Leading Ladies: Part 1

Toyah Wilcox's Thoughtful Miranda: The Tempest 1979

Although Shakespeare is widely regarded as the finest writer in the English Language, one criticism that seems inescapable relates to his female characters. They come across as weak. I'm not sure this is entirely justified, since a character like Juliet, or Lady Macbeth for example, show considerable determination. I agree with the criticism to a point, although would remind modern critics that Shakespeare was writing his masterpieces at a time when most women would have enjoyed few rights, or status. Looking at his work through this forgiving lens, his treatment of female characters seems almost progressive!

Miranda, I'll admit, remains my favourite Shakespearean lady. She's childlike, determined and forgiving. Toyah Wilcox's wonderful portrayal of her in The Tempest (Derek Jarman's film version) is unmissable viewing. I'm certain The Bard would have approved.

Sean Young's Gentle "Rachael" - Blade Runner 1982

We can thank Philip K Dick  for giving us Rachael Rosen, one of the most rounded and complex females in "Sci Fi" history. Blade Runner was a film adaptation of Philip's remarkable book: "Do Androids Dream Of Electric Sheep". Fortunately, the film-makers decided to keep Rachael as a central character, ensuring the film quickly became a cult classic.

What sets Rachael apart is her gritty determination to escape the confines of "The Corporation", garner the respect of Deckhard, a hardened "blade runner" (and terminator of her kind), and her self-awareness. As she points out to Deckhard at one point: "I'm not in the business. I am the business." This kind of female character is rare in the "throwaway" world of Science Fiction. I wish writers would spend more time crafting females of her heroic quality. We'd all benefit...

Bellatrix LaStrange - Courtesy Of Warner Brothers Pictures: Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows Part 2 (2011)

All serious fantasy writers need a super villainess. Two remarkable events coincided to bring audiences just such a character in the form of Bellatrix LaStrange. The first of these was to cast Helena Bonham-Carter in the role. (She's without doubt the finest actress England has produced since Vivian Leigh). Secondly, J. K. Rowling decided to re-invent evil witches, updating this archetype for modern readerships, leading to spectacular entertainment audiences all over the world have enjoyed.

Not since C.S. Lewis gave us the Ice Queen, has such a deliciously entertaining female been penned in English Literature. And writers can get this so wrong... It's okay to have completely evil women in fantasy novels... Because good fantasy can reflect reality. We don't have to like Bellatrix or her murderous ways, but because she's a fantasy we can at least enjoy her as a guilty pleasure.