TopTenPicks: Female Characters You Admire

Top Ten Picks is a meme here in Random Ramblings where I would be posting just about that -- my top 10 picks! Every week, there will be a different and specific topic given. I will then choose 10 of my picks from that given category, create the list, and post them up here!
For this week, the topic is on: Female Characters You Admire. It can be for any reason at all. For me, these are my picks, in no particular order!

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1. Katniss Everdeen - I admire Katniss because she has always been an independent person. She not only takes of herself, but she also takes care of her family without complaining. I admire her because not everyone can do that at such an early age.

She is also very determined; if she has a goal, she knows she will get it. Though at times her stubborness can get in the way, she doesn't just act on impulse. She thinks and analyzes things before she does anything. This kind of strategy is quite important, especially in the games.
Overall though, I admire her not just because of her being independent and strong-willed. I admire her because she is a realistic character. She has her negative side, but her positive wins overall. She is kind and caring; even finds it difficult to fight and kill off the other participants. She cares for the wounded -- like Prim and Rue. And also, she does not hold grudges, even though clearly, she has every right to -- with Cato.

2. Annabeth Chase - This girl can kick serious butt. Not only that; she is smart and wise. That's a pretty good combination, if I may say so myself. She is rational, and doesn't act on impulse. In other words, she thinks before she acts. Sometimes, this is the best thing to be especially if you're around someone like Percy Jackson.
She fights for and with her friends and is very loyal. She sees the good in people and in things. She is ambitious, but not boastful. She just strives really hard to achieve her goals. You can really see her passion in life.
I also love Annabeth not only because she is a true heroine and a courageous fighter but because she is not afraid to be vulnerable. I always thought that the ones that are not afraid to ask for help, of failure, and of vulnerability are the ones that are really strong at heart.

3. Hermione Granger - Hermione is Hermione. She is smart. Intelligent. Wise. Strong-willed. Brave. Courageous. And a very loyal friend. Yes, she is a bit of a "smart ass" (forgive my French!) but that's okay, because she has the right to be one. Hahaha. The good thing about that is that she's not at all conceited; in fact, she is always willing to help out someone with school work, just because.
She is able to be "one of the boys" but still be a girly girl at the same time. I like that because I like how she is complex and multifaceted; she is not stuck in a stereotype. I also love her because.. well, she ended up with Ron. ;)

4. Luna Lovegood - I love Luna! How could you not? In fact, I have to admit, I sort of wanted her to end up with Harry. Is that crazy? (No offense, Ginny!) Ah.. oh well.
Anyway, Luna is awesome because is such a colorful and intriguing character! She doesn't care what other people think about her! She is such a happy, vibrant person and always finds the positive side in things, no matter what the situation. She understands Harry, and doesn't judge him. She is also quite a strong person and quite courageous, as she is not afraid to go to "battle" and help her friends. I admire that a lot about her.

5. Elinor Dashwood - I love Elinor for one simple reason; she has common sense. Haha. Seriously though. She is practical, and yet open-minded at the same time. To me, I admire that; it's a bit difficult to balance both traits, in my opinion. I also admire her and her ability to control herself and her emotions. To me, this is another one that is a bit difficult for a lot of us. Aside from these, she is also very patient and head strong. She does not judge people right off the bat, and in fact, analyzes things first before taking action. She takes care of her family -- without complaining, whining, etc. Overall, I admire Elinor because she has such a kind-heart, is wise, strong, independent, and yes... smart.

6. Sara Crewe - Sara is humble and down-to-earth despite having to live a rich and luxurious life. She is simple and is generous to others. She is kind-hearted and friendly to everyone. Another trait I admire from her is how forgiving she is. We all know how difficult it can be to forgive others, especially when they have done or said terrible things to us. But Sara is mature and wise, despite her young age, to understand that there is no use for anger and grudges in life.

7. Claire Abshire - I have mentioned this times and times before. I admire Claire Abshire, because, like I always say, to me, she is the kind of woman I strive to be. She is beautiful in her own way and quite independent. She is perfectly flawed but strong-willed, and is not afraid of failure. When she falls, she gets back up again. She tries and tries again. She is loving, patient, and understanding -- most especially to Henry and his time traveling.

8. Melanie Hamilton - She is a woman of strength, honesty, purity, and integrity. She is kind-hearted and loving, and accepts people for who they are. She always sees the good in others and sticks by them, when the need arises. She is a loyal person, and is courageous -- never afraid to "head to battle and fight." She faces her fears, and never falters. Although I do love Scarlett O' Hara, there will always be a special place for Melanie Hamilton for me.

9. Stargirl - I read Stargirl when I was fifteen and I can still remember her character so well as if I just read it yesterday. Stargirl is original and unique. She has her own personality, and is never afraid to show it. She is real and true; never fake. She is honest and outspoken. Outgoing and friendly. She is free-willing, and is not afraid to live her life the way she wants to. She is a non-conformist, who does not care what other people think -- as long as she is not hurting anyone, she is happy to be just the way she is.

10. Jamie Sullivan - The epitome of a true sweetheart and a good person; kind-hearted, friendly, loving, honest, compassionate, understanding, forgiving, patient. She does not judge others, does not seek revenge on anyone, and never lets anger get the best of her. She lives her life as if its her last, and ultimately, sees wonder, happiness, and fulfillment everywhere she looks.

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Again, if you would like to join in, all you have to do is:

1. Do a post, listing all your answers. Like I already mentioned, you do not have to include pictures, descriptions, or explanations, but if you would like to do so, feel free!
2. Please sign the Mr. Linky box below with the specific URL of your post.

Sorry about last week; there was no TOPTENPICKS. It was quite busy around here. But we're back! Can't wait to hear from you this week!