A Solid Heroine
I recently rewatched the movie Red Eye and was struck by how much I liked the heroine (Rachel McAdams). In fact, she came to mind during my pastor's sermon on meekness.
He said meekness is strength and courage under control, coupled with kindness.
That's exactly how the heroine is in this movie. She's not brassy or opinionated in a loud way. She's not someone who would catch another's eye. She's understated, quiet, gentle.
And really, really awesome. Only we don't know just how strong and courageous she is until she's forced to act.
Do you like heroines like that? Or do you like the bold, saucy ones (and I like those too)? Who's your favorite character and/or actress? Why?
He said meekness is strength and courage under control, coupled with kindness.
That's exactly how the heroine is in this movie. She's not brassy or opinionated in a loud way. She's not someone who would catch another's eye. She's understated, quiet, gentle.
And really, really awesome. Only we don't know just how strong and courageous she is until she's forced to act.
Do you like heroines like that? Or do you like the bold, saucy ones (and I like those too)? Who's your favorite character and/or actress? Why?
Comments
I've heard so much about Mitchell. I'm going to have to check out her book!
I do think it takes more work, you're right. I hadn't thought of that.
I love Meg Ryan! I really love the movie French Kiss! One of my favorites. :-)
Also, I'm such an idiot! LOL! I didn't even realize McAdams was the heroine in the Notebook. But yeah, she was fun in that movie.
I think that's a good point. We have to show the interesting side to the heroine. Sometimes it's more difficult, like Jody said.
You're right. The surprise makes the strength almost more powerful for me. I've heard that name before...
~ Wendy
Two examples: Jane in Jane Eyre is just that kind of heroine in the beginning, quiet, meek, but with backbone. As she evolves, she becomes a bit more outspoken, but never to the point of being brassy. She just knows her heart and isn't afraid to fight for it.
Then there's Catherine in Wuthering Heights, saucy and opinionated from the get go, and the only woman who can tame Heathcliff.
But one thing they have in common: both heroines are passionate dreamers with aspirations for a better life and the determination to claim it, and for that reason they remain indelible and irresistable to both their heroes and the reader.
Great examples! Oh to be like Elizabeth! LOL
So the character should fit the story, do you think?
Kate does have that certain grace to her. Even in the movie about bank robbers, she still did good. Thanks for commenting!
But I'm more saucy and "out there" so I tend to write heroines like me!
So does Picoult write quiet heroines?
But the meek ones - with the quiet, controlled strength? They're the ones I aspire to be like!
Don't get me wrong--I still like my heroines with attitude (for some reason, the ones I write always have one, probably because I base parts of them after me, and I tend to be a little hot tempered :P). But a quiet heroine is nice change sometimes.
I really like the character of Meg in Little Women--she's the complete opposite of Jo but she still has a quiet strength about her. Another character I like a lot is Lily from Snow Flower and the Secret Fan. She's what would be the "ideal" Chinese wife in the 19th century--submissive and obedient. But there's a strength to her character that comes out during crisis--a take-charge attitude that otherwise she keeps hidden.
Well...actually, sometimes I wish I was bolder. LOL
I think she's really classy too. It's in the way she holds herself, maybe?
LOL! I always felt like Meg, the oldest and in charge. I wanted to be Jo. :-) You've mentioned the Snowflower book before. It sounds really good.
I think it's a few years old and it's a little violent, but otherwise I really liked it. :-)
What book are you reading? Sounds good! Very Dr. oh man, what was her name? Oh yeah. Dr. Quinn. :-) I used to love, love, love that show!
I like them that way too! Now I've got to google Cynthia Nixon. LOL
P.S. I know you're shoveling in the awards right now, but I'm a big fan of your blog and tomorrow, I'm giving you one too.
I don't think I'm shoveling in any awards, am I? Anyways, looking forward to whatever you have! :-)
What's SNL?
I like genuine heroines too. I have a lot of trouble with ones that are fake and then get found out in the end and suddenly change...
Thanks for the input on SNL. I wondered if it was that but I didn't know there were actors on it. Never watched it before. :-)
Thanks for stopping by!
Things def. need to be "real" for anything to work, I think. Except in comedy, maybe.
Oooh, this character sounds wonderful. I don't like heroines, who are manipulative, controlling, or conniving.
Blessings,
Susan :)
I like both kinds of heroines, btw. :)
Hmmm, teachable. That's an excellent word and something I actually have always admired about my hubby. Thanks for commenting!
Oooh, I love funny characters! Quirky is even better, but I like ones who just know how to laugh too.
I don't like characters or people who are that way. Those are villainous qualities, imo.
I do recommend it. :-) I really liked it, but it has some violence and violent themes.
I have heard so much about that book that I think I would want to see the movie!
Thanks for stopping by! You've made some really good points.
That is true. Quiet courage has a very peaceful feel to it, I think. And it is distinctive because I think it's kind of rare.
And I always love a heroine who has a soft spot for children. :)
Thanks for sharing! I agree, a humble, kind heroine is someone I enjoy seeing hook up with a sexy man! LOL And I always think main characters should have a softness for kids. I just think that's heroic, no matter what genre it is.
I think you're right about Jane. I like Anne Hathaway too! I really liked her best in the Princess Diaries though (is that what it was called?) She does have a very fresh look to her. Classical in a way. I guess that's why she was chosen to play Jane. LOL
I think meekness might be the pinnacle of strength, in a way.
I love Sandra Bullock too! I seriously cannot think of any movie that I haven't liked her in. She's very funny and brings that to her characters!
Thanks for sharing your comment!
I relate more to understated too. The bold ones are fun to read, but I know I could never do what they do. But the quieter ones, yeah, I relate.
Thanks for stopping by!
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glovin
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glovin
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I DO think heroines have to be able to fight for themselves tho...take that Bella girl in 'Twilight'--She wouldn't even be able to turn around and run unless one of those boys was there to tell her to do so. People want to see an "equal" to the hero--whether it's physically or mentally. They both need to NEED eachother(If it's a romance :)
Glad to see you're getting around the blogosphere again. :-)