5 Female Characters Tag
*UPDATE* I have removed the part of this post that talks about Disney's Pocahontas, as it contained an ignorant perspective on the movie's controversy. Some of my more recent posts about the movie contain edits that explain things further.
Rules:
1.) List 5 of your favorite female characters (book or screen).
2.) Tagging other people is optional
3.) If you are tagged link back to the person that tagged you.
4.) Link back to Revealed In Time
Choose one character from each category:
1.) Protagonist2.) Villain
3.) Superhero
4.) That I would want to be friends with
5.) That I wish had better development
What fun!:D
~Villain~
Lady Anne Davenport from Hidalgo
Lady Anne is a rather fascinating character to me. She's conniving, ruthlessly ambitious, seductive, and shockingly cruel at times--but she's also a very subtle character in the sense that she's not blatantly antagonistic towards those who stand in her way. She plots against them, certainly, but keeps up a "calm, cool, and collected" façade in public. She is utterly unconcerned with anything not directly pertaining to her life and is a thoroughly dislikable person…but there is a certain charisma about her that belies her true nature. And then there is the one part in the movie wherein we can glimpse a slight bit of human sympathy in her--when she tries to warn her camel-boy, Attimi, to stay calm when the raiders are approaching them…and her subsequent disconcertment when he is killed. She actually lashes out in anger at the men in her employ for shooting him. Altogether, though she is undoubtedly a villain, I do enjoy watching her scenes.
~Superhero~
Galadriel from The Lord of the Rings
(Since I'm not really "into" superhero types of movies, I'm going with an Elf.) I really began to appreciate Galadriel when I first read the books last year. I love the mystery of Galadriel, the other-worldliness. Of course, she is one of the Noldor, so there's an explanation behind all that, but aspects of her personality seem to remain shrouded in shadow, not for us to disturb or try to fathom. Her unique telepathic abilities are at once sacred and intriguing, which I like. (I really appreciate how Tolkien did not create characters with "magic" components, but that's another issue for another post.) She's just all-around a very complex, light-filled character.
~That I want to be friends with~
Parker from Leverage
Parker is so cheerful and energetic even after all she's been through that you just want to be friends with her so you can laugh and talk with and try to help her. You want her to confide in you so you can protect her and encourage her when she's feeling down. Parker is hilarious, quirky, accepting, and layered, all of which make her a fantastic screen personality. To know her is to love her. That's just all there is to it;)
~That I wish had better development~
Buttercup from The Princess Bride
When I was younger and was watching the movie, I didn't really think about how Buttercup's character really has very little substance. I just accepted the movie as it was, because hey, it was The Princess Bride, and it was nigh on to perfect (as of course it is). So when I started reading some blog posts that were commenting on how ditzy and lacking any moral fibre Buttercup was, I was Slightly Puzzled. What was wrong with Buttercup, pray? She was the girl, you know, the girl that Westley loves and who loves him back. And movie-Buttercup still doesn't really bother me in terms of complexity, because frankly, she actually seems to have some level of grit, courage, and caring in the movie. BUT I've now read the book--and incidentally it has shot up the ranks into the position of one of my very favorite books (seriously, it's glorious)--and I realized that the Buttercup in the book is really very shallow. Of course, being the satire and life-commentary that TPB is, I'm sure William Goldman had his reasons. But I really do wish that we could have had something--anything, really--to clue us in as to why Westley loved her so incredibly much. I like book-Buttercup, don't get me wrong. But we never really get to see the depth of her, so she's "hard to figure."
That was terrific fun! Thanks again, Sarah, for tagging me!:D And now, those of you who are reading this, consider yourself tagged if you are so inclined.
Lady Anne is such a fascinating character!!! I've always been intrigued by her. There's something about her cold, seductive cruelty that is very...well...intriguing. :-D I love the scene where she's talking with Frank in her tent and trying to convince him to sell out, and then he simply tells her in his quiet way, "Goodnight ma'am." FRAAAAAANK.
ReplyDeleteHa. I have never liked The Princess Bride. I haven't read the book, but I've seen the movie a few times and even after several years it still hasn't grown on me a bit. (Which puts me in a very slim minority, since most everyone I know looooves the movie.) Buttercup is just so boring and grumpy and...ewww. Not my kind of heroine at all.
