In the cozy corners of bookstores, amidst the scent of freshly printed pages and beloved bestseller classics lists, the evolution of female protagonists unfolds like a captivating story of its own.
Female characters, once bound by convention, have blossomed through time and effort into strong, multifaceted figures, defying all expectations and spanning multiple subgenres. From banned books to short stories published in the New York Times to Harlequin publishing and bodice rippers, the genre has come a very long way indeed.
Together, in this blog post, we'll peel back the layers of these remarkable heroines, tracing their evolution from conventional roles to empowered, diverse characters whose stories not only reflect the changing tides of literature but our world’s as well.
The Princess of Cleves, written by Madame de La Fayette and published anonymously in 1678, is considered by many as the first historical romance novel. It tells the story of the virtuous Princess of Cleves and her emotional turmoil as she navigates love, duty, and fidelity in the French royal court during the 16th century. This novel is widely regarded as one of the earliest examples of the romance genre in literature.
However, romantic storylines can be traced back to Ancient Greece, even though very few examples have withstood the stretch of time.
A short lesson in the history of the romance novel
In the early years of romance novels, particularly during the 18th and 19th centuries, female characters were often portrayed as passive and submissive. Societal standards and the strict gender roles prevalent during those times deeply influenced romance novels.
During this period, societal expectations placed women in subservient roles. Marriage was often seen as the ultimate goal for them, and their worth was frequently measured by their ability to be demure, obedient, and nurturing. As the arts tend to imitate life, these expectations saturated romance novels, leading to the creation of female characters who conformed to these stereotypes.
Thus, female protagonists were usually depicted as damsels in distress, waiting to be rescued by a handsome, strong, heroic “prince.” Their character arcs revolved around finding and keeping said prince, reaching a “happy ending,” often at the cost of their very own independence and personal agency.
These early romance books reinforced the idea that a woman's happiness and fulfillment could only be achieved through submission and devotion to a man. Does it come as a surprise that most published novels of the time were also written by men?
Examples of Early Romance Novels:
Pamela, or Virtue Rewarded, written by Samuel Richardson
Samuel Richardson’s Pamela tells the story of a maidservant who resists the advances of her employer and is eventually “rewarded” with marriage for her virtue and chastity.
Jane Eyre, written by Charlotte Brontë
While Brontë’s Jane Eyre is not solely a romance novel, it features a strong romantic subplot. Jane, the protagonist, is a complex character who challenges traditional gender roles. However, her romance with Mr. Rochester exemplifies the power dynamics prevalent in early romantic fiction.
These examples showcase the prevalent theme of passive femininity. Over time, romance and its subgenres—similarly to our society’s acceptance of women’s voices—has evolved, giving rise to diverse, empowered female characters who challenge stereotypes and provide us with more nuanced narratives.
The transition period for romance novels, where female characters started becoming stronger and more independent, occurred primarily during the late 20th and early 21st centuries.
This shift was influenced by changing societal attitudes, feminist movements, and the readership’s demand for more diverse and empowering heroines.
Several influential works and authors played a pivotal role in challenging traditional gender roles, paving the way for more complex and self-reliant female protagonists.
Examples:
Pride and Prejudice, written by Jane Austen in 1813
While Austen's novel—having been written in the nineteenth century— predates the transition period, Elizabeth Bennet is often named as one of the early strong female characters in literature. Her intelligence, undeniable wit, and refusal to conform to societal expectations during the British Regency period challenged traditional gender roles.
Later on, Georgette Heyer’s work was heavily influenced by Austen’s novels.
The Awakening, by Kate Chopin, published in 1899
This novel is considered a landmark in feminist American literature. The protagonist, Edna Pontellier, explores her own identity and desires, breaking free from the constraints of marriage and motherhood imposed on her by society.
Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston
This novel tells the story of Janie Crawford, an African-American woman in the early 20th century who seeks independence and self-discovery. Janie's journey challenges societal norms and racial barriers.
The Flame and the Flower by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss
Often credited with pioneering the modern historical romance genre, Woodiwiss introduced strong-willed heroines who were not afraid to challenge the status quo. Heather Simmons, the protagonist of The Flame and the Flower, is a prime example of a more assertive female character.
Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
Claire Randall, the central character of the Outlander series, is a strong-willed, intelligent, and independent English woman. Set in different historical periods, the series explores Claire's resilience and resourcefulness in challenging situations and her developing romance with the charming Scotsman Jamie Fraser.
Outlander is perhaps the most well-beloved bodice ripper story among romance readers. With meticulous attention to historical accuracy, vivid descriptions, and beautifully narrated sex scenes, it encapsulates the genre masterfully.
In case you are searching for more passionate love stories like Claire’s and Jamie’s, we got you covered. Check out our picks for steamy historical romance novels.
These works, among many others, marked a turning point in the romance genre.
Authors began crafting narratives featuring female protagonists who were not merely decorative damsels in distress but active agents of their own destinies.
