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8 January, 2025
WB Spotlight: Strong Female Characters
Fearless, resilient and smart are a few character traits that come to mind when thinking about these strong female characters.
In today’s entertainment landscape, female characters such as Furiosa (Mad Max: Fury Road & Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga) and Rhaenyra Targaryen (House of the Dragon) are redefining heroism. This shift demonstrates how females in film and TV embody resilience, break gender stereotypes, and inspire audiences with their complexity and determination.
Margot Robbie’s Harley Quinn (Suicide Squad, The Suicide Squad, Birds of Prey) and Carrie-Anne Moss’s Trinity (The Matrix Franchise) are key drivers of their own stories, showcasing emotional and intellectual strength that challenges traditional norms and motivates profound change in both their worlds and ours.
Read on as we delve deeper into the world of strong female characters.
1. Furiosa

Who is Furiosa?
Furiosa was first introduced to us in George Miller's action-packed film, Mad Max: Fury Road. She stands out as a formidable warrior and leader, known for her expertise in battle and deep moral conviction. Originally a high-ranking lieutenant for the tyrant Immortan Joe, Furiosa turns against him in a daring attempt to free his captive wives and bring them to safety, embodying themes of liberation and resistance.
In 2024, we got to know Furiosa on a much deeper level, when Miller revisted the character in Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, a prequel to Fury Road. This looked back on her life as a young girl, and what she indured to shape her into the fierce heroine who truely - let's face it - kicked ass.
Who plays Furiosa?
- Charlize Theron brought Furiosa to life in Mad Max: Fury Road.
- Anya Taylor-Joy took on the role as the younger version of Furiosa in Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga.
2. Daenerys Targaryen

Who is Daenerys Targaryen?
Daenerys Targaryen is a key character from the TV series Game of Thrones, based on George R.R. Martin’s novels. Often called the “Mother of Dragons”, she is the last known member of the banished House Targaryen and begins her journey as an exiled princess, evolving into a powerful leader seeking to reclaim her ancestral throne.
Her story is deeply intertwined with magical dragon eggs that she receives as a wedding gift, which eventually hatch, marking the return of dragons to the world. This symbol of her heritage shapes her identity and fuels her claim to power.
Who plays Daenerys Targaryen?
- Emilie Clarke plays Daenerys Targaryen throughout the entire run of Game of Thrones.
3. Rhaenyra Targaryen

Who is Rhaenyra Targaryen?
Rhaenyra Targaryen is a central character from the fantasy series House of the Dragon, which is based in George R.R. Martin’s rich world of Westeros.
With royal roots, she exemplifies strength and complexity, aspiring to secure her rightful role on the Iron Throne. Her sharp intelligence and capacity to rally support, mark her as a strong leader in a domain where kingship is typically male dominated. These traits distinguish Rhaenyra as a powerful female figure within the intricate gender politics and power struggles of her world.
Her significance escalates during the Dance of the Dragons, a fierce civil war in House Targaryen following her father's death, when her claim to the throne is contested by her half-brother, Aegon II. This conflict tests her leadership, combat skills, and strategic thinking, deepening her resilience and solidifying her personal stake in the realm's future. The Dance of the Dragons is not only a battle for power but also a profound test of her leadership, legacy, and familial loyalty.
Who plays Rhaenyra Targaryen?
- Emma D’Arcy plays Princess Rhaenyra in House of the Dragon.
- Milly Alcock portrays the younger Princess Rhaenyra in House of the Dragon.
4. Harley Quinn

Who is Harley Quinn?
Harley Quinn, originally Dr. Harleen Quinzel, is an iconic character from DC Comics who transcends her beginnings at Arkham Asylum to become one of the most unpredictable and captivating antiheroes in the comic book world.
Known for her chaotic nature and complex personality, Harley's transformation into her vibrant yet troubled persona occurs after becoming intertwined with the infamous Joker, with whom she develops a problematic, deep-seated relationship. Renowned for her sharp wit, athletic skill, and a fondness for mayhem, she is a symbol of resilience and empowerment, often reclaiming her independence from her toxic affiliation with the Joker to strike out on her own or join forces with other female antiheroes, like in Birds of Prey.
Who plays Harley Quinn?
- Margot Robbie plays Harley Quinn in Suicide Squad, The Suicide Squad and Birds of Prey.
- Lady Gaga plays Harley Quinn in Joker: Folie à Deux.
5. Trinity (The Matrix)

Who is Trinity?
Trinity is an iconic character from the revolutionary sci-fi film series, The Matrix. As a skilled hacker and fighter whose abilities extend into the digital realm of the Matrix, she is known for her calm demeanour and lethal proficiency in combat.
Trinity is vital to the storyline, not only as a central ally to the protagonist, Neo (Keanu Reeves), but also greatly influencing his path to becoming "The One." Through her faith in Neo and deep emotional bond with him, she ignites crucial developments in the narrative. Trinity’s actions and beliefs challenge and subsequently transform those around her, positioning her as a central figure in the rebellion against the oppressive machines that enslave humanity. She does all of this while also being one of the coolest female characters to have graced the big screen.
Who plays Trinity?
- Carrie-Anne Moss plays Trinity in the Matrix series: The Matrix, The Matrix Reloaded, The Matrix Revolutions, The Matrix Resurrections.
6. Ellie (The Last of Us)

