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Fierce [Young] Female Characters in YA Literature

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Top 8 Fierce Female Characters in YA Literature

Young adult literature has always produced young, strong, independent female characters that inspire readers with their acts of bravery, wits and pride. Here are eight fierce female characters:

  1. Katniss Everdeen from The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (2008)

Katniss Everdeen’s development from a girl on the brink in District 12 to being the leader of a rebellion is a high stakes rags to riches story. In a dystopian future, Katniss Everdeen voluntarily takes her younger sister’s place in the Hunger Games, a televised competition in which two teenagers from each of the twelve Districts controlled by the Capitol fight to death on live television.

  1. Hermione Granger from Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling (1997-2007)

Hermione’s quick wit, thirst for knowledge and absolute loyalty to her friends are just a few of the reasons why she is unforgettable on many levels – breaking beyond sidekick status.

  1. Zofia Ledwidge from The Gilded Wolves by Roshani Chokshi (2019)

Zofia is an engineering prodigy, blending brains and bravery. Zofia overcomes personal challenges in a male-dominated world and proves her worth. The Guilded Wolves follows six outcasts as they steal a powerful artifact, which will forever change their lives and the world.

  1. Amari Peters from Amari and the Night Brothers by B.B. Alston (2021)

After entering a magical world, Amari discovers hidden powers within herself – and she thought she was going to summer camp. Her fate relies on determination, courage, and confidence. This is a start of a great middle grade series, and it is full of twists, magic (not the Harry Potter type), mystery and intrigue. How would you like a friend that turns into a dragon?

  1. Pip from A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson (2019)

17-years old Pip’s intelligence and obsession leads to the eventually uncovering of a high school senior’s murder five years earlier. This is the start of a series of mystery thrillers, landing on the New York Times Bestselling list and the BBC Channel as a live action series. Holly Jackson is a fan of True Crime Documentaries, giving insight to the nail-biting storylines in this series.

  1. Shiori from Six Crimson Cranes by Elizabeth Lim (2021)

Shiori is a princess in exile, with forbidden magic, that must save her brothers from a curse, that has turned them into cranes. Throughout the series, you see Shiori develop into a courageous and determined force of nature. And if Shiori’s character hasn’t peeked your interest, perhaps her travelling companions will – a paper bird, an odd dragon and a jilted would-be husband.

  1. Fie from The Merciful Crow by Margaret Owen (2019)

Fie is a member of a lowest cast of Crows assigned to mercy-killing the sick. But Fie is also clever and defiant against the forces that seek to control her, making her an formidable foil against what is to be. The story and Fie’s fate relies on the mutual trust between herself and a prince that has political forces plotting against him.

  1. Tarisai from Raybearer by Jordan Ifueko (2020)

Tarisai has a mysterious past. Her story of self-discovery and empowerment, against manipulation, creates a powerful heroine. What manipulation? She is a mole within a divine rulers council, with the task of killing him – but the ruler is also her best friend. This is Jordan Ifueko’s debut novel filled with world-building African-influenced enchanted lands.

Side Characters Who Steal the Show

While protagonists often get the glory in YA novels, side characters often manage to steal our hearts with their diverse vantage points and personal acts of bravery. Here are a few side characters, that have stolen the spotlight:

  1. Luna Lovegood from Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling (1997-2007)

Known for her quirky demeanor and unshakeable belief in the extraordinary, Luna is an extremely lovable character. Her capacity to imagine the world differently, plus her bravery and kindness brings color to this series.

  1. Inej Ghafa from Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo (2015)

Inej, also called “The Wraith,” is a spy skilled in combat. Her morality and quiet strength distinguishes Inej in a world where shadows often hide darker realities. Leigh Bardugo describes this a heist book. The followup book is Crooked Kingdom; and these two books are the companions to the Bardugo’s original Shadow and Bone trilogy. But because they were written later, many readers find the quality and depth of the characters to be better. And yes – the same Shadow and Bone storyline that you may have streamed on screen.

  1. Gifty from The Last Legacy by Adrienne Young (2021)

Gifty is a cunning planner and loyal friend. The way she moves through political intrigue with loyalty to her friends is what makes her such a captivating character. The Last Legacy is a story of controlling your own destiny, and it is the final book in the Sky and Sea series.

