by 
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this site. Your purchases help fund my content and come at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!
Classic literature is filled with unforgettable characters, but some of the most compelling and beloved are its female protagonists.
These women defy societal expectations, embody strength, and resonate with readers across generations.
Whether it’s their intelligence, resilience, or unwavering sense of self, they stand out as timeless figures.
And honestly, who doesn’t love a strong female lead that keeps us rooting for her?
In this post, I’ve listed my personal favorite female characters in classic books and I’ll tell you the exact reason I love them all.
1. Elizabeth Bennet – Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
How could I not love Elizabeth Bennet? Her sharp tongue and quick wit make her stand out in a time when women were expected to keep their thoughts to themselves.
Elizabeth feels incredibly modern because she refuses to settle for less—something we all aspire to in our lives.
I mean, how many of us have read that iconic Darcy proposal scene and cheered when she turned him down the first time?
She’s unapologetically herself, and I think we all wish we could be as confident in standing up for what we want.
You can read some really amazing Pride and Prejudice retellings here.
2. Jane Eyre – Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë
Jane Eyre is defined by her resilience, moral strength, and unshakable sense of self.
Even when her world is crumbling around her, Jane remains steadfast, refusing to sacrifice her values for love or comfort.
Her independence in a restrictive society makes her one of the most memorable characters in literature.
There’s something so refreshing about Jane Eyre’s quiet strength. She’s not flashy, not dramatic, and yet she completely owns her life and choices.
I think what resonates with so many readers is how much Jane knows her worth.
When she walks away from Rochester after discovering his secret, it’s a powerful reminder that sometimes self-respect trumps romantic love.
Jane reminds us that being true to ourselves is the most important thing, and that’s a lesson we all need from time to time.
3. Hester Prynne – The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne
Set in 17th-century Puritan Massachusetts, The Scarlet Letter tells the story of Hester Prynne, who is publicly shamed and forced to wear a scarlet “A” for committing adultery.
Hester’s strength lies in her quiet defiance. Even as she’s ostracized and judged by her entire community, she holds her head high and raises her daughter with love and care.
She is the original rebel, who quietly pushes back against societal expectations. She doesn’t fight her punishment, but she doesn’t let it break her, either.
Honestly, her ability to endure public humiliation while maintaining her self-respect is inspiring.
While most of us (myself included) would probably crumble under that kind of pressure, Hester’s strength and silent defiance make her unforgettable.
4. Jo March – Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
Jo is a trailblazer. She rejects traditional gender roles and pursues her passion for writing, despite the world telling her that women should marry and raise families.
Her determination to follow her dreams, even if it means breaking away from the norm, makes her an incredibly relatable character for anyone who’s ever felt a bit out of place.
I think everyone who’s ever had a big dream can relate to Jo March. She’s fiery, independent, and unapologetically herself, even when it’s not what’s expected of her.
Jo is one of those characters that you just can’t help but root for. And her struggles with wanting to be successful on her own terms? That’s something so many of us can relate to today.
Plus, I love that she isn’t defined by romance—she’s defined by her ambition and creativity, and that’s something we can all appreciate.
5. Antigone – Antigone by Sophocles
Antigone is a Greek tragedy that centers on its title character, who defies the king’s orders by burying her brother, Polynices, despite him being labeled a traitor.
Her act of defiance leads to tragic consequences for herself and her family.
Antigone’s unwavering commitment to her beliefs is both awe-inspiring and heartbreaking.
She knows the risks and still chooses to follow her conscience, which is a kind of bravery that’s rare.
Let’s be honest, how many of us could stand up to authority like that? I think we all want to be as fearless as Antigone, even though we know her story ends in tragedy.
6. Anna Karenina – Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy
Anna Karenina is a character who, for me, represents the struggle between personal happiness and societal expectations.
Her story is tragic, but it’s also deeply human.
We see her grappling with emotions that many of us can relate to—the desire to break free, to be happy, and the weight of societal judgment.
While her story doesn’t end happily, Anna’s depth and complexity keep us thinking about her long after we close the book.
7. Scarlett O’Hara – Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell
Scarlett O’Hara is the epitome of “love her or hate her”—and honestly, I think that’s what makes her so interesting.
She’s not always likable, but she’s fiercely determined and doesn’t let anything or anyone stand in her way.
There’s something so relatable about her will to survive, even if her methods are sometimes questionable.
Let’s be real, who hasn’t wanted to channel their inner Scarlett and say, “I’ll think about it tomorrow”?
8. Emma Woodhouse – Emma by Jane Austen
I’ll admit, Emma isn’t perfect (she’s probably the most flawed of Austen’s heroines), but that’s part of her charm!
She’s well-meaning but misguided, and her journey toward self-awareness is what makes her so lovable.
We’ve all been guilty of thinking we know what’s best for everyone else (come on, we’ve all tried to play matchmaker at some point), and Emma shows us that it’s okay to make mistakes as long as we learn from them.
Plus, her wit and charm make her a delight to read.
You May Also Like: 25 Lesser-Known Classic Books You’ve Been Sleeping On
9. Nora Helmer – A Doll’s House by Henrik Ibsen
Nora’s decision to walk out on her family in A Doll’s House is one of those moments that still sends shockwaves through readers and audiences today.
It’s a decision that feels so radical, especially for the time in which the play was written.
I love Nora for her bravery—she chooses herself in a world that constantly tells women they shouldn’t.
