In today’s world of entertainment, creating a “strong female protagonist” is more than just writing a character with immense physical strength or supreme intellect. It’s about giving them depth, relatability, and a compelling journey that resonates with audiences. Here are 20 female protagonists who exemplify what it means to be done right.
Ellen Ripley (Alien Franchise)
Ripley, portrayed by Sigourney Weaver, is often celebrated as the original strong female lead. What makes her stand out is how the character was written: gender-neutral at first, allowing for a focus on her resilience, wit, and survival instincts, rather than on stereotypes. Her portrayal in Aliens is a masterclass in developing a protagonist who is both vulnerable and powerful.
Mulan (Animated Film, 1998)
Mulan’s journey from an untrained recruit to a hero who saves China is believable and inspiring. Her character arc includes failure, perseverance, and cleverness, showing that her greatest strength lies in her intelligence and dedication, not in being perfect from the start.
Dana Scully (The X-Files)
Scully, portrayed by Gillian Anderson, became a role model for women in STEM. Her intelligence and scientific skepticism balanced her partnership with Mulder, making her an icon of competence and emotional strength. The “Scully Effect” even led to more women pursuing careers in science.
Uhura (Star Trek: The Original Series)
Nichelle Nichols’s Uhura broke barriers as one of the first black women in a major television role. Her portrayal inspired countless viewers, including Whoopi Goldberg, and even motivated many to pursue careers in space and science. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. famously encouraged Nichols to stay on the show because of her impact.
Elle Woods (Legally Blonde)
Elle Woods challenges traditional notions of what a strong woman should look like. By embracing her femininity while excelling in law school, she redefines strength. Her kindness and willingness to support others, even when faced with adversity, make her a well-rounded and empowering character.
Ghibli Protagonists (Various Films)
Hayao Miyazaki’s female leads, like Nausicaä from Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind and Kiki from Kiki’s Delivery Service, are complex and human. They display courage and vulnerability, facing real struggles that include emotional growth and community support.
Margie (Fargo)
Marge Gunderson, played by Frances McDormand, is a standout for her grounded, everyday heroism. As a pregnant police chief, she navigates a world full of chaos with quiet competence and moral clarity, showing strength without any need for grandiose displays.
Sarah Connor (Terminator Franchise)
Linda Hamilton’s Sarah Connor evolves from a terrified waitress to a hardened warrior determined to protect her son and humanity. Her character’s transformation between The Terminator and Terminator 2: Judgment Day is both believable and iconic.
Clarice Starling (The Silence of the Lambs)
Jodie Foster’s Clarice is a petite, soft-spoken FBI trainee who proves her strength through determination and cleverness. Her femininity isn’t sacrificed for the sake of strength, and the movie highlights the unique challenges she faces as a woman in a male-dominated world.
Evelyn (The Mummy, 1999)
Rachel Weisz’s Evelyn is intelligent, brave, and a bit clumsy, adding humor and relatability. She’s not a Mary Sue; she makes mistakes but uses her intellect and courage to contribute to the adventure.
Buffy Summers (Buffy the Vampire Slayer)
Buffy, played by Sarah Michelle Gellar, balances high school life with her duties as a vampire slayer. Her character experiences fear, love, and heartbreak, showing that even superheroes have vulnerabilities. She’s not invincible but uses her resourcefulness and support from friends to overcome obstacles.
Kim Wexler (Better Call Saul)
Rhea Seehorn’s Kim Wexler is a complex character who evolves throughout the series. Her strength lies in her independence and intelligence, and her storyline explores the toll of moral compromises. She’s a fully fleshed-out character with ambitions and flaws.
Chrisjen Avasarala (The Expanse)
Avasarala, portrayed by Shohreh Aghdashloo, is a political powerhouse who is cunning, assertive, and unapologetic. Yet, she shows personal growth and vulnerability, proving that strength doesn’t mean the absence of emotion.
Naomi Nagata (The Expanse)
Naomi is an engineer who navigates complex moral dilemmas. Her character demonstrates that strength can also come from compassion and intelligence, and her story is one of perseverance and heart.
Bobbie Draper (The Expanse)
Bobbie is a Martian marine whose physical strength is matched by her loyalty and moral integrity. Her journey involves questioning her beliefs and growing as a person, making her a compelling character.
Drummer (The Expanse)
Drummer’s character embodies leadership and toughness. She’s a survivor who fights for her people while dealing with immense pressure and personal loss, showing that leadership isn’t easy or glamorous.
Olivia Dunham (Fringe)
Anna Torv’s Olivia is a driven FBI agent dealing with paranormal cases. She’s emotionally complex and often makes difficult choices, highlighting her bravery and vulnerability in equal measure.
Korra (The Legend of Korra)
Korra starts as a brash and powerful Avatar, but her journey teaches her humility and the importance of inner strength. Her struggles with trauma and identity add depth to her character.
Jessica Jones (Marvel’s Jessica Jones)
Krysten Ritter’s Jessica is a superhero with a dark past. Her cynicism and vulnerability make her a unique protagonist, and her journey of healing and seeking justice resonates with many viewers.
Dr. Temperance Brennan (Bones)
Emily Deschanel’s portrayal of Brennan shows a brilliant forensic anthropologist who’s socially awkward but fiercely protective of her loved ones. Her character grows over the series, learning to balance logic with emotion.
These women prove that strong female protagonists can be multidimensional and relatable, each showcasing strength in her own unique way. Whether it’s through vulnerability, intelligence, perseverance, or humor, these characters have set a high bar for what it means to be “done right.”
