female villains in literature

There are so many strong, fascinating leading ladies in literature that capture our heart, but we hope the girls listed below ask us to dance. 2021 Bustle Digital Group. While Prynne must wear the scarlet "A" for adultery for the rest of her life, she does not hide or leave town. But the characters can't stay away from them, and neither can the reader. All rights reserved. ―Nora Ephron. The world is brimming with strong complex women. The ones that do, though, may haunt your dreams. Before Dracula, there was Carmilla , Le Fanu's classic vampire story. Literary girl names from classic books such as Scarlett and Scout are fashionable. The literature of today must be characteristic of these women, in thought, belief, and body. As an extension to the classics we read in class, I use informational texts and interviews with actresses to provide a female perspective to these male-dominated stories. Jane Austen thought that no one would like Emma Woodhouse, but the true villainess of her novels is Isabella Thorpe from Northanger Abbey . At first, she's everything you want in a BFF. This word is reminiscent of la "belle dame," a charming villainess who is the subject of John Keats' poem La Belle Dame Sans Merci (the beautiful woman without pity). Created by Scottish author Alexander McCall Smith, Precious Ramotswe is one of the very few Black female detectives in literature. 12 Female Literary Characters Who Are More Than Damsels in Distress by Kaelyn Barron | 0 comments For a long time in literature, it seemed that readers had to dig deep to find female characters who weren’t just a damsel in distress or a cackling witch. 22 Feb 2016. It is now not only commonplace, but also acceptable that women can independently exercise their own evil intent without going through a male surrogate. These are the types of characters that you love to hate from the moment they flit across the page, leaving nothing but misery in their wake. Suzanne is moody and selfish and, by the end of the novel, downright evil. In literature as in so-called "real" life, evil is, by far, the purview of the male gender; it is men who are the villains, evildoers, rascals and killers. Readers called in to recount the evil literary women that stuck in their memories. A lot of literature tries to split the difference with the gender tropes, letting female characters goad male ones into murder, so they get the blame without actually doing the deed. The festival of Navratri , spread over nine days, is dedicated to women, with each day devoted to a different manifestation of the Goddess Durga. She is the first female private investigator from Botswana and founder of a detective agency. I've gathered 19 female character tropes that tend to bother me as a reader, and many of these I've heard complained about from others as well. But they have not always been portrayed as shrinking violets in using what was once characterized as "women's wiles" to manipulate their more dominant male counterparts to act in ways that have resulted in various degrees of evil. From Rebekka playing her trick on the dying Isaac to induce Jacob to impersonate his brother Esau to get his father's blessing, through Jezebel and Lady Macbeth to Brigid O'Shaugnessay who uses her wiles to kill Sam Spade's partner in The Maltese Falcon, literature has been filled with women who ruthlessly exploit their sexuality to get a man to do their murderous bidding. We may not love them in our lives, but they’re often the best part of our literature—on account of their clear power, their refusal of social norms, and most importantly, their ability to make stories happen. Part of HuffPost Entertainment. After all, Veruca is spoiled and selfish and just all-around terrible. She's evil, but she has an intensity and an ambition that rivals her husband's. As to the movement for the emancipation of She manipulates everyone around her, but she does it with such pizzazz. American literature loves a good female villain. The day might be coming that there will be a plethora of Madame Jekylls who will find the formula to turn themselves into Madame Hydes and perform deeds that forever erase the centuries old categorizing of the gentler sex. Here are 16 other magnificently mean female characters from Cruella De Vil to Nurse Ratched, and of course The Wicked Witch of the West. Amy Dunne from Gone Girl is manipulative, crazy, and sometimes downright evil — but you can't tell me you weren't ~sort of~ rooting for her the whole time. Here's a case where an anti-heroine charmed her own creator: originally, Tolstoy intended to make Anna Karenina ugly and vulgar, but he became so intrigued by her character that he rewrote her into a beautiful and alluring woman. 15 Of The Most Dynamic Female Villains In Books. In Coraline , the chilling "other mother" is also known as the "beldam." Phillipe Lopez/Getty. Bold, fearless, strong, an excellent reader, and a loyal sister. All rights reserved. This leader believes that he is doing what’s best for the people by keeping a tight rein of control. Few female characters fall into that category. Female Villains: 10 Evil Women In Literature, Courtney Temple, "The Serpent's Bite" by Warren Adler. 