You know, I have never seen the Disney Pocahontas movie?!? I do know some of the songs from it, though; "If I Never Knew You", the deleted version with the guy and the girl singing, is one of my Very Favorite Songs Ever. And of course, "Colors of the Wind." I've heard people whine about how inaccurate the movie is, but like you said -- it is what it is. Some movies, you've just got to appreciate them for what they are. :-)
~Emma
Isn't she, though?? I'm glad you agree;D I think it's how coolly passive she is. She's calculating and self-serving, but she remains so placid outwardly while her mind is rapidly scheming...something is just very...interesting about her. Bahahaha "FRAAAAAANK" XD YES, though! Oh my wordy. I lurve that scene. It's so awesome. She is at her most "alluring," and he remains so calm and upright throughout it all...gah. That movie is altogether too amazing:D
DeleteHaha, I understand! After reading the book, I still like the movie, but not as much as I used to. I think I'm also a little tired of it, hehe. So I get not liking it...sort of;-P
You shoooouuuuullllld:D "If I Never Knew You" is definitely a song of Epic Proportions, as is "Colors of the Wind." Absolutely. And thank you! See, you get it, and you haven't even seen it! Honestly, I get so worked up into "righteous indignation" when people are bad-mouthing this movie;-P
oh goody! I can't wait to do this tag for an upcoming Fandom Fox post! This is gonna be fun :D Thanks for the tag!
ReplyDeleteMorg! How are you, girl?? Oh my goodness, I haven't been over to your blogs in so long! Shame on me! I really do apologize about that; I shall get over there and catch up soon, I promise:)
DeleteAnyway, yay! I'm so glad you're gonna do it!:D And you're quite welcome:)
Yay! Now I don't have to borrow this post with every intent of linking back (or "steal", whatever you wanna call it...)!
ReplyDeleteI like your picks :D!
Haha! I caught the reference;) (Though if I'm being perfectly honest that may be because I saw your comment on Sarah's blog mentioning it.)
DeleteGood! I had fun:D
Cheater ;)
DeleteHeehee =D
DeleteI know what you mean about Pocahontas--it's kind of like with the King Arthur legends. Just because the legends aren't 100% accurate doesn't mean you can't enjoy them for what they are--namely, awesome stories :)
ReplyDeleteAlthough, did you know that the legendary "King Arthur" is very likely based upon a real-life guy--a Christian Briton chieftain who fought against barbarian invaders as the Romans were pulling out of Britain? I know that's not relevant but I just think it's sooooooooo cool. (History major talking here :) )
THANK YOU, Jessica! You get it;)
DeleteOoh, cool! I knew there was some sort of historicity behind him, but I wasn't quite sure what. I think I thought he was just an "actual king" who lived in medieval times XD
I've only read The Princess Bride (as opposed to watching it). I hate book-Buttercup. She's flat, she's unfaithful to Westley . . . I think that Buttercup should marry Marius from Les Miserables, and Westley should marry Eponine. It's just so right!
ReplyDeleteHaha! Well, I can't say I hate her, but she's most likely my least favorite character in the book, hehe. And I actually like Marius in proportion to some of the other Les Mis characters, but I'm feeling this Westley/Eponine thing. Yes...yes. I think this would work, splendidly;D
DeleteLove these and I'll probably steal this tag. :) I would love to be friends with Parker too. My little sister is a lot like her actually so maybe I already am. ;)
ReplyDeleteYay, do!!! (Though technically I already tagged you, since you read it and are so inclined!;D)
DeleteYESH PARKER. I'm so glad someone else in the blogging community understands my love for the show XD I actually just watched the Grave Danger Job this afternoon with my parents...that one gets me, it makes me tear up a little when Parker is talking with Hardison: "Do you hear me, Alec?! I need you *sniffles*
This was fun! I like your choices :)
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed it, Lorraine!:D
DeleteThis, THIS was very entertaining to read. I loved your answers, especially your choice of Lady Anne Davenport. :) She is such an intriguing character. Pretty yes, conniving, yes. :P
ReplyDeleteWell, I do rather feel somewhat inclined so I may answer them in comment form, as I am *ahem* blog-less. ;P
~Protagonist~
Mattie Ross. As I have lately been very much "into" True Grit it seemed very fitting. She is very determined, quick-witted, hilarious, head-strong, brave and has high-morals. Yup, my kind of girl. Plus, she's my age. :D
~Villain~
Hmm....I'm going to say Miss Minchin, from A Little Princess (specifically the Liesel Matthews one). She seems like such a bristley character, but there are times when you can see through it....when Sarah asks (tells?) how her father used to call her a little princess too ("Didn't he?!") and she is about to cry. She really is a confused mess. :P I still call her the villain, however, as she is known to be cruel.
