Ten Favorite Female Main Characters

Happy Tuesday y’all! At That Artsy Reader Girl, Jana asks us to share our favorite heroines. This week’s TTT made me think. Why? Because I had to stop and think of what female main characters I have truly enjoyed reading. But I did not want to mention the same characters or books repeatedly. Do you know how hard that can be?

What makes a female main character a favorite? She has to stand out from the crowd in my mind and heart. These ladies have all had to fight for something, often on their own. For some, it was a fight for family. For others, it was a fight for the truth. But above all else, it was a fight for survival!

The characters are listed according to the target age of the book. Otherwise, there is no particular favorite.

All titles link to Goodreads.

Now, let’s look at ten of my favorite female main characters!

Amari Peters

She is a strong-willed 11-year-old when we first meet her. She is determined that her brother is alive and not who the authorities say he is. Above all else, Amari wants her family whole again and will do what she can to make it happen.

Deka

This girl is 16 years old, she has always been an outsider in her small community, and all she’s ever wanted to do was fit in. Sounds like most 16-year-olds to me. The only difference is she doesn’t fit in and never will. Deka finds that she has to fight for the truth and survival.

Daunis Fontaine

Daunis walks a thin line between her past, present, and future. Because of her experience and knowledge, she is tasked with helping to save her community.

Bree Matthews

All Bree wants is answers. What happened the night her mother died? What did she see that night? Who is she? Why does everyone want her out of the picture?

Melinda Sordino

Melinda is shunned by her entire school for something she did before the school year began. What could be so terrible? She called the police and had a party busted up. What no one asks is why. Why did Melinda make that call? Finally, she finds her voice and speaks up and out!

Adnnui

Adnnui is a fighter! She is struggling to live in a world that looks down on her because she is a girl. She knows there is more to life than being married to a man much older than her and forced to have his babies. Adnnui wants to be the woman her mother wanted her to be.

Anna

Yes, Anna works for the villains of her city, but she just does boring office work. Does she deserve the devasting injury she received when she was caught in the middle of a fight? Unable to work, shouldn’t the superhero who caused her injuries have to pay her compensation? Anna starts her own fight, but all she wants is justice. What’s so bad about that?

Pheby Brown

Conceived through a forbidden relationship, maybe even rape, Pheby doesn’t quite fit in with the rest of the slaves on the plantation. Her skin color is the only thing that saves her when she finds herself in a jail for slaves. Pheby has to fight to survive the horrors of her life and to protect those she loves.

Charley Davidson

A private investigator with an usual ability, Charley finds herself helping her dad and uncle solve murders. Along the way, she finds herself trying to find the truth behind her ability and who is trying to stop her from existing. No matter what she’s facing though, Charley is full of wit, humor, and sarcasm.

Bea Schumacher

Yes, I added a female lead from a romance. Why not? Bea is such a fun character! A fashion influencer, Bea finds herself on a reality dating show. Exciting, right? Until the show starts to air, people judge her because she is plus-sized. The best part, Bea is comfortable in her own skin and fights against the fat shaming online and on the show.

That is ten of my favorite female main characters. Have you met these ladies? Who are some of your favorite female main characters?

Looking for some more books to read? Check out my other bookish lists, book reviews, and monthly reading wrap-ups.