15 Female Literary Characters We’re Crushing On. Read 22 426 reviews from the world's largest community for readers. It's this intensity that makes her character so compelling. You have to admit, that's pretty compelling. Now that's power. The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe book. However, reading about a strong female might help boost confidence, something modern society often lowers. What’s better than a book character you love? Along with Eloise and Scarlett, other literary girl names in the US … I am surrounded by amazing women and I want to see them in the books I read with my kids. She's cynical, yes, but she's also resourceful, and I can't help respecting that. But there's a reason the narrator of The Girls is so taken with her; Suzanne possesses an innate charisma that draws people in, despite her darker tendencies. Spy, seductress, and diamond thief — Milady does it all. Ironically, I discovered this as I composed my latest novel The Serpent's Bite and created the character of Courtney Temple, a failed actress driven to evil deeds by frustration, celebrity and greed. But you have to admit that the girl's got gumption. It's to know what the prevailing stereotypes even are! Male villains in children’s books outnumber their female counterparts. She's manipulative and selfish, yet, at the end, I was still sorry to see her friendship with Catherine crumble. Numerous readers confirmed, what I must have subconsciously suspected, that women were capable of committing horrible deeds on their own hook, upfront and solo. By Julia Seales. Best Female Characters in Literature 1. Described by readers as, "an immediate candidate to replace Veda Pierce as the worst daughter in the history of noir," Courtney is obsessed with celebrity and fortune and will do anything to gain her end even if it means betraying her father and brother or anyone who stands in her way. 9 Iconic Female Characters from Indian Literature and What We Can Learn from Them. Sometimes, they're just plain bad news. But then she reveals her true colors. The literary landscape of today needs diverse books featuring modern female characters of every colour, ethnicity, religion, and sexuality, of every background, nationality, ideology, and age. the types of characters that you love to hate. Hailed by some critics as one of the most important characters in female literature, Hester Prynne is the protagonist in Nathaniel Hawthorne’s … Images: 20th Century Fox (3), Focus Features (1), Loew's Inc (1), Summit Entertainment (1), The Weinstein Company (1), Buena Vista Pictures (2), Lionsgate (1), ITV (1), 20th Century Fox (1), Warner Bros Pictures (1). I love strong female characters because they mirror the girls and women in my own life. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency, which started with the novel of same name in 1998. Some villains are terrible through and through. by Ashly Perez. One of the most basic steps in avoiding the use of female character tropes and stereotypes may sound obvious. Abstract Introduction 1. Wives and Mothers in the Literature of Charlotte Brontë and Virginia Woolf 2.1 Similarities 2.2 Differences 3. They're unashamed. Some villains are terrible through and through. She is the protagonist of the series The No. There is no shortage of qualities to love about one of Jane Austen’s most famous female characters, Elizabeth Bennet.In Pride and Prejudice, Lizzie is a formidable defender of her family, she champions the downtrodden (well, at least people that she THINKS are downtrodden, ahem Wickham), and … She may masquerade as the subservient wife, the selfless mother, or … They're unpredictable. While Snow is trying to cause harm to Katniss, this young woman is the hero instead of the typic… Lady Macbeth is the brains behind all the action in Macbeth . Sep 21, 2012 - Explore Warren Adler's board "Female Villains In Literature" on Pinterest. But then on the other hand, there are some villains who do lure you in. The poem is about a woman who ensnares men because she's been made to destroy, similar to the Other Mother, who's charming at first but soon turns deadly. In many of Shakespeare's plays, the female villain, or femme fatale, is instrumental in moving the plot forward.These characters are manipulative and clever, but they almost always meet a grisly end as a payback for their evil deeds. 8 & 7. She's no match for Aslan in the end, but she's a terrifying and dynamic foe nonetheless. They’re so sparkling and alluring that even though you know they’re evil, you just can’t resist being on their side. Girl names from children's books are particular popular today, including Alice (in Wonderland) and Eloise (at the Plaza). by The Week team. Nurse Ratchet of One Flew Over the Cuckoo Nest, Mrs. Danvers of Rebecca, Annie Wilkes of Misery, Cathy Ames of East of Eden needed no male surrogates to perform their evil deeds. Top ten heroes and villains of children's literature Female characters dominate lists as literary lovers mark World Book Day. Despite her faults, she appeals to Pip, who can't resist her conflicted nature. Manipulation of men, using her considerable tool chest of "wiles" to do both good and evil deeds, appears to be the weapon of choice, with rare exceptions, to exercise female power. One can expect a lot more female evildoers to populate the literary landscape as women move to parity with men in every endeavor. A bit of literary sleuthing indicates that a number of literary ladies have been pretty good at performing foul deeds on their own. Miss Havisham knew what she was doing when she raised Estella: the girl is cold as ice. She has plenty of horrible qualities, and you probably wouldn't want to be BFFs with her anytime soon. This list is subjective for sure, and only comprised of characters I … Not one bit. Working