~Superhero~
Uh....not really into them, to be honest. :P *thinks of ANY female superhero* Well, I'm going to 'take a leaf out of your book' and count elves as superheroes, and just to be different I'm going to say Tauriel. I used to dislike her quite vehemently, but now that's softened and I've grown to appreciate her character. She is a strong personality, and defends what she thinks is right. She does leave a rather harsh first impression (as do most elves, really) but deep down she really is a caring, nurturing woman. Even though J.R.R. Tolkien didn't technically create her. (Although he did mention Legolas HAD a sweetheart. What happened to her? *sniff*)
~That I Want to be Friends With~
Hmm.....I'm going to be really random and say Allyson off Mom's Night Out, because I think she'd be a wonderful kind of friend. She is so funny and relatable and willing to listen. I'd love to help her out with the kids and get to know her more. I can't help imagining she's a lot like what I'd be like when I'm older. (Is that a worry? :P)
~That I Wish Had Better Development~
I'm not sure if these are suppose to be main characters but I'm just going to go with what I feel like and say...um..... Kitty Bennet. She is someone I was really hoping would 'grow up' a bit more by the end of it. I suppose she did somewhat, but I was anticipating a bit more maturity, haha. ;) I suppose it's just her kind of personality.
But anyways, this was fun and with all the characters that movies offer, I reckon I could do this tag multiple times with very different answers. ;D It was very fun though.
(Oh and yes, Buttercup is not the most amazing heroine, I do agree. She Tries My Patience.)
~Miss Meg March
Yay! Thanks, Miss Meg!:)
DeleteYep. Lady Anne is quite…somethin' ;)
Oooh, goody! You're into True Grit too?! Yes! I greatly like that story:D
YOU KNOW THAT VERSION OF A LITTLE PRINCESS. Ahem. Oh my goodness, yes…that part, and how Sara is growing taller and Miss Minchin is growing smaller due to the camera angling…ohhhhh. It's so good and sad:'(
Goodness me! All of your answers are so wonderful!!! Tauriel, Allyson, Kitty…good choices;D
(Haha "She Tries My Patience"…good way of describing it!)
Yo, Olivia--can I do the same thing as Miss Meg March? Because I really want to :)
ReplyDeleteProtagonist--Cecile Auclair from Shadows on the Rock. She's such a cool person. Some people might say she's unrealistically mature, but I don't think so--she's just AWESOME, that's what. I love her. And she reminds me a lot of my mom, which makes me happy :)
Villain(ess)--Um, so I guess I'll go with Mary Crawford from Mansfield Park because she kind of fascinates me. I'm really kind of intrigued by the way Jane Austen made somebody who had so much natural charm and grace but was totally spoiled by her upbringing and so ended up a really awful person . . . It kind of leaves you thinking about "what might have been." You hate her, but you feel sorry for her, too.
Superhero--Gee. I don't really know of any female superheroes. Does Athena from The Iliad count? Because she's pretty cool. She's definitely smart and level-headed--although rather unscrupulous if my memory serves me correctly :)
That I want to be friends with--Definitely Fanny Price from Mansfield Park. She's so sweet and kind and humble, and she tries so hard to do the right thing. I just LOVE her. I also struggle with a lot of the same "character flaws" that she does--like, having a hard time speaking up for myself--so yeah, I think it would be great to be friends with her. We could help each other out :)
That I wish had better development--Laura Greenleaf Hazard from A Distant Trumpet. She goes through this kind of character transformation that seems like it comes out of nowhere, and I can't quite make myself believe it's plausible. So I don't like that . . . I wish the author had taken more time to explain to us exactly how it happened.
Yes, indeedy! I'm glad you did;)
DeleteI'm not as familiar with some of those as I probably should be, but Fanny is definitely pretty great. I like her:D
Thank you for the follow; you have a lovely site! All of your character choices were great : )
ReplyDeleteOf course! Aww, thank you! I'm glad you liked the post:)
DeleteI agree about Princess Buttercup. She was just kind of "there". Maybe I'll do this at my blog. :)
ReplyDeleteYup. Not the most complex of people. Yes do. I'm off to read it, actually:D
DeleteAwesome! Great picks! Galadriel can easily count as a superhero I say. I would totally be friends with Parker is I could too. My favorite of yours though is definitely Buttercup. She's the perfect example of a character you can easily still love in spite of her really needing better character development. Ideal choice there! :D I'm glad you had fun with it!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sarah! Yup. Galadriel can basically be whatever she wants to be;) Yesh, Parker! I loves her:D Buttercup is frankly a pretty likeable character, to me, but yep, definitely in need of some development;) Thanks! I couldn't think of one at first, and then I thought of her and was like "OH! She'd be PERFECT!" Hehe. I definitely did have a blast!
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