In the contemporary landscape of romance novels, the genre has experienced a monumental transformation. Female protagonists have evolved into multi-dimensional, assertive characters with dreams, aspirations, and complexities that extend far beyond romantic relationships.
The Hating Game by Sally Thorne
The protagonist, Lucy Hutton, is a driven professional who finds herself in a competitive workplace relationship with her colleague, Joshua Templeman. Lucy is witty, ambitious, and unafraid to stand her ground, making her a refreshing and dynamic character in the romance genre.
The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang
Stella Lane, a successful econometrician with Asperger's syndrome, takes center stage in this novel. Her journey involves navigating the complexities of romance while embracing her unique strengths and challenges. Stella's character is a testament to the diversity and depth of contemporary romance heroines.
The Jasmine Throne by Tasha Suri
Priya, one of the novel's protagonists, is a courageous and intelligent woman who becomes embroiled in political intrigue and rebellion. Her agency, determination, and strategic acuity are central to the story, highlighting the emergence of strong female characters in the fantasy romance genre.
Forbidden by Beverly Jenkins
Forbidden by Beverly Jenkins is set in the American West during the Reconstruction era. The novel features Eddy Carmichael, an independent African-American heroine defying racial prejudice. This book exemplifies Jenkins' commitment to portraying strong women from marginalized communities and is a compelling example of her work. Jenkins' novels consistently celebrate the resilience and romantic journeys of her diverse female characters, making her an influential voice in contemporary romance literature.
These examples represent the diverse range of contemporary romance novels featuring dynamic female protagonists. Their characters break traditional molds, offering us narratives that celebrate strength, independence, and the pursuit of personal goals alongside romantic relationships. These types of romance novels reflect a broader societal shift toward recognizing and celebrating the multifaceted nature of women's lives.
Diversity and intersectionality have significantly transformed the landscape of romance novels as well, ushering in a new era of inclusivity and representation.
Female characters in contemporary romance novels now come from diverse backgrounds, ethnicities, sexual orientations, and abilities, reflecting the richness and complexity of real-life experiences. This shift has had a profound impact on both the stories being told and the readers who see themselves represented in the pages of said stories.
The inclusion of LGBTQ+ characters has also finally become more prevalent in romance novels. Stories depicting same-sex relationships offer readers a chance to connect with characters whose experiences resonate with their own. These narratives not only provide representation but also challenge societal standards and contribute to greater acceptance and understanding.
Romance authors have also started to feature characters with disabilities and chronic illnesses in their stories. These storylines highlight the strength, resilience, and romantic lives of individuals with diverse abilities. By portraying characters with disabilities as fully realized individuals, these stories challenge stereotypes and encourage true inclusivity.
Examples of Diverse Romance Novels:
The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo
While primarily a coming-of-age novel, it explores themes of love and self-discovery. The protagonist, Xiomara Batista, is a Dominican-American teenager navigating her identity, faith, and budding romance, offering a glimpse into the complexities of growing up in a multicultural environment.
Take a Hint, Dani Brown by Talia Hibbert
This novel features a bisexual heroine, Dani Brown, who is unapologetically ambitious and passionate about her career. The story explores her relationship with Zafir, a sensitive and caring man, and challenges stereotypes about both gender and sexual orientation.
These stories celebrate the myriad ways in which love and relationships can flourish, reinforcing the idea that everyone deserves to see their stories represented and celebrated in the pages of a book.
The evolution of romance novels has had profound effects on readers and our society at large.
Firstly, these novels can empower readers by providing representation.
When we see characters who share fragments of our identities or similar experiences, it validates our own feelings and personal struggles, fostering a sense of belonging and self-acceptance. These stories inspire confidence, they encourage us to pursue our dreams and assert our worth in real-life relationships and endeavors.
Moreover, modern romance novels promote healthier relationship dynamics. By featuring protagonists who demand respect, consent, and equality in their relationships, these novels set a new standard. We learn to recognize and expect mutual respect, communication, and emotional support as essential elements of a loving relationship. This portrayal not only guides us in our personal lives but also contributes to shaping societal perceptions of what constitutes a healthy relationship and what ‘happily ever after’ truly means.
The redefinition of women in romance fiction encourages society to view women in a more holistic and empowering light, fostering a cultural shift toward gender equality. Through the lens of diverse female characters, these novels not only reflect the reality of women's lives but also contribute significantly to the ongoing progress toward a more inclusive society.
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First and foremost, Nina is a reader; she devours literature with gusto, from classic novels to contemporary poetry to graphic novels and everything in between. She believes that within each story, there's a universe waiting to be explored, and loves exploring with company. She's often found sharing her perspective on characters, plot twists, and literary themes with friends. When her friends get tired of listening to her ranting, she writes blog posts sharing her explorations with the other bookworms of the internet. In recent years she has developed an inexplicable addiction to matcha lattes, but has asked us not to talk about that.
