clare
Cristina Rosales is a character that I believe is overlooked in Cassandra Clare’s Shadowhunter Chronicles. She might not be the strongest Shadowhunter compared to her best friend Emma Carstairs, but she has strong morals, is loyal, and would die for her friends if she knew her sacrifice would let them live. Right now, in this world, we need to learn to love each other, like how Cristina Rosales loves the people in her life. If there is any woman that empowers others through the power of kindness, it is Cristina Rosales.
Kady Grant – Illuminae By Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff
Kady Grant makes me want to dye my hair pink, become a hacker, and take down an enemy warship in the middle of desolate space. She literally is a tech queen and I wish I could work my way around a computer as she does. Now, Kady Grant is no Celaena Sardothien or Cristina Rosales. She cannot brandish a weapon and take down a man with her bare hands, but she is one of the smartest girls in YA literature. She has an astounding IQ of 147 and can hack into the most fortified systems in the galaxy. Kady Grant shows that smart girls can rule the world because when they set their minds to something, they can do anything. Thank you, Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff, for creating this fantastic character and showing teenage girls that they do not have to have superpowers to be heroes.
Claire Fraser – Outlander By Diana Gabaldon
When I think of an empowering woman in literature, I immediately think of Claire Fraser from Outlander. Claire has been fighting for female rights since 1743. She has proven countless times that she can fend for herself and be independent despite numerous people telling her otherwise. She is not afraid to fight for what she believes in, even if her tongue gets her into trouble sometimes. Claire reminds me every day never to let a man tell me what to do and that I can be potent by being myself.
Nikki and Brie Bella – Incomparable By Nikki and Brie Bella
Incomparable, Nikki and Brie Bella’s memoir just came out last month and it instantly became a New York Times Bestseller. Nikki and Brie have been empowering women and teaching them how to be fearless since their debut as WWE superstars in 2008. Their memoir talks about their journey, trials, triumphs, and how they have strived to teach girls that they can do anything. Nikki and Brie are real-life heroes to women everywhere, including myself. Undoubtedly, they are going to keep empowering women until the end of their days.
Elizabeth Bennett – Pride and Prejudice By Jane Austen
Sassy, witty Elizabeth Bennett from Pride and Prejudice is one of the world’s most beloved female characters because of her robust belief that she does not need a man to be happy. Elizabeth exemplifies that intelligent women are capable of living and taking care of themselves. Regardless, if Elizabeth Bennett lived in 2020, I bet she would be an advocate for feminism. I could see her leading rallies with swagger in her step, raising a hand in support of women’s rights, and rejecting men left and right with a swath of her hand.
Starr Carter – The Hate U Give By Angie Thomas
If anyone deserves to be on this list, it is Starr Carter from The Hate U Give. Starr shows people that their voice can make a difference and that activism can lead to change in a community. She empowers all kinds of people not to be afraid to speak out when something is wrong. Starr is more than just a book character. She is a symbol, a reminder to all that you should never remain silent despite the pressure to keep your mouth shut. If anything, Starr should empower you to fight for what you believe in and ensure nobody tries to infringe on your freedom of speech.
