THE HERO’S WOMAN

Every HERO has a counterpart. These heroines are LEADING LADIES in movies, t.v., and novels. Here are the basic archetypes that these vibrant women fall into.

-The Crusader is the equivalent of the Warrior. She’s a fighter and stands up for what she believes, no matter the cost. Think Sigourney Weaver in Alien.

-The Swashbuckler is just like her male counterpart. She’s out for the adventure. Thelma and Louise both fit the description here.

-The Nurturer is the Caregiver among the heroine archetypes. She’s more maternal in nature than some of the other heroines. Think Tyne Daly’s character in Judging Amy. However, also think Sigourney Weaver/Ripley from Aliens. Not a nurturer, you say? What about the scene when she steps out of the loading bay and sees the Alien threatening the little girl? “Get away from her you…” Sure sounds like a mother to me!

-The Magician of the heroines can seduce with her charms, adapting to situations in order to get what she needs. Remember Jamie Lee Curtis in a Fish Called Wanda? She could play the virgin or the vixen. She was definitely a chameleon.

-The Free Spirit is the equivalent of the Wanderer. She goes wherever the wind takes her, not knowing exactly what she wants or needs. Think of Jenny played by Robin Wright Penn in Forrest Gump. Or Vianne played by Juliette Binoche in Chocolat.

-The Bad Girl is the female version of the Bad Boy. Her tough exterior protects her vulnerabilities. One only has to think of Linda Hamilton in Terminator II, her arms sculpted to perfection, to envision a bad girl.

-The Sage is the ‘thinker’ of the heroines. She’s a processor and is an expert in her field, just like the hero archetype of Sage or Professor. Meg Ryan in Sleepless in Seattle fits the bill.

-The Boss is the equivalent of the Chief. She’s in charge of things, come hell or highwater. Ellen Barkin’s buttoned-up (and eventually buttoned-down thanks to Dennis Quaid) prosecutor in The Big Easy took charge in the courtroom and out!