Who is Ellie?
Ellie is a character in the television adaptation of the highly acclaimed video game, The Last of Us. Ellie is a resilient and resourceful teenager, forced to survive in a world devastated by a pandemic. Born in this post-apocalyptic era, Ellie has not known a world without danger, making her both cautious and courageous.
She is especially significant because of her unique immunity to the infection, which makes her a key figure in the potential development of a vaccine. Ellie's journey from a vulnerable young girl into a survivor is central to the series, as she faces numerous threats from the infected and other survivors alike. Throughout the series, the dark world she navigates tests her morality and resilience, adding layers to her character. At the start of the series, Ellie is 14 years old, bringing a unique perspective and depth to her interactions and decisions. This age frames her experiences and the coming-of-age challenges she endures amid extreme circumstances, resonating deeply with themes of survival, loss, and the quest for hope.
Who plays Ellie?
- Bella Ramsey plays Ellie in The Last Of Us.
7. Lorelai Gilmore

Who is Lorelai Gilmore?
Lorelai Gilmore is a character in the beloved television series Gilmore Girls. Her character is a charming, quick-witted, and fiercely independent single mother living in the quaint town of Stars Hollow, Connecticut.
Lorelai's background is one of privilege and expectation, as she was raised in a wealthy family with strict social standards. However, at the age of 16, she became pregnant and made the bold decision to leave this life behind to raise her daughter, Rory, on her own terms. This foundational experience shapes much of Lorelai's character: her drive, her desire for a different life for both her and Rory, and her occasionally complicated relationship with her parents.
Throughout the series, Lorelai's age plays into her dynamic energy and youthful spirit, easily blending in with Rory’s world and her teenage friends. Starting the series in her early thirties, Lorelai balances being a mother with her ambitions, eventually realising her dream of owning her own inn. She’s famously enthusiastic about coffee, her favourite beverage, and almost a constant companion that fuels her through the myriad challenges and adventures of daily life. Lorelai’s story explores the nuances of mother-daughter relationships, showcasing her role not only as a parent but also as Rory’s best friend.
Who plays Lorelai Gilmore?
- Lauren Graham plays Lorelai Gilmore in Gilmore Girls and Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life.
8. Angela Abar (Watchmen)

Who is Angela Abar?
Angela Abar, also known by her alias ‘Sister Night’, is a complex protagonist in the television adaptation of Watchmen. Angela is a detective in the Tulsa Police Department, embodying the traits of toughness, resourcefulness, and deep moral conviction. Her background is equally compelling; she is a descendant of survivors of the Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921, a pivotal event that shapes her personal and familial identity.
Throughout the series, Angela's story uncovers layers of hidden truths about her family, her role within the larger societal conflicts, and historical racial injustice. She navigates a complex world where superheroes are outlawed and her own identity as ‘Sister Night’ challenges the established norms and expectations of law and justice. Her character powerfully addresses themes of legacy, identity, and the quest for justice, making her a pivotal figure in this superhero universe.
Who plays Angela Abar?
- Regina King plays Angela Abat in Watchmen.
9. Rita Vrataski (Edge of Tomorrow)

Who is Rita Vrataski?
Rita Vrataski is a character in the science fiction action film Edge of Tomorrow. An icon of strength and resilience, Rita is a celebrated war hero known as the "Angel of Verdun" or "Full Metal Bitch". Her reputation was forged in relentless battle against alien invaders known as ‘Mimics’.
Over the course of the film, Rita emerges not only as a skilled warrior but also as a strategic mind, utilising her experience from repeated days in a time loop to advance humanity's fight for survival. Rita is instrumental in training and guiding Major William Cage (Tom Cruise), who unexpectedly finds himself looped into the same day upon dying. Rita's deep understanding of the time loop dynamics, having experienced it herself, is crucial for Cage's transformation from a public relations officer to a competent fighter. Her character compellingly navigates themes of courage, sacrifice, and the persistent pursuit of victory, making her a pivotal figure in the story.
Who plays Rita Vrataski?
- Emily Blunt plays Rita Vrataski in Edge of Tomorrow.
10. Iris (Companion)

Who is Iris?
You'll have to head to cinemas to fully appreciate why lead character Iris makes our list of Strong Female Characters. For now, though, we'll defer to Drew Hancock, the Writer and Director of Companion, to explain that “Iris is someone who initially doesn’t understand her own strength and capabilities." This initial vulnerability makes her undoubtedly more relatable, and human...
Throughout her journey, Iris faces challenges which in turn reveal her true identity. She is a testament to the evolving nature of strong female characters in science fiction, showcasing empathy and provoking thoughtful discussions.
Who plays Iris?
- Sophie Thatcher plays Iris in Companion.