Today, I wanted to share a little love for some of my all-time favourite female book characters. Choosing the best female books characters of all time, is obviously subjective, so this is just my own personal opinion.
These ladies have captured my heart and imagination over the years, each bringing something unique to the table.
So, without further ado, here’s my list of the best female book characters of all time.
Anne Shirley (Anne of Green Gables)
Oh, Anne with an E! Anne Shirley from Anne of Green Gables is one of my favourite ever characters. She’s a kindred spirit whose vivid imagination and fiery spirit continue to inspire me. Her unwavering unwavering optimism always brightens my day.
Anne Shirley’s best quote:
“Tomorrow is always fresh with no mistakes in it…”
L.M. Montgomery (Anne of Green Gables)
Elizabeth Bennet (Pride and Prejudice)
From Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, Elizabeth Bennet is a smart and independent heroine who isn’t afraid to speak her mind. Her wisdom and charm make her an enduring literary icon. She’s strong willed, witty, independent and and determined to marry for love. She’s not afraid to speak her mind, even when it goes against societal expectations. I just love her!
Elizabeth Bennet’s best quote:
“My courage always rises at every attempt to intimidate me.”
Jane Austen (Pride and Prejudice)
Jane Eyre
Charlotte Brontë created such a fantastic character in Jane Eyre. She’s a resilient and principled young woman who faces adversity with grace and integrity. Her journey to find love and independence is both inspiring and timeless.
Jane Eyre’s best quote:
“I am no bird; and no net ensnares me.”
Charlotte Brontë (Jane Eyre)
Jo March (Little Women)
As the spirited and ambitious protagonist of Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women, Jo March stole my heart with her determination and creativity. Jo’s passion for writing and her fierce loyalty to her sisters make her a character to admire.
Jo March’s best quote:
“I like good strong words that mean something…”
Louisa May Allcott (Little Women)
Matilda Wormwood
Roald Dahl’s Matilda introduces us to a remarkable young girl with extraordinary powers and a love for books. Matilda was my very first literary heroine! Matilda’s intelligence, courage, and kindness make her a true hero for book lovers everywhere. She is smart but rebellious and reminds us that even the smallest person can stand up to bullies.
Matilda Wormwood best quote:
A strange feeling of serenity and confidence was sweeping over her and all of a sudden she found that she was frightened by nobody in the world.
Roald Dahl, Matilda
Minerva McGonagall (Harry Potter series)
Though I did love Hermione Granger, I’ve chosen Professor McGonagall for this list. She’s a true force to be reckoned with. Her strength, wisdom, and unwavering dedication to her students make her one of my favourite characters in the wizarding world. Strict but fair, she’s the epitome of a strong female role model.
Minerva McGonagall’s best quote:
“Have a biscuit, Potter”.
J.K. Rowling (Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix)
Scout Finch (To Kill a Mockingbird)
Jean Louise ‘Scout’ Finch from To Kill a Mockingbird is another character who holds a special place in my heart. Her innocent perspective on a world filled with prejudice is both heartbreaking and hopeful. Her innocence and curiosity lead her to question the injustices of the world around her in a way that has left a lasting impact on me.
Scout Finch’s best quote:
“Until I feared I would lose it, I never loved to read. One does not love breathing.”
Harper Lee (To Kill a Mockingbird
Elinor Dashwood (Sense and Sensibility)
Elinor Dashwood from Sense and Sensibility is a quieter heroine than some others on this list but she’s always held a special place in my heart. She’s a sensible and pragmatic young woman who navigates the challenges of love and society with grace and dignity. Her strength of character and selflessness make her a true heroine. She shows us that sometimes the bravest thing we can do is be kind, even when the world feels unfair.
Elinor Dashwood’s best quote:
“Sometimes one is guided by what they say of themselves, and very frequently by what other people say of them, without giving oneself time to deliberate and judge.”
Jane Austen (Sense and Sensibility)
Katniss Everdeen (The Hunger Games series)
I love Katniss Everdeen from The Hunger Games because she’s such a survivor. She’s a fierce, resilient and courageous young woman who becomes a symbol of hope and rebellion in a dystopian society. Her courage, resourcefulness and unwavering love for her family are what make her an unforgettable character.
Katniss Everdeen’s best quote:
“At some point, you have to stop running and turn around and face whoever wants you dead. The hard thing is finding the courage to do it.”
Suzanne Collins (Catching Fire)
Elizabeth Zott (Lessons in Chemistry)
Elizabeth Zott from Lessons in Chemistry is a newer addition to my list. Elizabeth’s brilliance, determination, and unconventional approach to life have earned her a special place in my heart. She’s complex and fierce and a true feminist icon who is so deserving of a place on this list of the best female book characters of all time.
Elizabeth Zott’s best quote:
“Whenever you feel afraid, just remember. Courage is the root of change – and change is what we’re chemically designed to do. So when you wake up tomorrow, make this pledge. No more holding yourself back. No more subscribing to others’ opinions of what you can and cannot achieve. And no more allowing anyone to pigeonhole you into useless categories of sex, race, economic status, and religion. Do not allow your talents to lie dormant, ladies. Design your own future. When you go home today, ask yourself what YOU will change. And then get started.“
Bonnie Garmus, Lessons in Chemistry
Liesel Meminger (The Book Thief)
And last but not least, Liesel Meminger from The Book Thief. Liesel’s resilience in the face of unimaginable horror is unforgettable. Her love of stories and her unwavering courage to steal books in Nazi Germany make her an unforgettable character.
Liesel Meminger’s best quote:
“It was the book she wanted. The Whistler. She wouldn’t tolerate having it given to her by a lonely, pathetic old woman. Stealing it on the other hand, seemed a little more acceptable. Stealing it, in a sick kind of sense, was like earning it.”
Markus Zusak (The Book Thief)
Summary
These incredible female characters have left a lasting impression on me, reminding me of the power of resilience, courage, and kindness. Who are some of your favourite female book characters? Let me know in the comments!