According to Dictionary.com :
Heroine is defined as:
1. a woman of distinguished courage or ability, admired for her brave deeds and noble qualities.
2. the principal female character in a story, play, film, etc.
What type of heroine(s) traits, personality, in particular always drew you into a story?
Pride and Prejudice follows the traditional Cinderella plot, while the heroine is very unCinderella like. During Lit class i found Austen's "heroines' have a subordinate role in the family,...their dutifulness, meditativeness, self-abnegation, and self-control" are apparent. Still, In my opinion (not necessarily opinions of Austen scholars) the heroine's self-awareness and awareness of the world around her a contrast to an exceedingly traditional environment-- that appealed to me, as did her strong-will, and determined nature. She also showed character growth in discovering the visible and hidden character traits in everyone (particularly the 'designated' villain).
While in the third and fourth grades, I read Nancy Drew mystery novels. Fortunately, the books I devoured were from my mother's collection, published in the 1930s. When I read the later editions I found Nancy much less appealing. It only goes to reason that fictional series characters must evolve over the decades to accommodate changes in US/international culture and tastes. (I discovered later that books were extensively revised, beginning in 1959.) I felt the revision process changed Nancy into a less assertive and more feminine character. I did not find this watered down version helpful in defining a girl's 'sense of self'.
I think spunky, determined, intelligent heroines that have a quirky way of viewing life have always appealed to me. I like my heroines to have strong beliefs yet have the ability to help others whose views/beliefs are different from her own. My heroines are strong women (often in a quiet, unassuming way), women you would like to have as your friend. And. Always, always my heroines have a sense of humor.
Has it changed with time?
A bit. Afterall, just like are heroines, we all learn from life experiences, meet intertesting people, and try to deal with our flaws--be they physical or character (real or often imagined). However, I think the changes are due more to the genre of the novel than the heroine herself. True gothic novels require a softer heroine, a historical novel has more constraints placed upon the heroine; scifi provides an edgier and bolder heroine, and paranormal--here rules change with the world!
Do you write this type of heroine?
Rachel Scott (Lynx, Rodeo romance Book1) has had a lifetime of heartache. She believes in a better tomorrow and in the goodness of others. She is feisty, witty, and loyal.
Amberlynn Maddox ( Brede, Rodeo Romance, Book 2), is strong-willed and a bit spoiled but she is willing to protect those she loves--no matter the cost or danger to herself.
Tay (Whisper upon the Water), is vulnerable but she is a survivor and learns to adapt to her new life. She shows kindness to others and learns to forgive.
Meredith (TBA: Here Today, Zombie Tomorrow), is quirky, gutsy, and very funny. She navigates a world of the supernatural with determination colored by a 'how-did-this-happen-to-me' reality check.
Are my heroines like those in my favorite novels?
No. I think my heroines are influenced by my life experiences and my 'voice'. I think they are influenced by the story I am writing. But I also believe that their morals and their personal truths are like those of all memorable heroines-- entirely their own.
Thank you for joining me for this month's Round Robin Blog. And I'd like to thank Rhobin Courtright for including me in her Round Robin monthly blog.
I hope you have enjoyed learning about my heroines. I certainly enjoyed sharing their experiences with all of you. Please stop my next month to discover what my heroes have to say!
Next up on our Round Robin Blog is Geeta Kakade./http://geetakakade.blogspot.com/
Happy Reading,
Connie
And just in case you'd like to explore everyone's blog from my Word Slinger weblog, here’s the full list of authors writing for this Round Robin event:
Marci Baun http://www.marcibaun.com/Lynn Crain at http://www.awriterinvienna.blogspot.comKay Sisk at http://www.kaysisk.com/Ginger Simpson at http://mizging.blogspot.comConnie Vines at http://connievines.blogspot.com/Geeta Kakade at http://geetakakade.blogspot.com/A.J. Maguire at http://ajmaguire.wordpress.com/Beverley Bateman at http://beverleybateman.blogspot.com/Diane Bator at http://dbator.blogspot.caFiona McGier at http://www.fionamcgier.comRhobin Courtright at http://rhobinleecourtright.com
4 comments:
Very insightful. Enjoyed your post. Disney did a lot of rewriting on fairytales, too. And today's sexual mores have invaded the heroines of Regency and Victorian romances -- knowing the history it makes it hard for me to suspend disbelief long enough to get into the story.
Another Nancy Drew fan here. (I often wonder how she would have grown up)
It seems like most of us love our heroines, strong, in control of their lives and not subservient to men. But then that's what we all are, aren't we? :)
I think as writers we can't help but include some of ourselves and our experiences in what we write. It's the nature of being an artist.
There were women who broke the mold in every century, but the ones we know of, for the most part, came from powerful families. Very few clawed their way from the peasantry.
Very interesting post, Connie.
Marci
Connie,
Sounds like you and I share the same style. I write from experience and reality, so I guess my definition falls under the second choice more than the first. I think everyone wants to be the "Kick ass" kind of gal, but not everyone can be. Personally, I have a hard time believing in those personalities...even Calamity Jane who could out shoot most men, still hungered for the attention and love of one. *lol*
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