What is a Female Protagonist Called?
You‘ve likely noticed a rise in complex, powerful female lead characters in today‘s books, movies, TV shows and video games. But what do we actually call these compelling heroines stepping into the spotlight? Let‘s take a deeper look at the evolving language around the female protagonist.
Historically in storytelling, the central female character has typically been referred to as the "heroine." According to research, the term "heroine" first came into use in the early 17th century, derived from the French word héroïne. It‘s defined by Merriam-Webster as "the principal female character in a literary or dramatic work."
The Origins and History of "Heroine"
The term heroine became widely used in literature and theater during the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries to designate the main female protagonist. You‘ll find heroines at the heart of stories ranging from ancient Greek myths to epic Victorian novels.
Early examples of iconic literary heroines include Sophocles‘ Antigone, Helen of Troy in Homer‘s Iliad, and Elizabeth Bennet in Jane Austen‘s Pride and Prejudice. During the 19th century, novels and stories focusing on a central heroine came into vogue, with famous examples like Jane Eyre, Anna Karenina, and Scarlett O‘Hara from Gone With the Wind.
So the "heroine" established her place as the leading lady of the story. But how has the term evolved into the 21st century?
The "Heroine" Draws Criticism
While "heroine" continues to be widely used, some have argued the term carries implications of passivity, weakness or secondary status compared to the traditional male "hero."
Critics point to the suffix -ine as diminishing the power of the female protagonist. They argue the "heroine" is portrayed as less active, daring and commanding than the masculine "hero." She remains confined to supportive, domestic or romantic roles while the hero drives the action.
Linguistic theories around gendered language also come into play. Terms ending in -ess or -ine traditionally denote a female version of a masculine default. Think actor/actress, prince/princess, host/hostess. Marked feminine forms like "heroine" and "actress" distinguish women as a derivative "other", some argue.
Towards Gender-Neutral and Empowering Terms
In response to these concerns, some advocate using more gender-neutral language when referring to characters and professions. For example, using "actor" for both men and women instead of the gendered "actor" and "actress."
Similarly, many are moving away from "hero/heroine" towards simply calling the protagonist, whether male or female, the "protagonist." Others propose "champion", "warrior" or simply "hero" as terms that convey courage and strength for any gender.
You can see this shift clearly in newer works focused on tough, capable heroines like Rey from Star Wars or Furiosa in Mad Max: Fury Road. These active, commanding characters embody heroic traits like bravery, resilience and leadership.
In fact, recent data illustrates the rise of empowered female protagonists in film and TV:
| Year | % Female Protagonists |
|---|---|
| 2002 | 16% |
| 2009 | 32% |
| 2016 | 29% |
| 2019 | 29% |
While female protagonists continue to be outnumbered by males, they increasingly portray complex characters who defy gender stereotypes.
The Warrior Heroine Archetype
This rise in bold, capable female leads connects to the "warrior heroine" archetype that has gained popularity. Warrior goddesses like Athena and Artemis from ancient myths have inspired images of strong women warriors and leaders.
In Eastern traditions like Chinese Wuxia stories, female martial arts heroes like Hua Mulan have long been popular. And we‘re now seeing tough warrior women take center stage across genres from sci-fi and fantasy to action and adventure.
Think of sci-fi thriller heroines like Ripley from Alien, spy thriller leads like Jason Bourne‘s rival in The Bourne Ultimatum, or superheroes like Wonder Woman and Captain Marvel. Authors like Tamora Pierce write fantasy novels led by gutsy young warrior maidens.
The female warrior protagonist captures the rising image of women as competent, powerful and equal to any challenge. She signals an exciting shift for both female characters and their real-world counterparts toward unconventional roles.
Female Protagonists Break Boundaries
However, female-led stories can still meet resistance, especially in male-dominated genres. Books with female characters continue to be marketed mostly to women. Genres like science fiction and fantasy are working to better represent women both behind the scenes and on the page.
On the whole, industries from publishing to Hollywood are slowly recognizing the proven marketability of female-centered stories. Recent years have seen a steady rise in action movies led by women, along with increased novel representation.
As both a data analyst and entertainment enthusiast, I‘m excited to see multifaceted female protagonists get opportunities to break boundaries. There‘s a clear hunger among both female and male audiences to see women stepping into heroic roles on equal footing.
The Future of the Female Protagonist
While debate continues around the perfect term, the concept of a strong central female character has taken hold across all forms of storytelling. The "heroine" has evolved beyond passive supporting roles into complex, courageous figures we simply call the protagonist.
Storytellers have only begun to tap into the narrative potential of fully-realized female leads. As creators bring more imagination, sensitivity and honesty to writing these heroines, they will continue redefining what it means to be a protagonist in the 21st century.
I hope we‘ve dispelled outdated notions about the "heroine" and revealed the expanding possibilities for the female protagonist. Let me know if you have any other thoughts or questions!
