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How did harry potter get on this list?

Lisa wrote: "How did harry potter get on this list?"
What do you mean? Did you say that because the main character isn't a girl, or because you think Harry Potter has no strong females?

When I look at a list like this I am hoping for strong lead female characters, not supporting characters. Harry Potter has Hermione but she is a supporting character.

The list is nice but how did Breaking Dawn end up on this? I don't want to offend anyone but Bella Swan isn't really a strong female character.
She constantly needs a strong man on her side who helps her to define herself. And don't tell me that's what usually happens when you're in love. Because female characters can be hopelessly in love but still be strong and independent.

I wish we could down vote things on this list. In no way does Outlander belong on it.

Kara wrote: "I wish we could down vote things on this list. In no way does Outlander belong on it."

How is Claire not a strong female??

I've thought about it, and Kat, you're right--she's quite stubborn. So in that sense, she should be on this list. My initial reaction was because I didn't much care for her as a role model, but that doesn't mean she's not a strong character.

Graceling should be on top of the list! THG?!

Lisa wrote: "When I look at a list like this I am hoping for strong lead female characters, not supporting characters. Harry Potter has Hermione but she is a supporting character."

Exactly. Lead does NOT mean supporting characters. Too many books and movies have no lead female characters. Look up the stats, it's striking. I wouldn't credit J.K. Rowling for placing a lead female character in her books. Harry holds that distinction.

Sophie wrote: "The list is nice but how did Breaking Dawn end up on this? I don't want to offend anyone but Bella Swan isn't really a strong female character.
She constantly needs a strong man on her side who he..."

The idea of a strong female character is about having your own story separate from 'your man'. Look up the 'bechdel test'.

? I mean, sure she can hit someone. But she is pretty passive and uncertain, so I wouldn't include her on the list.

Michelle wrote: "Sophie wrote: "The list is nice but how did Breaking Dawn end up on this? I don't want to offend anyone but Bella Swan isn't really a strong female character.
She constantly needs a strong man on ..."

Thank you, but I'm already know about the bechdel test (which was designed for movies by the way).
And just because something passes this test and its horribly low standards, it doesn't mean that the same thing can't be problematic from a feminist point of view.

There were several strong female role models in Harry Potter. Hermione, Prof. McGonagall, Molly Weasley.

M/Ðɑηηɑ wrote: "? I mean, sure she can hit someone. But she is pretty passive and uncertain, so I wouldn't include her on the list."

I agree as I think there is something wrong with her mentally. She is very physically strong and was a fascinating character but too much a risk taker to be really strong IMO.