Decades ago, most protagonists in entertainment, especially novels were male. A feminist moment happened and we started to see many more females with lead roles in novels and art. It is very important that this happened.

Most people admire others and have role models who are there own gender. Many female protagonists can be looked up to by young women or even men. They can provide new views and aspects that could’ve never happened if the protagonist was a male. It is important to have diversity in gender to show multiple views on a subject or just in the same category. Characters such as Edna can teach young women that they are valued and they should live their lives under themselves and independently.

Reading about others who you can relate to and understand can boost confidence. It is very important for authors to write about characters and leads who can help encourage others. Many female roles can help young adults, “a teenager girl with low self-esteem picking up a book impulsively, and reading about a girl saving the world... adventures are likely to increase the teenage girl’s liking and acceptance of herself.

Studies have shown that people, especially girls, through time are becoming less confident within themselves and their abilities. Times like this are where it is important to have strong characters in the things that they enjoy to help them be happy with themselves and boost their confidence.

Female protagonists can bring a whole different experience and viewpoints to the table. Men and Women experience life very differently. Women have very different daily routines and experiences compared to men. Sally Green, a writer for the Irish times said: “When i was younger I wanted to do the things boys were always depicted as doing- camping. Hunting, running, riding, and fighting the bad guys. It was the girls in Swallows and Amazon’s who convinced me I could do them in real live”. (8) Children often see themselves doing what their favorite characters do, it is hard for some people to see “feminine” activities when all they are watching on television or reading in their books is about these strong men, doing manly things. It’s easier for a woman to convince girls to do something even if it is the same thing that a man did.

Megan Kaplon, in her literary analysis of the Awakening, states that Edna was strong for being her own and wanting to live independently. She contrasts other characters such as Madame Ratignolle and Mademoiselle Reisz, who are “picture perfect” women in her society. Edna does not want to be just like everyone else listening to men and abiding by what they say. In their world, Edna could only “become (a) wife or an (exile)”. She didnt want this to be the way she lived and chose a different path. This can show boys and girls alike to not stick to societal norms and follow your heart and do what you want.