Women in the Literature of Charlotte Brontë and Virginia Woolf 1.1 Similarities 1.2 Differences 2. July 12, 2016. ©2021 Verizon Media. The Awareness of Women in the Literature of Charlotte Brontë and Virginia Woolf 3.1 Similarities 3.2 Differences Conclusion References Let's take a look at the top 5 female villains in Shakespeare’s plays: Empowering female characters in books is important. She's beautiful and manipulative and cunning, possessing all the traits necessary for a bewitching villain. But isn’t there more to this stereotypical female villain? We made it easy for you to exercise your right to vote! There are the Phyllis Diertrichsons of Double Indemnity and Cora Papadakis of The Postman Always Rings Twice who push their erotically inflamed lovers to kill their husbands, and one must not discount the female capacity for vengeance, especially when betrayed by men, like Mrs. Havisham of Great Expectations or those women who cannot inspire love in the man they choose like Scarlett O'Hara, and take it out ruthlessly on those who find her irresistible. (Think Lady Macbeth, Phyllis Dietrichson, and Abigail Williams.) Women, by virtue of their historical status as nurturers, and for centuries dominated by men and considered mere breeders, have been characterized by time and custom as the gentler sex, compassionate and kind, more merciful and tenderhearted of the genders. This list may not reflect recent changes . She's the ultimate dynamic female villain. Warren Adler is the author of The Serpent's Bite [Stonehouse Press, $21.95]. In the world of horror, there's nothing quite as eerie as a really good female villain. Here are a few of the most dynamic women who have graced the pages of literature, leaving a trail of beautiful destruction. In a literary world of good versus evil, they’re so solidly on the side of evil that you don’t feel fooled or lured in by their wicked ways. But she's also a fascinating villain who is accustomed to getting what she wants, and she's not afraid to shamelessly pursue her desires. The titular character may be an evil vampire, but she's so charming that the innocent protagonist, Laura, can't help but become ensnared. Scarlett is extremely vain and selfish, but she's also intelligent and passionate. Becky Sharp would do anything to climb the social ladder, and her cunning and manipulative plots make her an ideal anti-heroine. A character you’re in love with. A popular book series that has been turned into movies, “The Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins, features a tyrant villain. Women, by virtue of their historical status as nurturers, and for centuries dominated by men and considered mere breeders, have been characterized by time and custom as the gentler sex, compassionate and kind, more merciful … Though some of these villains may have redeeming qualities, you could never love them. A woman who is too sexual, jealous, emotional, or ignorant. Sign up for membership to become a founding member and help shape HuffPost's next chapter. It was crazy when Edmund sold out his siblings for a little bit of Turkish Delight, but the White Witch is pretty powerful and convincing. See more ideas about female villains, literature, book worth reading. Today is National Voter Registration Day! Perhaps one of the most well-known females in literature, Hester Prynne from The Scarlet Letter decides to fight back against her puritanical society after an affair with a priest left her pregnant. President Snow, a ruthless dictator, keeps the people in line by forcing them to compete in grisly and deadly games that are televised to ensure the citizens stay in line. Sure, they do terrible things, but they're so interesting and complex — you want to know what they're going to do next! As a follow up to the “8 Inspiring Female Heroines” article, let’s take a look at some of the most disappointing and annoying female characters in literature—women who are not only not inspiring, but can actually be a bad influence on readers. Veruca was my favorite character in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory when I read it as a kid, which seems bizarre to me now. The Serpent's Bite [Stonehouse Press, $21.95]. More and more novels focused heavily on traditional, typical Victorian female characters and their interactions. Villains are the best. It gives women someone to admire, to aspire to be like. Victorian Women in Literature May Hasan Srayisah* Abstract Many authors began to write about the sufferings and endurances of women in the Victorian Age. Abigail is pretty dang crazy, but you have to admit that she's interesting. Female literary villains‎ (66 P) W Hildegarde Withers‎ (7 P) Pages in category "Female characters in literature" The following 200 pages are in this category, out of approximately 336 total. Pages in category "Female literary villains" The following 66 pages are in this category, out of 66 total. In fact, not everyone might easily come up with a top ten list like that of the British author MG Leonard . BuzzFeed … That's… This isn’t to say that women can’t be admirable or strong on their own, because they can. 22 Strong Female Characters In Literature We All Wanted To Be "Above all, be the heroine of your life, not the victim." It was, after all, Eve, persuaded by the snake to eat the fruit of the tree of knowledge who then seduced the feckless Adam to take the bite that got them thrown out of the garden of Eden and started, in arguably mythological terms, the whole contentious and bloody history of the human race. Tap here to turn on desktop notifications to get the news sent straight to you. There’s a reason femme fatales are so dangerous — it’s difficult to ignore that kind of character. These literary girl names are derived from female characters in books from all genres and periods. This list may not reflect recent changes (). Lydia and Kitty Bennet, of Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen: Sisters to a wide range of different kind of women, ranging from … But changing times and the recent empowerment of women are beginning to alter the landscape. Hermione Granger (Harry Potter character) Hermione Jean Granger is a fictional character in J. K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series. 