Well with the Winter Wonderland holidays not so far away now, I would like to compile a special list.
This is a follow-up to the Top 20 Favourite Female Characters list I did in the summer. I will count down an additional 10 amazing, well-written fictional ladies who didn't make the last list for one reason or another. Consider them to be honourable mentions.
Again, same rules apply to this list as did in my previous ones.
Seasons Greetings! As before, let's begin!
10. Mulan (Disney)
A kickass Asian heroine from Disney. Fa Mulan the warrior, the strategist, the pure-hearted, the saviour of China, was effortlessly introduced to the Western world in 1998. Why is Hollywood so obsessed with and insistent on casting white people in everything nowadays? Not letting Asian people be heroes in their own stories? Things were more experimental in the 1990s, and less racist. But anyway, I really adored Mulan as a kid, and not just because of her traditional feminine, made-up garb she is always advertised in. Come on Disney, just because she is disguised as a boy when she's a warrior doesn't mean she can't appeal to girls in that way. She's smart and resourceful, and also awkward, clumsy and relatable in trying to keep up with tradition as a girl when in her heart she knows it isn't who she is. She loves her humble family, and with her fierce spirit and determination to do right, she ends up saving her entire country. Now that is a revolutionary feat for a Disney princess! (Though she isn't actually a princess; she's included as such presumably for more racial diversity in the product line). Mulan possesses equal masculine and feminine traits in her, and she embraces the positives of both. She never expects rewards for her deeds, she just wishes to keep her loved ones safe. Her upbringing makes her a family woman above everything else, even a fighter. And she hugs the Emperor of China! Another thing that makes Mulan different from any other Disney princess at the time is her romance is downplayed; not made the center of her story. Her love interest, Captain Li Shang, is pretty cool too. Beautiful in her own way, courageous, shy, modest, cunning, and loving, Fa Mulan is all different kinds of brilliant.
9. Annie Wilkes ('Misery')
Hell hath no fury like the most obsessive fanatic! Annie Wilkes is a powerful, domineering figure in both literature and film. A larger-than-life villainess who represents every creative artist's worst nightmare: Not merely a critic but someone who loves the artist's work to the point of madness, and wants to have things their way. Once you are stuck in this unstable person's care/imprisonment, they will do anything to ensure you make their fantasies come true, including physical torture. And amputation. Annie is scary because of how human she is. She doesn't have any supernatural powers like in most of Stephen King's horror stories; she is a former nurse with diabetes, depression, an overeating problem, and who happens to own in her house in the snowy middle of nowhere all the weapons she can use to cause pain. Like a lawnmower. I recommend reading my review of the 'Misery' book to get a better idea of how truly insane, twisted and bloodthirsty Annie Wilkes is. She is someone who loves fiction more than reality; the lives of fictional characters are where she finds solace in her own dark, lonely, miserable life. Her mind is a complex, dreamlike labyrinth of horror. Up there with Hannibal Lector, Norman Bates and Patrick Bateman, Annie-cockadoodie-Wilkes is worthy of being seen as one of fiction's most famous psychopaths in the popular consciousness.
8. Jennifer "Jen" Scotts ('Power Rangers: Time Force')
I met Erin Cahill at the Ranger Stop 2016 con in Florida in November. She wanted to meet me after hearing about me from my boyfriend, a huge 'Power Ranger' fan. And good gracious she was one of the nicest people I've ever encountered; at least someone who's been on television, and who's been an idol of mine since childhood whom I'd forgotten about until I actually got to meet her. I cherish my photo with her. Jen from 'Time Force' is a pink Power Ranger who is an actual leader. She's fierce, unstoppable, willful, honest, and not afraid to say what she thinks. She knows what she is doing as a ranger and policewoman, and takes crap from no one. Though Jen comes across as bad tempered and bossy, she does show a hidden gentle side occasionally, plus a misplaced sense of humour. After the supposed tragic death of her fiance, she deals with grief in her own way, and learns to express herself more positively over time. She's just doing her job, too. 'Time Force' could be interpreted to be more about Jen and her development than it is about the traditional red ranger leader Wes, whom she becomes romantically involved. For even when she is part of a love triangle, she is still very clearly her own person, fighting her battles and saving the world and time itself. This is achieved through a combination of more mature writing than 'Power Rangers' is associated with, and Erin Cahill being one of the best actors in the entire franchise. While Kimberley from 'Mighty Morphin' is also cool in her own way, Jen as a pink ranger is unique, not like any of the others who are viewed as "girly" and are not nearly as memorable. What else can I say except Jen Scotts is awesome - an aspiration for girls wanting to be leaders.
