What does it take to be a heroic female character in a dystopian world?
Surprisingly, it’s not so much that she can kick ass but that she can withstand an ass-kicking and come out of it stronger than ever. Not that ass-kicking can’t be an exciting component to her character ─and I admit that I love it when it is─ but it’s not essential. No, the elements that make her so powerful and interesting are more subtle than that.
Strength of character: This is perhaps the most compelling element to the female hero; the ability to withstand whatever that dystopian world throws at her without losing her sense of self. And through this very adversity develop a greater sense of who she is and what she must do. This type of evolution is essential, no matter where she started from.
Intelligence: An important attribute to her character, which allows our strong female to grasp what’s going on around her and then choose the best way to survive and/or escape the situation. It allows her to make intelligent choices, to recover quickly from her mistakes, and to have interesting dialogue with herself and others.
Bravery: This is obviously essential, but our her-o rarely considers herself brave. She either makes heroic choices without thinking about it─just doing what needs to be done─or she must find the courage to overcome her fears and save the day. Whether this happens gradually or instantly, she never sees it as bravery.
Sixth sense: Those insightful guesses that allow our heroine to perceive the intent or disposition of the people around her. The intuitive moments─those gut feelings─that can save her life or divert a bad outcome. Sometimes she has an unerring instinct for sensing danger approaching.
Emotions: This is a big element, as her emotions help her to survive in some way. They may motivate her to find a solution or to take action. It could be a burning passion or a deep love, anger or a need for revenge that is compelling her to stay alive, to keep moving, or to protect or even kill. Her emotions can also help her to empathize and connect with others, to have compassion and create strong bonds of loyalty, and even find love in the most unlikely places.
Skills: No matter what type of dystopian society our strong female finds herself in, there are always skills to learn in order to survive or to rebel. Sometimes it’s how to live inside her own head to keep a piece of herself free ─or from going insane. Sometimes it’s finding ways to communicate when connecting with others is forbidden, or how to move with silent speed to find a slice of bread or a slice of freedom, or knowing how to trick the authorities. Sometimes, she discovers how to be a leader. And sometimes she learns how to kick ass!
Is there some element that you find vital in your dystopian heroine that didn’t make my list?
If so, let me know in the comments below. I’d love to hear it!