This Week's Topic: Favorite Heroine (who's not one of my creations) and Why?
I've a deep love for heroines who are competent and compassionate. Funny is a bonus, but humor is subjective so I'll glom on to the straight man (as in the comedy definition, not the CIShet meaning) just as quickly. Flaws are great when rooted in character dev and an untold backstory, but I'll chuck a book if she's pointlessly bitchy, whiney, or TDTL. I just...can't. Maybe I'm too old (reaches for fiber supplements). Maybe I'm too inundated by pop culture's "strong female protagonists" who can slaughter a hundred monsters as an "oopsie, I didn't know I was so powerful" then regress to total ineptitude the moment the dude shows up. That's not to say I need the heroine to be a mature expert from the start. I'm game for a clueless n00b as long as she's not...stupid. I love heroines who stand up for themselves. They don't have to do it with their fists. A concise verbal setdown is a thing of beauty too. (NGL, I stan swordmasters and assassins as well.) Gimme a gal who can apologize as well as show relationship awareness and gratitude while we're at it. A woman who can outsmart, outthink, out plan, out strategize the opposition? I want her story in my grubby mitts.
So, which fictional ladies have me hooked? Here are three from my current webcomic must-reads:
- Empress Navier Trovi from Alpha Tart, Sumpul's The Remarried Empress webcomic
- Martina/Astina from The Lady and the Beast webcomic by Maginot and Hongseul
- Vivi from Little Rabbit and the Big Bad Leopard webcomic by Yasik, Sadam, and Mogin
- the hilarity of the bunny's expressions is worth every paid ep