  1. Zuzana Novakova from Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor (2011)

Zuzana is a steadfast sidekick to Karou, keeping Karou grounded with humor, in this retelling of Romeo and Juliet. Zuzana’s quick wit and bravery is memorable to the reader, proving the value of friendship in difficult times. Laini Taylor’s unpredictable storytelling is an added bonus. And we believe that you will find the currency system for wish and magic granting interesting.

  1. Eadaz from The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon (2019)

Eadaz is a warrior priestess of unmatched loyalty, courage and ability – living in a dragon-based world. Her determination to protect her home and those she loves demonstrates the power of strength and sacrifice.

Female Writers Creating Strong Female Characters

In addition to Suzanne Collins, J.K. Rowling, Roshani Chokshi, Holly Jackson, Rebecca Roanhorse, Elizabeth Lim, Margaret Owen, Jordan Ifueko, Leigh Bardugo, Adrienne Young, Laini Taylor, Moira Young. Shannon Hale and Samantha Shannon, the following writers are consistently creating strong female characters in their work.

  1. Angie Thomas
  • Angie Thomas built a reputation for creating strong, memorable female protagonists who grapple with difficult social issues. In The Hate U Give, Starr Carter is an outspoken and courageous character challenging racial injustice. Thomas has discussed her background and experiences growing up in Mississippi reflected in her writing.  Ms. Thomas often talks out on social media, giving a voice to marginalized communities.
  1. Sabaa Tahir
  • Sabaa Tahir has penned powerful female characters like Laia, who transforms from a scared little girl to brave leader. Ms. Tahir grew up in California’s Mojave Desert, in her family’s 18-room motel; her experience as a journalist has also influenced her storytelling. Tahir’s writing is drawn from her own experiences as an Arab woman.
  1. N.K. Jemisin
  • N.K. Jemisin is a powerhouse in science fiction and fantasy literature, known for intricate worlds and strong female characters like Essun, from the Broken Earth Trilogy; Essun is a middle-aged woman with two young children and the secret ability to manipulate earth and stone by absorbing or redirecting heat and energy. The story takes place on a planet with a single supercontinent. Jemisin herself is a trailblazer, as the first author to win the Hugo Award for Best Novel three years in a row. She has discussed how her experiences as a Black woman influence her writing – and writing strong characters allows Jemisin to explore themes of cultural conflict and oppression.
  1. Marie Lu
  • Marie Lu’s books tend to portray strong, smart female leads such as June Iparis in her Legend series. June is a military prodigy and member of the elite society; she is expected to succeed in a futuristic version of Los Angeles, controlled by the totalitarian Republic of America. But the story is one of twists and intrigue. Lu has shared thoughts on how her background as a video game artist, and immigrant, and her experiences being at Tiananmen Square hours before the massacre shaped her writing. Marie Lu develops characters that embody diverse perspectives and encourages readers to think critically about society and technology.
  1. Elizabeth Acevedo
  • Elizabeth Acevedo writes a compelling coming-of-age story full of dynamic, fierce female characters who refuse to be silenced like Xiomara Batista using poetry in The Poet X!. Xiomara is a 15-year old that works through her conflicts by writing poetry. Drawing on her own experiences as a Dominican-American woman and a spoken word poet, Acevedo creates powerful teen protagonists that demand your attention. Through her writing, she frequently talks about the necessity for representation and giving young women of color a voice in literature.

Authors Living Vicariously Through Their Characters

Many authors share that writing strong female characters helps them escape to another reality and explore personal aspirations.

  • Sabaa Tahir has shared how she channeled her own fears and hopes into the series, which helped her to explore different dimensions of bravery and leadership through Laia (An Ember in the Ashes Series) as she goes on her path.
  • N.K. Jemisin often talks about how her characters are the way she explores race, power, and resistance, living vicariously through their struggles and victories.
  • Elizabeth Acevedo has spoken about the parallels between her characters’ journeys and her own experiences with identity and expression; she has explored concepts of empowerment and resilience through the character’s eyes.

Summary

These writers create powerful female characters while often drawing from their own experiences. Readers are encouraged to learn more about the writers.

Books Mentioned

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