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Hello!

As we wrap up Women’s History Month, let’s take a moment to reflect on the incredible women in literature and dive into a discussion about the underrepresented types of female characters that we don’t see enough of in fiction. 📚💫

We’ve all seen the classic archetypes—the strong, heroic female lead, the quirky best friend, the damsel in distress, the wise mentor—but are there other types of female characters we’re missing? I believe the answer is a resounding yes!

Do you notice certain female character archetypes that are used too often?

While there’s nothing wrong with a classic trope, it feels like we often see the same types of women in books—whether it’s the fierce, unbreakable hero or the damsel in distress waiting to be saved. It’s time to break free from these predictable patterns and embrace more diverse and complex female characters who don’t always fit into the neat boxes we’re used to.

What types of female characters do you want to see more of in fiction?

Here are a few types of female characters that I’d love to see more of:

1. Women Overcoming Midlife Transitions
   We see a lot of young, coming-of-age stories or older women playing secondary, maternal roles. But what about women in their 30s, 40s, or 50s navigating personal reinventions, career shifts, or even starting over? These characters can face unique challenges and experiences that are rarely showcased in books. From rediscovering passions to dealing with empty-nest syndrome or facing unexpected career changes, these women’s stories deserve to be explored with depth and nuance.
2. Neurodiverse Women
   While neurodiversity is an important conversation, neurodiverse women often get sidelined in fiction. Women on the autism spectrum or with ADHD, for example, can have unique, rich perspectives, but they’re still underrepresented. Their experiences of navigating a world that doesn’t always accommodate their needs—while also pursuing dreams, building relationships, and embracing individuality—could offer readers powerful insights and representation.
3. Women Who Aren’t Defined by Romance
   How many female characters are primarily defined by their relationships with men? While romance is wonderful and important, I’d love to see more women in fiction whose arcs don’t revolve around finding love or “fixing” themselves through relationships. Let’s have more female characters who are focused on their careers, their personal goals, or their friendships, with no need for a romantic subplot to validate their journey.
4. Women in Non-Traditional Professions
   While we see plenty of female detectives, warriors, and doctors, how often do we encounter women in less commonly explored careers, like scientists, engineers, or skilled trades? It’s time to see women excelling in professions that are still often associated with men, without being forced to fit a stereotypical mold. Let’s see them not just “breaking barriers,” but thriving in these roles in a way that feels real, grounded, and empowering.
5. Women from Diverse Backgrounds and Identities
   Women from underrepresented cultural backgrounds are so often depicted through a lens of struggle, and while their stories deserve to be told, I want to see more complexity. What about women from diverse cultural, racial, or religious backgrounds who are not defined by their struggle but have multifaceted lives full of ambition, joy, and conflict that isn’t always centered around their identity or trauma?

Who are some female characters that inspire you?

There are so many incredible female characters in literature that have inspired me, each one embodying strength, resilience, creativity, and complexity in different ways. Here are a few that stand out:

1. Elizabeth Bennet from Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
   Elizabeth is an all-time favorite! She’s witty, independent, and refuses to settle for a marriage based on convenience or social expectation. Her strength lies in her sharp mind, her unwillingness to compromise on her principles, and her ability to recognize her own flaws and grow from them. Her relationship with Mr. Darcy is a beautiful example of how love can evolve through mutual respect and self-awareness.
2. Lara Jean Covey from To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han
   Lara Jean is sweet, thoughtful, and, at times, a little awkward—but that’s what makes her so relatable. She’s a dreamer who navigates the ups and downs of love, family, and finding her voice. Her journey of growing through vulnerability and learning to trust herself (and her heart) is so inspiring.
3. Tessa Gray from The Infernal Devices by Cassandra Clare
   Tessa is a strong yet compassionate character who, in the midst of a love triangle and supernatural chaos, learns about her own powers and strength. She doesn’t just let her love life define her—she becomes a true hero in her own right. Tessa’s personal growth, her capacity for love, and her strength in adversity make her a compelling figure in romance.
4. Emilia from The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang
   Emilia is a character who challenges traditional norms of beauty and romantic relationships. She’s relatable in her journey of self-discovery and overcoming past trauma to find love on her terms. Her relationship with Michael is built on mutual respect and growth, and Emilia’s character arc is an empowering one for anyone who’s struggled with self-esteem or feels like they don’t fit the conventional “romantic” mold.
5. Phoebe Lin from The Bride Test by Helen Hoang
   Phoebe, like Emilia from The Kiss Quotient, is neurodiverse, and her journey of finding love on her own terms is inspiring. She has been through a lot in her life, but she approaches love with vulnerability and openness, giving readers a look into a deeply emotional, genuine romance. Phoebe is a reminder that love doesn’t fit into one box—it’s diverse and unique to every person.
6. Anna Steele from Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James
   Anna is initially portrayed as a shy, self-doubting woman, but her journey throughout the Fifty Shades series is one of empowerment, both sexually and personally. She learns to balance her own desires with her needs in a relationship, growing into a more confident and self-aware person along the way. Her character arc is a mix of personal development and romance, showing how love can help you discover your strength.
7. Jo March from Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
   Jo has always been an iconic character for me. She’s fiercely independent, determined, and unapologetically ambitious in a time when women were expected to be submissive and focused on domestic life. Her determination to follow her own dreams, particularly her desire to write and live life on her terms, is something that continues to resonate with readers today.
8. Hermione Granger from Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling
   Hermione is the epitome of brains, bravery, and loyalty. She constantly shows that intelligence is just as important as courage and that doing what’s right often takes sacrifice. Her relentless pursuit of knowledge and her advocacy for justice, like her efforts for the house-elves’ rights, highlight the power of standing up for others, no matter the cost.
9. Offred from The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
   Offred’s story is heartbreaking but deeply empowering. In the oppressive world of Gilead, she embodies the quiet resilience of women who refuse to give up their humanity even when every aspect of their lives is controlled. Offred’s strength lies in her inner rebellion—her thoughts, memories, and desires—despite the brutal system surrounding her.
10. Aelin Galathynius from Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
    Aelin is a strong, complex character who evolves from a broken, vengeful girl to a powerful queen who fights for justice, love, and freedom. Her journey is one of self-discovery, resilience, and finding strength in both her friendships and her battles. Aelin proves that leadership is not just about power but about the courage to sacrifice for the greater good.
11. Jane Eyre from Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë
    Jane’s story of overcoming adversity with grace and dignity has always inspired me. Despite the many hardships she faces, from childhood abuse to emotional turmoil, she remains true to her principles and beliefs. Her journey of self-respect, autonomy, and love on her own terms makes her an enduring literary heroine.

These characters—each with their own struggles, triumphs, and flaws—show what it means to be human, to face challenges, and to find strength in both ourselves and in others.

Now, let’s turn it over to you, bookish friends!

Do you notice certain female character archetypes that are used too often in literature? What kinds of female characters do you want to see more of? And, of course, who are some female characters that inspire you?

Let’s celebrate the incredible diversity and richness of female characters in books, and continue pushing for stories that reflect the full spectrum of women’s experiences.

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