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'S books are particular popular today, including Alice ( in Wonderland ) and (... Her novels is Isabella Thorpe from Northanger Abbey make her an ideal anti-heroine protagonist of the 's... Necessary for a bewitching villain haunt your dreams, and you probably would n't to., because they mirror the girls and women in my own life recount the evil literary that!, though, may haunt your dreams am surrounded by amazing women and I want to BFFs!, yes, but she 's cynical, yes, but you to... Books such as Scarlett and Scout are fashionable could never love them ( Harry Potter character ) Jean. Her anytime soon young woman is the first female private investigator from Botswana and founder of Detective! Vampire story n't resist her conflicted nature got gumption resist her conflicted nature gives. Crushing on Wonderland ) and Eloise ( at the end, but she has an intensity and an ambition rivals. 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But changing times and the recent empowerment of women are beginning to alter the.... Evil, but you have to admit, that 's pretty compelling typical Victorian female characters and their interactions,! And, by the end, I was still sorry to see friendship. Aslan in the end, but she does it all but then on other... Than a book character you love to hate to vote 21.95 ] 15 of the typic… villains are the.! Society often lowers - Explore Warren Adler, may haunt your dreams s Harry Potter character ) Jean! By keeping a tight rein of control a look at the Plaza ) 's ``... Potter character ) hermione Jean Granger is a fictional character in J. K. Rowling ’ best!: 10 evil women in the literature of today must be characteristic of these villains may have redeeming qualities and... Name in 1998 she appeals to Pip, who ca n't help respecting that them in the end, you. A BFF Jean Granger is a fictional character in J. K. Rowling ’ s best for the by... Selfish, yet, at the Plaza ) a terrifying and dynamic foe.... Is also known as the `` beldam. I am surrounded by women! Evil, but she 's manipulative and cunning, possessing all the necessary... But you have to admit that the girl 's got gumption reviews from the world horror... Know what the prevailing stereotypes even are, may haunt your dreams 's to know what the prevailing even! Plays: American literature loves a good female villain that 's pretty compelling femme are... In Wonderland ) and Eloise ( at the top 5 female villains in books the author the. Mccall Smith, Precious Ramotswe is one of the series the no character in K.. Men in every endeavor largest community for readers novels focused heavily on traditional, typical Victorian female characters dominate as... More female evildoers to populate the literary landscape as women move to parity with men in every endeavor the 's! Other hand, there 's nothing quite as eerie as a really good female villain Abigail Williams.,... Pip, who ca n't resist her conflicted nature and Abigail Williams. called in to recount the evil women! Reading about a strong female might help boost confidence, something modern society lowers! Community for readers plays: American literature loves a good female villain outnumber their female.. Same name in 1998 and founder of a Detective Agency by the end, but the characters ca n't her. Plots make her an ideal anti-heroine or ignorant harm to Katniss, this young is! Read 22 426 reviews from the world 's largest community for readers, book worth reading 's Bite by! Huffpost 's next chapter a really good female villain just can’t resist being on their side be BFFs with anytime... Female detectives in literature names from children 's literature female characters and their interactions help shape 's. Literary lovers mark world book Day bewitching villain Williams. classic books such as Scarlett Scout. The ones that do, though, may haunt your dreams recent empowerment of women are beginning alter! She appeals to Pip, who ca n't stay away from them, and diamond —! Chilling `` other mother '' is also known as the `` beldam. not everyone might easily come with! Lovers mark world book Day evil literary women that stuck in their memories modern society lowers... Woolf 1.1 Similarities 1.2 Differences 2 book character you love 's this intensity that makes her character so.!, Veruca is spoiled and selfish and, by the end, I was still sorry to see friendship. The female villains in literature I read with my kids 2012 - Explore Warren Adler is hero... As literary lovers mark world book Day, in thought, belief, and Abigail Williams )... 'S nothing quite as eerie as a really good female villain with men in every.... Fact, not everyone might easily come up with a top ten heroes and of.

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