Saturday, February 1, 2014

Streetwise Heroines

Sookie Stackhouse
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I don't think we could have paranormal urban fantasy without the streetwise heroine but of course that begs the question as to what makes a heroine "streetwise?"

For starters, even if she's not actually from the wrong side of the tracks, I think she has to be able to operate on that turf.

Mercy Thompson
A true streetwise heroine also has to be able to check the box for all three of the big S's: strong, savvy, and sassy.

'Sexy' may make a fourth in here, too, but I don't think it's actually required in the job description...What's the jargon: 'desirable but not essential', he-he.

Maybe just a little bit badass, as well. But with a heart that's in the right place, even if it's in a "tough love" kind of way...

Chess Putnam
Naturally, I have a line up of favorite streetwise heroines from my bookshelf: Sookie Stackhouse and Mercy Thompson are obvious choices, but Stacia Kane's Chess Putnam is also up there.

And if I go beyond paranormal urban stories, there's Tamora Pierce's Beka Cooper, Midori Synder's Jobber, and Kristin Cashore's Katsa.


Have I missed anything in terms of what makes a heroine "streetwise?" And which heroines and what books would you add to a reading list?

8 comments:

Barbara E. said...

I'd add Gin Blanco from Jennifer Estep's Elemental Assassin series, as well as Jane Yellowrock from Faith Hunter's Jane Yellowrock series. :D

Helen Lowe said...

Great choices, Barbara!

Andy N said...

What about Molly from Neuromancer? She is one of the classics. Also the archetype was much less developed when that book was written. It was a real trail blazer

Helen Lowe said...

Yes indeed: Molly from Neuromancer is "definitely" a streetwise heroine, and makes a return (still streetwise and kicking ass) in Mona Lisa Overdrive, I believe...

June said...

I think being able to look after yourself is one, but that is implied in the Strong and Savvy qualities.

I think these qualities need to be shown in the story as the story progresses, rather than just stated.

Helen Lowe said...

Good points, June.

Bonnie said...

Don't forget Charlie Daniels from the Grave series by Darynda Jones and Mac from the Fever series by Karen Marie Moning.

Helen Lowe said...

Thanks for the additional reccs, Bonnie.