Everything Else Elevens: 11 Underrated Female Literary Characters

I know Jo March, Lucy Pevansie, and Anne of Green Gables and had an impact on who I was and who I am. But this post isn't about the Jos, the Lucys, or the Annes.   I've noticed in some circles, often literary ones, there are certain female characters who have a status they don't deserve.  Some are forgotten, some are underrated, some are frequently disliked or dismissed, and others should be more well known.  With that being said, I give you my list of the Top* 11 Underrated Female Literary Characters!
*=Not necessarily the "top", but the top 11 that came to mind. :)

(Be warned, some spoilers ahead!)

Qualifications: 

A) It had to be from a book I've read (I am not counting movie portrayals)

B) I have to had both enjoyed the book and felt something for the character/learned something from the character

C) The character is either underrated, generally disliked, unknown, or in the shadow of another main character

D) The character cannot be an already celebrated/beloved character (such as Lizzie Bennet, Jo March, Lucy Pevansie, Katniss, etc.)

E) They could be a main character, but are from a book series that deserves more attention.

F) The focus is more on the character than the content, criticism, and reputation of the book.


Amy March

Little Women
by Louisa May Alcott

Amy March tends to get a bad rap in literary circles.  Sure, she has her ditsy moments and makes some questionable choices (the beloved Jo does as well...)  So why all the hate for the youngest March sister?  Amy starts the story on the spoiled, vain, and selfish side...but she is twelve for goodness sakes!  Yes, some of the Amy hate may stem from the fact that...(spoiler)... she marries Jo's suitor and best friend, Laurie.  However, she does grow up and demonstrates a deep love for her family as the story progresses. While I always related to Jo more than Amy, I appreciated Amy's interest in the arts and her creativity and talent.  Cultured and sophisticated Amy wasn't afraid to give Laurie (her suitor at the time) a stern lecture when he needed it and speaks her mind throughout the novel. Jo will be my forever favorite (possibly all-time favorite), but I always found Amy to be the most entertaining of the March sisters, and the most underrated.

Mother Abigail

The Stand

by Stephen King

There are some fascinating female characters in the StephenKingverse (and apocalypse genre in general), but this lady is one of the strongest heroines to date.  Surviving the apocalypse as a 106 (108?) year old independent woman all alone cant be an easy task.  Mother Abigail rises as a leader and is the glue that holds the mission of the story together.  Despite experiencing a variety of hardships and heartaches, she remains kind, determined, and strong in her faith.  Sure, Frannie and Nadine deserve their places in fictional character acclaim, but let us not forget this wise elder who fights, survives, and leads her people to take a stand.

Angela Wexler

The Westing Game
by Ellen Raskin 

Without giving away any spoilers in possibly the best mystery in children's literature,  Angela Wexler (and The Westing Game) should be as famous as Agatha Christie!  Ms. Wexler is a character who is pressured into a marriage she resents, seen as "just a pretty face", and dismissed as a nobody.  While her spunky younger sister, Turtle, deserves her praise, Angela has her own place in literary history.  Described as having one of the "best character development arcs in a mystery" by an English teacher, Turtle's kindhearted and demure sister makes some big changes and brings some big surprises, shaking up the quirky cast of other timeless characters playing The Westing Game.

Polgara

The Belgariad

by David Eddings

Polgara is a formidable sorceress from the beloved Belgariad series.  She is on the list for a) not being as well known as Gandalf and Dumbledore when she (and her father) deserve to be on the same tier...and b) gets a reputation of being too "bitchy"in some circles.  Her sometimes cold and condescending personality makes sense once you learn more about her backstory and experiences.  Some readers attribute this problem to the fact that too many other female characters in the story are portrayed this way (which is true! But they are still great books with great characters.)  For Polgara, I always found her to be a witty, intelligent, wise, and sometimes nurturing character with a mysterious past.  My favorite scenes were always the Polgara scenes. You go, Aunt Pol!

Melanie Wilkes

From Gone With the Wind 
by Margaret Mitchell*

Saccharine sweet and kindhearted Melanie Wilkes lacks the fire, wit, and determination we see in the infamous Scarlett O'Hara.  I'll admit I enjoy the Scarlett scenes and find Ms. O'Hara more fascinating than Miss Melanie as most do, but which one would you really want to be your friend? While Scarlett, despite her (many) flaws certainly deserves her recognition as a beloved heroine. Melanie, on the other hand, is often dismissed as boring or forgettable or even a doormat-despite the fact she openly defends other characters in an almost defiant way(such as prostitute Belle, the infamous rogue (Rhett), and Scarlett herself.) However, she is not perfect, and harbors a lot of ignorance associated with the setting and time of the novel. (There is a lot to be discussed about the book in terms of history, racism, and some pretty warped perspectives)*. Throughout the chaotic changes and dramatic events of this tumultuous time in American history, Melanie remains genuinely kind, calm, loving, and probably the most forgiving character in literature 'till the very end.

