Today I would like to try something new. I know I've done the *insert number* reasons why or the *insert numbers* I am anticipating for the month (furthermore, they are not very consistent), but this time I shall make a list of my top ten favorites and in this case, I shall be talking about my top ten book female characters. Books will always be a part of my life. You may or may not agree with my list, since most of them will be characters that definitely influenced me growing up or they're just simply my favorites (after all, I doubt we would have the exactly same list of tastes and preferences). So without further adieu, I'd like to talk about my top 10 book characters!
10.) Matilda Wormwood ("Matilda" by Roald Dahl)
A majority might be familiar with this character, since it has also been turned into a movie of the same title. Also she's played by the actress who completely dissed the 50 Shades of Grey trilogy. Pushing that aside, Matilda was basically the first bookworm character I came across with, and I love how devious she was! And trust me, for those who have only seen the film, she is ten times more crafty in the book. Basically, she managed to gather up her intelligence and eventually her telepathic ability just by simply reading all kinds of books and never getting close to the typical gadgets. She was able to use such abilities by messing around with the people who have been belittling her in this book. She may have these great abilities, but she's perceived as some abnormal freak who doesn't do what every other kid does. And for a young child, she knows better than to listen to them. If you're reading this and you have a daughter, I recommend that this should be the first pocket book for her because Matilda is an empowering character. Although she had her vengeful times, but in reality she's a swell person with a gentle personality. And what's good about her is her willingness to learn. Now how can that not be a good character?
9.) Karou ("Daughter of Smoke and Bone" by Laini Taylor)
I'm not sure if you can consider Karou a girl or a human for that matter, because I'm still confused and I haven't read the last book yet. But Karou is this self-sufficient, introverted artist who does not easily put up with yo sh---. I know a lot of people say this but, for me, she's not your typical YA female lead who ends up looking needy in front of this hot male lead (and in this case, her hot male lead is a freakin' muscular archangel). Like most of the time, she was way too focused on herself, her adopted family of strange creatures, and other problems. I admire how independent she was in the bulk of the series so far, and I like how she manages her romantic feelings as well. Explaining the whole thing might end up with spoilers, but all I can say is that it was different. It felt different, because she doesn't really ask the guy for help even if the dude is willing to help her in any way.
8.) Alaska Young ("Looking for Alaska" by John Green)
Honestly, Looking for Alaska is my favorite book of John Green's. The twist was something I never expected and for the rest of the story I kept thinking "What now?" Alaska, for me, is a very relatable character. She's the epitome of what almost every teenage girl is like. Headstrong, wild, fun, opinionated, rebellious, loving, sensitive, considerate, thoughtful, problematic, tormented, and pretty messed-up. She's the girl you want to date, but at the same time, you may not want to date. She's the kind of best friend who will push you out of your comfort zone and make you this drunk crazy person for one night. And she's the student that not every teacher might not want to have in their class. She's the kind of girl that only a dumb mean girl can have the stupid guts to mess with (just for the sake to feel superior, of course. But in the end, I do not think you would want to be the enemy of Alaska Young considering the kinds of friends she has). The thing is, she kept most of her darkest and most secret thoughts to herself. That's what made her very human, to me. In the end, the book shows us that she is not this perfect girl, much less a goddess. She's just a person with problems. And I guess, that's pretty normal.
7.) Maryse Ligthwood ("The Mortal Instruments Series" by Cassandra Clare)
She doesn't get that much appearances in the series, but when she does, there would be times when she create this huge impact to me. She's a woman who makes sure she gets what she wants, when in reality, she's just a mother who wants her kids to be safe. What's even more touching is that not all of her children are hers. But seriously though, she's one of the most badass moms I've ever seen.
6.) Zia ("The Kane Chronicles" by Rick Riordan)
If you've guys have read Rick's Percy Jackson and the Olympians series, then it's easy to say that Zia is like an Egyptian version of Annabeth Chase. But for those who haven't bothered to read it, then all I can tell is that Zia is a badass. She's one of those characters who grew up training to become a better fighter, completely disconnecting herself from the mundane world. And when you introduce her to something normal, the reaction is without a doubt, adorable. But what made me like Zia is how she interacts with Carter, the male lead in the series. She's actually a very pure person who just sees things for what they really are.
5.) Hermione Granger ("Harry Potter Series" by J.K. Rowling)
....Do I have to explain why she's in the top five? She's smart, but not the humble kind of smart. I thought she was very arrogant when it came to her intelligence. I mean, how can you not be egotistical when you are regarded as the brightest witch of your age. But then again, she maybe seen as this snotty girl, but all she cared about was the rules and being an excellent student. Then you see her becoming this activist fighting for the rights of the elves (seriously, movie, how come that was not in the script?). I thought that's what defined Hermione in the entire series. Not her smarts, or the romances she had. And above all, I love her friendship with Harry Potter. Her intentions in almost every action she does is out of genuine love. Including the most painful ones. Again, must I further explain why she deserves to be in my list? Heck, how can you not like this girl?
