Willow Rosenberg from Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Willow is smart -- very smart. She's does well in school. Willow is good with computers, can hack into almost anything, and deciphers ancient texts in her spare time. She enjoys reading, programming, and friends. Despite being super smart, she respects other people's limitations.

While she's a bit clumsy and shy, Willow is pleasant and gets along with almost anyone. She is super cute, feminine, and has a gentle nature. By embracing her differences, Willow evolves from a shy introvert to a strong female character. She never limits herself and shows unparalleled bravery to protect the people she loves. She is able to keep healthy and lasting friendships and relationships.

Temperance "Bones" Brennan from Bones

Bones has become one of my favorite shows simply because of the Dr. Brennan character. She's a forensic anthropologist. She keeps her clothes on. She's intellectual, well-spoken, and multi-dimensional.

Dr. Brennan had a difficult childhood in and out of the foster care system. Her family life, at best, is a jumbled mess. Despite this, she has at least 2 doctorate degrees. She rationalizes almost every action and is highly analytical. Her intellectual abilities make her a leader in her field.

In her spare time, Dr. Brennan writes bestselling crime novels. She is trained in martial arts and has a legally registered gun. Dr. Brennan knows at least seven languages. While Dr. Brennan is occasionally involved with males, they don't define her character and often disappear after a few shows. She is devoted and dedicated to her work -- something which she excels at beautifully.

Dr. Brennan's weakness is sometimes being overly analytical and cold. A psychologist on Bones suggested that she used her analytical nature as a defense mechanism.

(Kathy Reich, the creator of this character, is even more interesting and amazing... but not fictional, so I'll leave that for another blog.)

Princess Cimorene from Dealing With Dragons

Princess Cimorene is one of my all time favorite literary characters. She's feisty, smart, and motivated. When I have a daughter, this is one of the first books she's getting. What more could you ask for?

Princess Cimorene grows up frustrated with her sheltered life. She is very against any proper princess-ly duties and decides instead to go and get abducted by a dragon. The princess packs her bags, spends many days hiking to the dragons layer, and then demands the dragons abduct her.

Many princes come to challenge her dragon and save her. She turns them away, muttering rudely at them or directing them to princesses that want to be saved. She gets so frustrated by being bothered constantly that she puts up signs that the roads are washed out. She also tells off a few nasty dragons and wizards.

In her spare time, she becomes adept at magic. She works hard and enjoys it. Oh yeah, and she uncovers a devious plot to overthrow the dragon kingdom and saves the day. She's all around a strong, interesting, and neat character. Every little girl should grow up with this book.

Rose Tyler from Doctor Who

Rose Tyler starts out as a vapid, boring, annoying female character. However, as her world opens from middle class mediocrity to the wider universe, Rose progresses as a character. One of the most wonderful things about her character is her fiery determination and spirit.

Rose isn't particularly intelligent and she doesn't have any superpowers. She starts out as a store clerk with very little to look forward to in life. She runs into the Doctor who offers her a chance to see the stars. Of course, she accepts.

Rose loves the Doctor. The Doctor loves Rose. Rather than following him like a puppy, she clearly states her own opinions in pretty much everything. A strong will, even when teased or taunted. She never backs down, but takes things with a good sense of humor.

Rose's most admirable quality is the desire for more, to see the world and beyond -- her sense of wonder, adventure, and excitement. Her bravery is unparalleled, even in the worst of situations. When the Doctor abandons her, she breaks into the TARDIS, absorbs all its energy, and saves the universe from the evil Daleks.

Rose saves the universe again when realities are colliding. She organizes a team which helps her cross through dimensions. She even sports a giant gun and kills a few Daleks.