It’s not a simple choice, and it’s not one without consequences, but her determination to find out who she is beyond being a wife and mother is powerful.
She’s a reminder that sometimes you have to step out of the roles others put you in to discover your true self.
10. Esther Greenwood – The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath
The Bell Jar is a semi-autobiographical novel about Esther Greenwood, a young woman struggling with mental illness and societal expectations in the 1950s.
Esther Greenwood is one of those characters that you just can’t forget because she feels so real.
She’s not polished or idealized—she’s messy, complex, and incredibly human. Her struggles with depression and her sense of not fitting in hit close to home for so many people.
What I love about Esther is her honesty.
She doesn’t sugarcoat how she feels, and that rawness makes her such a relatable figure for anyone who’s ever felt like they’re drowning under the weight of their own expectations and those of the world around them.
11. Clarisse McClellan – Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
In a dystopian future where books are banned and critical thinking is discouraged, Clarisse McClellan is a young woman who sparks a change in Montag, a fireman tasked with burning books.
Though she isn’t the main character, Clarisse plays a pivotal role in the story as the catalyst for Montag’s transformation. Her openness and non-conformity are refreshing in a world that values obedience and conformity.
Clarisse is a breath of fresh air in the dark, controlled world of Fahrenheit 451.
Her curiosity and questioning nature remind us that it’s okay to go against the grain, to think differently, and to embrace wonder.
Even though her role in the novel is brief, her impact is profound. We love Clarisse because she reminds us to keep our sense of wonder alive, even in a world that sometimes tries to squash it.
12. Dorothea Brooke – Middlemarch by George Eliot
Middlemarch tells the story of Dorothea Brooke, an idealistic young woman who marries an older scholar in hopes of making a meaningful impact on the world.
However, her marriage and life plans don’t unfold as she hoped, and she must navigate personal disappointment and societal constraints.
Dorothea’s idealism is something I think many of us can relate to, especially when we’re younger.
She wants to make a difference, she believes in goodness, and she’s determined to find a higher purpose.
But life throws her curveballs, and watching her navigate those disappointments while holding onto her sense of self is what makes her so relatable.
Also See: 15 Female Authors Who Shaped Classic Literature (and Their Best Books)
13. Tess Durbeyfield – Tess of the d’Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy
Tess is a deeply sympathetic character whose innocence and goodness are continually tested by the injustices of the world around her.
Hardy paints her as a victim of circumstance, yet Tess always seems to retain a sense of dignity, even when the world around her is relentlessly cruel.
We can’t help but root for her, and it’s impossible not to feel her pain and frustration.
Tess reminds us of the complexities of fate and how unjust society can be, particularly to women. Her strength, despite her tragic circumstances, is what makes her unforgettable.
14. Nellie Oleson – Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder
Little House on the Prairie follows the lives of the Ingalls family as they navigate the challenges of frontier life. Nellie Oleson, while not the protagonist, plays the role of an antagonist to Laura Ingalls, often clashing with her over various matters.
Nellie is the spoiled, wealthy girl who serves as a foil to Laura’s more grounded, hard-working character. Her presence in the series adds tension, but also moments of growth, as both characters mature and change over time.
Let’s be honest—Nellie is the character we all love to hate. She’s bratty, manipulative, and a perfect foil to Laura’s straightforward honesty.
But even though she’s not a classic “heroine,” her presence adds a lot of flavor to the story.
Nellie’s antics are memorable and, in a strange way, endearing.
Her character development over the course of the series shows that even the most unlikeable characters can grow and evolve.
Sometimes, it’s the villains that stick with us the longest, and Nellie is definitely one of those.
15. Lucy Honeychurch – A Room with a View by E.M. Forster
In A Room with a View, Lucy Honeychurch is a young woman from Edwardian England who finds herself torn between two suitors: the traditional Cecil Vyse and the passionate George Emerson.
Lucy’s character represents the conflict between societal pressure and personal desire. She is torn between what is expected of her and what she truly wants, a struggle that is all too relatable.
Lucy’s journey is one of self-empowerment, and I love her for her vulnerability and eventual strength.
She’s the kind of character that grows on you as you read—at first, she seems uncertain, but as she learns to trust her instincts and follow her heart, you can’t help but root for her.
Her story feels like a reminder that it’s okay to take time to figure out what you truly want in life, and that happiness often comes when we’re true to ourselves rather than societal expectations.
16. Margaret Hale – North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell
North and South tells the story of Margaret Hale, a young woman who moves from the rural South of England to the industrial North.
She is a strong, compassionate character who grows significantly throughout the story. She challenges the rigid class structures around her and learns to appreciate the humanity of those from different social backgrounds.
Margaret Hale is a wonderfully complex character who strikes the perfect balance between strength and empathy.
She stands up for what she believes in, even when it’s uncomfortable, and she’s willing to learn and grow.
Margaret’s ability to bridge the gap between different worlds (both socially and personally) is what makes her such a compelling character.
I love her because she embodies the power of compassion and open-mindedness, qualities that are just as important today as they were in her time.
What makes these female protagonists so enduring isn’t just their stories, but the ways in which they challenge the world around them.
They push against societal norms, they fight for their happiness, and they demand to be seen for who they truly are.
And honestly, who doesn’t love that? These women inspire us to embrace our own complexities, make our own choices, and most importantly, to keep turning the pages.
Read Next: 25 Time-Tested American Classics For Every Bookshelf