4.) Tessa Gray ("The Infernal Devices Trilogy" by Cassandra Clare)
I think The Infernal Devices will forever be my first love, when it comes to YA novels. The plot was great, the characters are well-written, and the twists are insane. Plus, I love the setting. Victorian Era of London. How posh is that? Tessa, however, is a foreigner in this series. Although she follows a lot of cliches of being a YA female character, I just thought she was an amazing character. Apart from her love for books, I appreciate how she is not afraid to snap at someone when she needs to. Plus, I can't really blame her for being really torn up in this love triangle, because it was really serious. Like, choosing between the two seemed very difficult, even if it was clear in Tessa's heart who she really wanted to be with. Putting that aside, I've never encountered a very conservative female lead before and Tessa was the very first. I enjoyed reading what she thought about certain situations, because some were pretty funny and relatable, in spite of the fact that this took place ages ago. And she may not be this empowering girl for most people, but she didn't really annoy me the slightest. Maybe it's because I had this connection with her. However, one thing we don't share is her string of suitors in this series. Tessa's choices were really hard.
3.) Reyna *Can't say the surname because she hates it* ("The Heroes of Olympus" by Rick Riordan)
Two words. She's. Badass. Her leadership skills are amazing throughout the series, and she's one heck of a decision-maker. Most of the time, she knew what to do and she does it with no question. And she's probably one of the first few female characters who would boldly say, "I do not need a man to complete me." I mean, it's one thing to imply you don't need one, but another to really say it out loud. But I appreciate that Rick delved into her character more, revealing her soft side and her darkest secrets. I wish I knew more, but the stories she revealed in the last book kind of made sense why she developed into such a hardcore person. But again, good job on showing her soft side. It was like a cherry on top for her entire personality. In other words, Reyna was a good balance of soft and hard.
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2.) Annabeth Chase ("Percy Jackson and the Olympians"/"Heroes of Olympus" by Rick Riordan)
Okay, I prefer Annabeth more than Reyna simply because I know her more than Reyna. They just gave away most of Reyna's character in the last minute. But I've read about Annabeth for the past ten books. So yeah, I think it would make sense if I have more attachment to her. Annabeth started out as this girl who can't trust easily. But meeting Percy Jackson eventually changes all of that. Basically, that's how I regarded her. This girl who had major trust issues, because she came across a lot of people who were ticked off by her for reasons she was not able to comprehend at first. But in the process, she becomes more lenient and more open. But what really made me like her was how her friendship with Percy blossomed into something deeper (can I hear Percabeth fans say "Yeaaah!"). Since the PJO series was written in Percy's point of view, I was only able to see this. And it was great. I saw Annabeth changing into a much better person. Then Heroes of Olympus came, and she became even more amazing. Her endurance is admirable and not to mention her as a girlfriend. Boys, if you are reading this, trust me. Girls like Annabeth are the real deal. You just need to be Percy Jackson in order to date her. Like wow. She makes a great girlfriend. She keeps you in line, and she's very very VERY loving. What more can you ask for? And yes, I think it is safe to say that her character does parallel easily to that of Hermione's. But Annabeth Chase is a rule-breaker. Like if she needs something, she will find a way. I'm not saying Hermione was not a resourceful person but she initially didn't want to break a few rules. But put her beside Annabeth, it would be classic because I can imagine them bantering about almost everything.
1.) Medusa ("Insignia Series" by S.J. Kincaid)
Just like the PJO series, Kincaid's books were written in protagonist's point of view. So I didn't get much Medusa scenes, like I hoped for. Now why would she better than Annabeth? First of all, she was this well-fashioned warrior admired by all. For Tom and probably most guys, it was like watching gamer girl crush slaying a few enemies here and there. That was Medusa in the first impression. Eventually, you wonder what she's really like, and Medusa turns out to be this girl that you didn't exactly picture. Again, I don't want to spoil much, but all I can say is that Medusa is just an alias. Her real name is and could be a major spoiler to the series. Yes. She's like the best present ready to be opened. But I can assure you, this girl is almost like Karou. Only, she's much more self-sufficient, a little more badass. Basically, just put all the girls I mentioned earlier, mix them all up, add a bit of chemical X and boom. You got Medusa. I can't say she's got everything because... well, reasons. Spoilers, duh. Is Medusa an ideal girl? Hmmm...maybe? Yes? If you're the kind of guy who likes playing video games all the time, then yes. I recommend her. You just need to be Tom Raines in order to date her. Also why doesn't she have a picture? Well two reasons. First, the series is not that popular. Second...she's that mysterious. Even her looks are a major spoiler. But I can assure you that she has...killer looks. Bam.
And that is it for my first Scrambler's List! If you have a list of your own, you may share it in the comments below. Expect more in the future and I will see you in the next post~
