Polly Gray to Jo March: Five Feminist Female Fictional Characters We Adore

The cinematic universe has many characters that are feminist that depict women from ranging strata of society in a unique light. These women have exquisite charms, qualities, and flaws that make them human. With the times evolving, we have witnessed an exponential growth in authors writing female characters that are multi-dimensional, are not mere puppets of patriarchy and have their own minds. Unlike the usual portrayal through the lenses of the male gaze, creators have sketched female characters we all can relate with.

Some of these feminist female fiction characters deal aptly with the complications of being a woman in the 21st century while fighting against all odds to create their own paths and weave their respective stories. We have not only enjoyed watching these feminist female fictional characters, but these women have also inspired and motivated many to go out of the way and establish their own unique self out in a male-dominated world.

These women have one thing in common: the imperfection of their characters which dwells on the idea that there is no such thing as an 'ideal woman' and the best ones are flawed and real.

Check out the all-time favourite feminist female fictional characters here: 

Elizabeth Bennett

Actor Keira Knightley helmed the role of Elizabeth Bennet in the 2005 period romance-drama film Pride and Prejudice. The film is based on famous British author and novelist Jane Austen's novel by the same name, who is known to have created many feminist female fictional characters back in her time.

Elizabeth Bennett is among the few feminist female fictional characters who emerged during a conservative era and was recognised as relevant much later. Despite all her flaws, she emerges as the main character in the film defying the stereotypical roles and ideas the women of 18th century England were subjected to. She is fierce, intelligent and loyal, but most of all, she refuses to let men undermine her.

Jo March

The protagonist of the 2019 period drama film Little Women, Jo March, was created by author Louisa May Alcott in her semi-autobiographical novel by the same name. The character Jo March is loosely based on its creator Louisa May Alcott. While she often comes forward as defying, she symbolises the fertility of ideas.

Her willingness to become a person of her own before settling down with a man is what distinguishes her from her other sisters. Being a stubborn and vocal woman, she refused to succumb to the traditional ideas of femininity and is often lauded for her determination and perseverance. The character is played by actor Saoirse Ronan in the film.

Suggested Reading: Twelve Feminist Shows That You Can Binge-Watch In Twelve Hours

Fleabag

Phoebe Waller-Bridge's Fleabag deals with real-life issues and insecurities as the character tries to make the most out of her modern-day life in London. The sassy and sarcastic character often leaves people confused with her dark humour.

However, her flaws are what makes her so captivating, real and beautiful as a woman. Dealing with a great loss, the grief-stricken, angry, thirty-year-old woman tries to get her life together while discovering herself through the course of it.

Miriam 'Midge' Maisel

Actor Rachel Brosnahan plays the role of the protagonist as Miriam 'Midge' Maisel in the dramedy The Marvelous Mrs Maisel. Midge is the perfect wife. She is beautiful, funny, witty, and to top it all, a lovely mother too. Yet her world comes crumbling down when her husband Joel Maisel cheats on her with his secretary.

However, it is beautiful to watch Midge become a person in her own right as she starts a career as a comic with the help of her manager Susie. The two embark on a journey to find purpose and individuality during the late 1950s America while dealing with their personal issues and also having great fun along the way.

Polly Gray

By the order of the Peaky Blinders, Polly Gray is easily among the most influential female fictional characters. The character was helmed by late actor Helen McCrory who died due to breast cancer. Hers is a fierce and pragmatic character who fights to keep her respect and authority in the Shelby Family.

The matriarch is tough, smart, and terrifying, yet she did all she could to keep her family together and often serves as the moral centre of the family.