Rosalie Cullen

Twilight

by Stephanie Meyer

*Disclaimer* Yes, I know.  Yes, Twilight. Yes, I am well aware of the flaws, trust me.  There was a time before the movies came out, the first book was neat hipster "secret" that one of my former students described as a "gothic mind trip".  Twilight is no "Gone With the Wind" or "Little Women", but I enjoyed this guilty pleasure back in the day.  However, my favorite part of the story wasn't Bella, Edward, or Jacob.  I liked the vampire family and found their backstories and characters more interesting than the love story.  One of the best characters, in my opinion, is one of the least appreciated.  Even among the Cullen Clan, it is usually perky Alice or stoic Carlisle who gets the attention. Rosalie, on the other hand, is "edgy" for Twilight and takes the book to another level.  Sure, she was kind of snooty to Bella, but there is some real character development behind her personality.  It is not Bella's, but Rosalie's backstory and character makes Twilight feel more like a real "vampire novel".

Samara Marshall

Living Violet

by Jaime Reed

Speaking of Twilight, this character (or her story) couldn't be more opposite than Bella Swan. As the main protagonist in Jaime Reed's Living Violet (Cambion Chronicles), Samara is a character you feel you "know".  Sure, the book has your boyfriend "from beyond", but this spunky, snarky, Shakespeare-quoting character was a lot of fun and gives the reader a refreshing take on the genre.  Samara's voice and actions come across in a natural and believable way that works well in the story.  I don't want to give away any spoilers, but Samara is a unique lead heroine in a unique paranormal romance that deserves more attention.  Some of her inner thoughts had me laughing.  Great voice, great character.

Fleur Delacour

 Harry Potter Series

by J.K. Rowling

I remember the Harry Potter discussions.  Who is your favorite supporting character? This was usually met by the typical Hagrid, Cho, Ginny, Mrs. Weasley, -even Draco replies.  Who is your least favorite character?  So many times Fleur Delacour came up in conversation.  Why? She's "flaky" or "spoiled" or "high maintenance".  That is partly true, but if that's the case, why does everyone love a spoiled, mean, and high maintenance character named Draco Malfoy?!  I do think some of the Fleur hate stemmed from the fact that two beloved characters-Mrs.Weasley and Ginny Weasley- did not share Ron's enthusiasm for the Beauxbatons witch. To me, despite some of her flaws, Fleur makes some surprisingly heroic, strong, and non-judgemental decisions.  She shows a deep love of her sister, gratitude when she is protected, and shows how much she truly loves her soulmate in the face of crisis.   She may come across as another pretty face, but there is more to Fleur than meets the eye. (Though she probably shouldn't have dissed Mrs. Weasley's music choices.)

Nya

A Long Walk to Water

Linda Sue Park

I first encountered Nya when my mother encouraged me to read "A Long Walk to Water" by.   I'm glad I heeded Mom's advice, because I couldn't put it down!  While Nya's part of the story takes up a little less than half of the book (the other is devoted to another character) any girl that has to walk barefoot for miles to retrieve water for her family...then walk BACK with it on her head...deserves some recognition! The other main character, Salva, gets more literary attention. However, there is a good reason, as Salva is a real person and Nya is fictional.  It's also important to consider that Nya, while a fictional character, represents the reality of many girls in some parts of Africa.  Check out this fast-paced read to learn more about this brave girl. (Side point, but this book does  A LOT of good for real people. In so many ways. Check it out!)

Susan Pevansie

Chronicles of Narnia

by C.S. Lewis

While I love C.S. Lewis and the Narnia Chronicles, I spent many years feeling rather unhappy with the way Susan's character was handled in the end.  To avoid major spoilage, I won't go into the details.  However, I've found there is much more to Susan's "end" than meets the eye, and lots of open doors for the character after researching the subject years later.  Ending aside, Susan is a character in Narnia that is often forgotten.  No wonder she feels the way she does when she is older!  Everyone has a lot to say about brave and righteous Peter, courageous and imaginative Lucy, and even the sneaky yet goodhearted Edmund. Then there is Susan. The girl that isn't Lucy.  Susan is a practical, motherly, and stubborn character who always wants the best for her family, and rises up to face many challenges in the story. As a skilled archer, she is proactive and daring, playing a big role in the history of Narnia. She is definitely a character who deserves more cred, and who knows, maybe a better "ending" awaits Susan after all...

Mrs. Frisby

Mrs.Frisby and the Rats of Nimh

by Robert C. O'Brien
Mrs. Frisby isn't your typical middle grade  heroine for a few reasons...she's a single mother, she's a widow, and did I mention she's a mouse?  This daring rodent makes the list for starting the book as a skittish and nervous field mouse and evolving into a hero who is more courageous than the bravest rats.  To date, Mrs. Frisby is the only main protagonist of a middle grade novel (I can think of) who is actually an "adult" and a mother.  Motivated by a desire to protect her children and save her sick son, Mrs. Frisby is one of the literary greats.  To find out why, give this timeless novel a read! (Some parts are quite different than the animated film!)