As readers, we love characters who have strong points of view, clever decision-making skills, while at the same time being flawed and relatable. Well-defined characteristics make a character memorable. Over the years, authors have mastered the art of realistically portraying these female characters in literature.

These days, simply the mention of the name of a famous female characters evoke all sorts of memories for readers. There are tons of memorable ladies of literature, but which make the top of the list? We’ve compiled a list of our absolute favourites; let’s talk about fabulous female characters, shall we?

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10. Matilda Wormwood (Matilda by Roald Dahl)

“I’m wondering what to read next.” Matilda said. “I’ve finished all the children’s books.”

The ultimate hero for the quiet bookworm. By the age of four, Matilda Wormwood had already read all the children’s book in their local library. By age five, she’d moved on to the works of Charles Dickens and Rudyard Kipling, and was able to complete complicated equations mentally. Basically a tiny genius.

Growing up with a neglectful family, Matilda discovers that she possesses a special set of abilities which allow her to help those around her, whether they be friends, family, and her warm compassionate teacher Miss Honey. A charming and heartwarming story, Roald Dahl created the ultimate young heroine for bookworms everywhere.

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9. Nancy Drew (Nancy Drew Mystery Stories by Carolyn Keene)

This popular teen sleuth was first introduced in The Secret of the Old Clock in 1930. Nancy Drew grew up with her father, a lawyer in the town of River Heights. Often finding herself at the center of mysteries in her town, Nancy’s tenacity and sharp wit help her to crack cases and help the people of River Heights, a talent that has lasted generations. Her series has spanned decades

8. Sara Crewe (A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett)

I am a princess. All girls are. Even if they live in tiny old attics. Even if they dress in rags, even if they aren’t pretty, or smart, or young. They’re still princesses.

Sara grew up accustomed to a lavish life of a princess with her loving and wealthy father. She was later shipped off to a boarding school in London where she was treated luxuriously by Miss Minchin-that is, until her father passed away. Now that she’s a penniless orphan, Sara had to earn her place in the school. Her perseverance and sense of self-worth make her story all the more interesting, and earn her a place alongside our other strong wiled heroines.

7. Lucy Pevensie (The Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis)

Lucy is the youngest among the four Pevensie siblings to enter the world of Narnia. Her innocent, kind, and inquisitive character has charmed readers of the series for generations, making her a fan favourite. Her loyalty to the creatures she meets in this strange, magical land has captured the hearts of children and adults for years. Of all of the female characters in the Narnia series, Lucy is the one that sticks with us long after we’ve closed the back cover.

6. Beatrice “Tris” Prior (Divergent Series by Veronica Roth)

Politeness is deception in pretty packaging.

Strong and stubborn, Tris Prior comes from a dystopian world divided by factions. She’s grown up under Abnegation, which focuses on helping others but eventually winds up in Dauntless which honours bravery above all else.

Within her new environment, she struggles to fit in, but finds herself the center of attention despite her best efforts. Throughout the series she finds her footing, discovering her own value and self-worth along the way. As dystopian heroines go Tris is sometimes forgotten, but her character is grounded in a way that helps the reader love her even more.

5. Elizabeth Bennet (Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen)

Any reader who loves classics will know the name Lizzie Bennet. Elizabeth is the most witty and intelligent among the sisters of the Bennet family, who spend their days being constantly reminded by their mother that marriage is the best-and only-option for women. Elizabeth stands out because of her strong willed nature, and her unwillingness to compromise or give into a man simply because he wills it.

4. Liesel Meminger (The Book Thief by Markus Zusak)

I have hated words and I have loved them, and I hope I have made them right.

The Book Thief follows historical events and the story of a young girl with a complete fascination with books and the written word. Sharp witted and brave protagonist Liesel finds an object hidden in the snow called The Gravedigger’s Handbook. Using this, she swiftly begins stealing books from Nazi book-burnings or libraries for herself and her father to read. She overcomes all obstacles thrown her way, becoming a loving and compassionate heroine that young readers can look up to.

3. Josephine March (Little Women by Louisa May Alcott)

Jo March, the ultimate independent modern woman. Caring sister, persistent dreamer, and an unstoppable force of nature, she is completely devoted to her family and has grown up with her priorities strictly intact. Her story embodies the tale of womanhood in New England during the Civil War. Her character is greatly admired for fighting against the gender status quo, and carving her own future in a post war world.

2. Starr Carter (The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas)

What’s the point of having a voice if you’re gonna be silent in those moments you shouldn’t be?

As her name suggests, Starr Carter shines light onto the unheard voices of our society. She represents Black people and those of minorities, and fights for equality in justice and life. When I read The Hate U Give, I was completely taken by her characters struggle, and the injustice shown throughout the course of the film. Her thoughts and ideas reflect how conflicted and scared a young girl can feel in this world, and the way that she handles herself resonates with audiences everywhere.

1. Katniss Everdeen (The Hunger Games Series by Suzanne Young)

Tough, independent, resourceful, and skilled –these characteristics are why Katniss Everdeen wraps up this list. These characteristics are what make Katniss a badass heroine, and a great female lead for a young reader. She is the ultimate caregiver when she volunteers on her sister’s behalf to compete in the Hunger Games, an annual competition of representatives from each of the 12 districts in this world to the death. Her character has helped to pave the way for tough female characters in the young adult genre.

These female characters are proofs that women of all backgrounds deserve their place in the literary hall of fame. How many of these female characters are you familiar with? who are your favourites? Let us know on Instagram and in our Facebook Group!