5 Literary Heroines You Might Not Have Heard Of (But Definitely Should)

Sally Hawkins as Anne Elliot in Persuasion (2007)

Elizabeth Bennet, Hermione Granger, Katniss Everdeen—everyone knows and loves these names. And for good reasons. I myself have read their books way too many times, and identify with these strong and beautiful heroines in many ways. If every character was a precious stone, we often focus on the diamonds and rubies, ignoring the moonstones and agates.

Sometimes these beloved characters steal the spotlight and we don’t notice the characters in the background. Or maybe there’s a whole new book out there to read, but we just can’t stop rereading our favorites.

Here’s a list of five heroines you might not have heard of, but you definitely should.

01 | Rose Campbell from Eight Cousins

Most know that Louisa May Alcott wrote Little Women, but did you know she wrote a delightful two-book series about a heroine named Rose? Eight Cousins and Rose in Bloom are about a young girl who is raised by her uncle and befriends her seven boy cousins. The stories are beautiful, truthful, romantic, and nostalgic.

Rose grows up to be one of the most compassionate heroines out there. Her stories are appropriate for the youngest of readers but deep enough for the most mature readers. Alcott had a beautiful way of writing about childhood and family that can’t help but make you both smile and cry.

02 | Anne Elliot from Persuasion

While Lizzie Bennet and Emma Woodhouse are flashing around their wit, humor, and “dizzying intellect,” Anne is discreetly living her life in her own story. She’s quiet yet strong, so most people don’t see that she’s suffering from regret, unrequited love, and loneliness.

Anne’s story is about growing in the quiet confidence we all respect. It shows us that even though our bloom may have vanished early, waiting and standing up for true love is always worth it. If you like Jane Austen’s style of writing and the time period of her other novels, but not all the cleverness, pride, and prejudice of her other heroines, Persuasion is for you.

03 | Madge Undersee from The Hunger Games

Katniss Everdeen has one true friend who was a minor character in the books and didn’t even make it into the movies—which is truly a shame. Madge’s critical part in influencing Katniss is seriously undercut and underrated.

She is the one who gives Katniss the Mockingjay pin, asking her to wear it as a reminder of home. Even though Madge’s father is a mayor, it’s clear she’s doing little things to undermine the Capitol’s regime and give what strength and friendship she can to Katniss.

Multiple times in The Hunger Games and Catching Fire, Madge quietly provides Katniss with medicine, motivation, and even music. She’s a great example of someone in the background who makes all the difference in the heroine’s journey.

04 | Lucy Claremont from Set the Stars Alight

Intelligent, imaginative, and isolated. As Lucy reconnects with old friends, learns to open her heart again, and rekindles her passion for history, she has a lot to learn. Lucy is more eager to learn about the past than face her past.

In this contemporary novel, we get an emotional, honest, and stirring look at the complicated nature of human relationships. Amanda Dykes’s Set the Stars Alight is a story that is sure to stick with you, as you learn and fall in love alongside Lucy. And at the end of it all, there is light.

05 | Leeli Wingfeather from The Wingfeather Saga

While Andrew Peterson’s Wingfeather Saga is written for younger readers, Leeli’s spunk, resilience, and sweetness is sure to appeal to everyone who loves a fun heroine. Even the best of us still have something to learn from a children’s book character.

Growing up with two older brothers and lots of adventure makes her stronger than she first seems, so don’t dismiss her. On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness is her first book, and if she charms you as she did me, you have three more books to travel through with her.

In short…

While there are many main characters who deserve all the attention they get, don’t forget to go off the beaten path and find some new heroines that can inspire and encourage us just as much. Sometimes the untouched gems shine the brightest.