7. Alex Craft ('The Female of the Species' by Mindy McGinnis)
Strange that I should include a YA book protagonist on this list. Karou from 'Daughter of Smoke and Bone' and Lex from 'Croak' came close. But Alex Craft, from a book I read only this year, is such a fascinating, captivating creation that I had to give her a place here. I love her to bits. She's a teenage killer who makes it her life's goal to right the wrongs of rapists and rape culture after her sister was murdered by a man who was later acquitted. Most men are disgusting and evil in her eyes, so they deserve torture, and to be wiped out from the unclean, misogynistic world. Alex is an avenging angel with inner turmoils that are written in a way that is on par with Raskolnikov's from Fyodor Dostoyevsky's 'Crime and Punishment'. At first remorseless, Alex soon spirals out of control with guilt. She reaches a point where she doesn't think she can stop herself in her vengeance, for she will not be satisfied until the world changes once and for all. She is not a sociopath - she shows more care towards abused animals than people - she is merely sick to death of the dangerous patriarchal world she is made to live in, where being female is seen as sinful in of itself. For more insights about her character check out my review of 'The Female of the Species' here. Alex Craft - a true tragic heroine and outcast in realistic fiction, like a junior Lisbeth Salander. A badass.
6. Erin Gilbert ('Ghostbusters (2016)')
Salutations for more women of science! Erin Gilbert, played by the funny and talented Kristen Wiig, is a college professor who goes through an arc of believing and disbelieving in ghosts and the paranormal, which have been big parts of her life. All while trying to keep her prestigious job, dignity and reputation intact. She is also an author, of 'Ghosts From Our Past' to be exact (I've yet to read the updated version, dit dee dee!). An ordinary woman who happened upon ghosts by chance in her childhood, Erin dedicated her life to science and teaching, specifically about protons, and exctoplasms and coolers. She gets shut down consistently for her beliefs and evidence throughout the film, and it frustrates her - any woman with an opinion, or a PHD, or in STEM can relate to and understand this. Yet with all her smarts and common sense, Erin still has a weakness for buff men like Kevin. I guess out of all the four female Ghostbusters to come out of the so-called "controversial" reboot in 2016, Erin is the one I relate to the most. She has brown hair, in any case. I even bought an action figure of her in Florida. She's a great hero with a great mind and heart, caring for her friends very much to the point of self-sacrifice. Science is fun. Paranormal investigations are fun. Pocket knives are useful tools, as well (but are NOT toys, as a disclosure).
5. Mikasa Ackerman ('Attack on Titan')
A fearless, fiercely talented, determination machine, half-Asian survivor. Not your typical Anime emotionless girl (or lord have mercy on you, a useless Shonen heroine), Mikasa is one of the newest female badasses on the block. Hell, her being a girl has nothing to do with anything; she demands respect in all of her glorious scenes. You do not want to get in her way. Again for more information, read my 'Attack on Titan' manga reviews, volumes one and two. Mikasa will live for herself and the people she loves more than anything in her whole hellish world, and when even that is lost, she does not give up. Her nature will not allow it. She is a Valkyrie. Incredible.
