Many strong and memorable female heroines have emerged from the pages of books. My favorites include characters from a handful of 19th century authors namely Jane Austen, Louisa May Alcott, and the Bronte sisters—Emily, Charlotte, and Anne.
Ever since I met Elizabeth Bennett in Jane Austen’s 1813 novel, Pride and Prejudice, I’ve been intrigued by the evolving female protagonist of any genre. As the story goes, Elizabeth, a/k/a Eliza or Lizzy, captures the imagination of the elusive Mr. Darcy with her smart, independent, and progressive mind. And, she remains open to the ponderings of the human heart without romantic delusions or desperate measures. I’d describe her as “the total package” in modern-day vernacular. Vulnerable yet strong. Plain spoken yet witty. Attractive in appearance and speech without dependence on feminine wiles.
As a child, I fell head over heels for Charlotte, the illustrious spider and female protagonist in E. B. White’s 1952 book Charlotte’s Web. With her loyalty, kindness, and quick-thinking, Charlotte saves Wilbur the pig from the main course on someone’s dining room table. She markets him as a featured attraction, “Zuckerman’s famous pig,” by weaving four astounding messages into her intricate web designs above Wilbur’s barnyard home. In four separate instances Charlotte heralds him as “SOME PIG!,” “TERRIFIC,” “RADIANT” and “HUMBLE. At Charlotte’s passing, I cried for a couple of days which left family members wishing I’d never read the story!
So, what makes a heroine my hero? I’ve pondered this notion, notably in the context of stories that kindle my imagination and bring the character to life! Is it the craft of writing? The depth of storytelling? The sheer talent of the author to spin words into magic? For me, it’s the marriage of plot or circumstances and the actions of the character within its context. Oh sure, witty dialogue, quotable quotes and the character’s traits can be spoken into being. If a character is truly humorous, the funny-bone trait should be demonstrated in dialogue and action. A reveal. I’m currently listening to an audio book, Noir, by Christoper Moore. The story is a departure from what I’m typically drawn to but it’s hinged to my recent read of The Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett and a desire to compare a seminal crime novel to a modern one. Although cheeky and cheesy, I chuckle at some passages. The author breathes humor into his scene or character descriptions and dialogue. And the audio version is well acted. But I’m sure the characters won’t remain etched in my mind as memorable even if the actual writing and descriptions are poetic and hands down remarkable, although gritty and saucy, and to be honest, a little off putting at times, like, hmmm, the poisonous snake’s point of view! But memorable? Most likely not. It’s a mystery to me, as mysterious as the words above Wilber the pig’s head for onlookers to Charlotte’s brilliant scheme!
And I also wonder about the evolving female heroine from the times of Jane Austen’s world of societal standing based on family bloodlines and inherited wealth. Is Elizabeth Bennett’s cultural environment what shapes her? Would she be a heroine for me if written in the context of today’s world? My first inclinations is to say: Well, yes!! Her actions mark her as memorable. But even more, it’s her willingness to change. AHA! That must be it! It sounds so simple, right? All hearkening back to the hero’s journey of trial, discovery, and a renewal of some sort. But I think it goes deeper. I truly believe, for me, the key to a memorable character is their willingness to admit being wrong and a true humility allowing self-awareness without self-pity. That’s it! Whatever genre, whatever gender, whatever whatever—it’s the trait of humility that keeps the character close to my heart and imagination. It’s a willingness to be brave like Charlotte and to admit when she’s wrong like Lizzie. And it’s the courage to change. Sure all characters have an arc, that’s what storytelling demands. But, to do so with a thoughtfulness and willingness to exhibit humility is what keeps the character alive even after the final chapter.
In my latest book, The Years In Between, the protagonist lives in harm’s way with some foolhardy choices. She constantly tests her own fate following a storm that killed her family and best friends. She survives tucked away and asleep in a bomb shelter decorated for Christmas due to an emotional standoff with her mother. And she’s angry, hurt, disillusioned, and, most of all, filled with unspeakable grief and survivor’s guilt. But she comes to the realization that she needs to forgive herself and see that all her life’s failings or accomplishments had their own reason. She calls upon the dormant gift of faith and finds the humility to accept personal struggles and journey. My hope is that Lori and all my characters live on in the memories of readers, like Lizzy and Charlotte live on in mine!