Why Female Protagonists Need More Than Strength to Succeed

While strength is often an essential trait in female protagonists, it is not enough to make them truly compelling or memorable. Great female characters need emotional depth, moral complexity, and the ability to grow over time. Strength alone doesn’t make a character relatable; it’s their vulnerabilities, flaws, and the relationships they build that create lasting connections with the audience.

Consider Ellen Ripley from Alien. Ripley is a strong, resourceful woman, but it’s her vulnerability and humanity that make her character resonate. She experiences fear, doubt, and loss, and it is her emotional journey, not just her physical strength, that defines her heroism. She grows from a survivor to a leader, showing that strength comes in many forms—emotional resilience, compassion, and the ability to persevere in the face of overwhelming odds.

Similarly, Vi from Arcane might be physically powerful, but her journey is defined by the emotional struggles she faces—her relationship with her sister, the weight of responsibility, and the moral compromises she makes. These struggles make her strength meaningful, as they reveal her character’s complexity and humanity.

Female protagonists need more than just physical strength to succeed—they need depth, growth, and a compelling emotional journey that allows them to resonate with audiences beyond their power. True heroism comes from a combination of inner and outer strength, emotional vulnerability, and personal growth.