4. Rey ('Star Wars: The Force Awakens')
The 'Star Wars' film franchise's first female protagonist. And she is exceptional beyond words. Rey is a mechanic, a desert scavenger, a dealer, a fighter, a pilot, and yes, a Jedi. With her iconic hair and attire (harking back to Princess Leia, but still making Rey unique), she will become a hero to little girls and boys in the new generation of 'Star Wars' fans and in future ones. The impoverished orphan Rey is a determined and assertive heroine like many of the others on this list, and she is also generous (given her circumstances) and accepting of companionship in anyone, including a droid and a Stormtrooper. She is isolated and alone on her home planet of Jakku, fruitlessly waiting for her family to come for her from the stars, but she doesn't allow anyone to hold her hand or save her when she gets into trouble; she proves she can handle herself. Rey, on her Hero's Journey, is a reluctant and stubborn young protagonist, especially when she realizes she cannot keep waiting forever on Jakku and must follow a destiny to bring balance to the Force like Luke Skywalker before her. She knows what a galaxy-sized responsibility that is, and doubts herself as a human would. But she finds her way through any situation, and develops into a stronger character as the film progresses, as a real hero should. Rey is not, as her detractors accuse her of being, a Mary Sue - she is like any other male hero in fantasy and science fiction films. So what if she's multi-talented? She's a survivor on a desolate home world, she needs more than one skill set. Do people just not like a competent woman on film? It's 2015-2016, can we please get over this bullshit idea that woman are weak and useless at everything already? Rey - a refreshing take on female heroes in modern action science fiction films that follow a Hero's Journey. What took them so long?
3. Captain Marvel (Carol Danvers) (Marvel)
I already said what I wanted to say about Captain Marvel in my comic book reviews about her and in my Top 10 Favourite Female Superheroes list, so I won't repeat myself. It's Carol Danvers. Just Carol freaking Danvers. (One new thing I'll say is that I recently read one comic of her as Ms Marvel. All I can say is, "Wow, Carol was such a tool for so long. It's amazing how she managed to be saved eventually, and all it took was a new identity, position and attitude." Bravo, Kelly Sue DeConnick, bravo.)
2. Matilda Wormwood ('Matilda')
Another one of my childhood heroes. Little Matilda Wormwood is a genius. A bookworm and gentle soul growing up in a horrible family and school environment that doesn't appreciate her gifts. An adorable six-year-old who represents how wonderful and remarkable children can be if only society would listen to them and challenge them instead of stifling them and their potential and generally treating them like they're stupid, so they grow up to be stupid. Schools shouldn't do this! Matilda also develops telekinetic powers when she is stressed. How whimsical and charming! She has limits as well, as she gets frustrated at the ignorance and shortsightedness of adults as any child would. She plays pranks on bad people as any child would, too. Her friendship with the only decent adult she knows, her teacher Miss Honey, is delightful and sweet, and paramount to the positive, helpful relationships adults and children can have with one another. A beacon of innocence and growing intelligence, and bewitching in her own light, Matilda Wormwood is a gem of a little girl any loving parent would be proud of. I know I'd be over the moon to have her as my daughter. So cute!
And my number one pick is:
1. Moana (Disney)
Yes, it's another Disney princess! The most recent one! No other way of putting it, Moana is a star. A Polynesian, POC princess with a plausible anatomy, she is a girl with heaps of responsibility placed on her shoulders - as a chief's daughter and a "Chosen One" on a dangerous sea voyage quest filled with gods and monsters, in order to save the world and set nature right again. Like a typical Disney princess, she yearns for more in her life outside of her closed-off home - the island of Motunui, a safe haven and "paradise" - but she is also a reluctant heroine on a Hero's Journey. Moana is a character who is torn: She is a seeker of truth, and honestly loves her people and culture enough to at least try to avoid her destiny to stay at home to guide them and make tough decisions for them. But in spite of her efforts, the call of the ocean is too much for her seafarer's heart to bear. It is important she follow its current course, in fact. Though she is capable, young Moana is still learning, and she doubts herself throughout her travels far away from home. She makes mistakes, causing her to have setbacks. But when she needs to she will have the heart to keep on trying. Literally the fate of the world depends on her, a mere mortal with a voyager's blood and spirit. I also love that, although it is mentioned in the film that Motunui has always been ruled over by the men in Moana's family before her, there is never any thought given to whether a girl can be a chief. Moana proves herself, through trial and error, to be an adventurer, a leader and peacemaker she never dreamed she could be. A girl - a non-white girl - who is a "Chosen One" in a story about saving the world, and it isn't half-arsed. Not a romance in sight either! Caring and passionate, Moana harbours both the old and new traits of every Disney princess in the last twenty-five years. But she is not to be dismissed as only a chief's daughter. Moana is a hero, through and through. Disney has been making big leaps in animated storytelling in recent years, and 'Moana' is a much-needed revolutionary. For hope if nothing else.
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