Skip to Main Content (Press Enter)
📝 Quiz: What Book Should You Read Next?
📝 Quiz: What Book Should You Read Next?
  • 10 Audiobook Originals You Need To Hear
    10 Audiobook Originals You Need To Hear
    Learn More >

  • Join Our Authors for Upcoming Events
    Join Our Authors for Upcoming Events
    Learn More >

  • Books Bans Are on the Rise in America
    Books Bans Are on the Rise in America
    Learn More >
  • <
    Books>
  • Popular
  • New & Noteworthy
  • Bestsellers
  • Graphic Novels & Manga
  • The Must-Read Books of 2025
  • Popular Books in Spanish
  • Coming Soon
  • Fiction
  • Classics
  • Romance
  • Literary Fiction
  • Mystery & Thriller
  • Science Fiction
  • Spanish Language Fiction
  • Nonfiction
  • Biographies & Memoirs
  • Wellness
  • Cookbooks
  • History
  • Spanish Language Nonfiction
  • Series
  • A Thursday Murder Club
  • Rebel Blue Ranch
  • Robert Langdon
  • A Song of Ice and Fire
  • Penguin Classics
  • <
    View All>
  • <
    Kids>
  • Popular
  • New & Noteworthy
  • Bestsellers
  • Award Winners
  • The Parenting Book Guide
  • Kids' Corner
  • Books for Middle Graders
  • Trending Series
  • Who Was?
  • Magic Tree House
  • The Last Kids on Earth
  • Mad Libs
  • Planet Omar
  • Beloved Characters
  • The World of Eric Carle
  • Bluey
  • Llama Llama
  • Dr. Seuss
  • Junie B. Jones
  • Peter Rabbit
  • Categories
  • Board Books
  • Picture Books
  • Guided Reading Levels
  • Middle Grade
  • Graphic Novels
  • <
    View All>
  • <

    Popular

  • Trending
  • Trending This Week
  • Romantasy Books To Start Reading Now
  • Page-Turning Series To Start Now
  • Books to Cope With Anxiety
  • Popular Large Print Books
  • Anti-Racist Resources
  • Staff Picks
  • Romance
  • Mystery & Thriller
  • Fiction
  • Memoir & Fiction
  • Features & Interviews
  • Emma Brodie Interview
  • James Ellroy Interview
  • Nicola Yoon Interview
  • Qian Julie Wang Interview
  • Deepak Chopra Essay
  • How Can I Get Published?
  • For Book Clubs
  • Reese's Book Club
  • Oprah’s Book Club
  • Guide: Tell Me Everything
  • Guide: James
  • <
  • <
    Authors & Events>
  • Our Authors
  • Michelle Obama
  • Han Kang
  • Emily Henry
  • Dan Brown
  • Colson Whitehead
  • In Their Own Words
  • Qian Julie Wang
  • Patrick Radden Keefe
  • Phoebe Robinson
  • Emma Brodie
  • Ta-Nehisi Coates
  • Laura Hankin
  • <
    View All>
  • <
    Recommendations>
  • Book Lists
  • The Best Celebrity Book Club Picks of The Year
  • Western Romance Novels
  • Insightful Therapy Books To Read This Year
  • Historical Fiction With Female Protagonists
  • Best Thrillers of All Time
  • Manga and Graphic Novels
  • Articles
  • Start Reading Happy Place
  • How to Make Reading a Habit with James Clear
  • How Can I Get Published?
  • Why Reading Is Good for Your Health
  • 10 Facts About Taylor Swift
  • <
    View All>
  • <
    Audio>
  • Popular
  • New Releases
  • Award Winners
  • Coming Soon
  • Featured
  • Memoirs Read by the Author
  • Our Most Soothing Narrators
  • Press Play for Inspiration
  • Audiobooks You Just Can't Pause
  • Listen With the Whole Family
  • <
    View All>
cart
Penguin Random House

Books

Popular


New & Noteworthy

Bestsellers

Graphic Novels & Manga

The Must-Read Books of 2025

Popular Books in Spanish

Coming Soon

Fiction


Classics

Romance

Literary Fiction

Mystery & Thriller

Science Fiction

Spanish Language Fiction

Nonfiction


Biographies & Memoirs

Wellness

Cookbooks

History

Spanish Language Nonfiction

View All >

Series


A Thursday Murder Club

Rebel Blue Ranch

Robert Langdon

A Song of Ice and Fire

Penguin Classics

View All >

New Releases
New Releases
Learn More >
close menu

Kids

Popular


New & Noteworthy

Bestsellers

Award Winners

The Parenting Book Guide

Kids' Corner

Books for Middle Graders

Trending Series


Who Was?

Magic Tree House

The Last Kids on Earth

Mad Libs

Planet Omar

View All >

Beloved Characters


The World of Eric Carle

Bluey

Llama Llama

Dr. Seuss

Junie B. Jones

Peter Rabbit

Categories


Board Books

Picture Books

Guided Reading Levels

Middle Grade

Graphic Novels

View All >

Highly Giftable Books for Children Ages 0-5
Highly Giftable Books for Children Ages 0-5
Learn More >
close menu

Popular

Trending


Trending This Week

Romantasy Books To Start Reading Now

Page-Turning Series To Start Now

Books to Cope With Anxiety

Popular Large Print Books

Anti-Racist Resources

Staff Picks


Romance

Mystery & Thriller

Fiction

Memoir & Fiction

Features & Interviews


Emma Brodie Interview

James Ellroy Interview

Nicola Yoon Interview

Qian Julie Wang Interview

Deepak Chopra Essay

How Can I Get Published?

For Book Clubs


Reese's Book Club

Oprah’s Book Club

Guide: Tell Me Everything

Guide: James

Books Bans Are on the Rise in America
Books Bans Are on the Rise in America
Learn More >
close menu

Authors & Events

Our Authors


Michelle Obama

Han Kang

Emily Henry

Dan Brown

Colson Whitehead

View All >

In Their Own Words


Qian Julie Wang

Patrick Radden Keefe

Phoebe Robinson

Emma Brodie

Ta-Nehisi Coates

Laura Hankin

How To Read More in 2025
How To Read More in 2025
Learn More >
Join Our Authors for Upcoming Events
Join Our Authors for Upcoming Events
Learn More >
close menu

Recommendations

Book Lists


The Best Celebrity Book Club Picks of The Year

Western Romance Novels

Insightful Therapy Books To Read This Year

Historical Fiction With Female Protagonists

Best Thrillers of All Time

Manga and Graphic Novels

Articles


Start Reading Happy Place

How to Make Reading a Habit with James Clear

How Can I Get Published?

Why Reading Is Good for Your Health

10 Facts About Taylor Swift

Browse All Our Lists, Essays, and Interviews
Browse All Our Lists, Essays, and Interviews
See What We’re Reading >
Toni Morrison Books To Read Right Now
Toni Morrison Books To Read Right Now
Read More >
close menu

Audio

Popular


New Releases

Award Winners

Coming Soon

View All >

Featured


Memoirs Read by the Author

Our Most Soothing Narrators

Press Play for Inspiration

Audiobooks You Just Can't Pause

Listen With the Whole Family

View All >

New Stories to Listen to
New Stories to Listen to
Learn More >
10 Audiobook Originals You Need To Hear
10 Audiobook Originals You Need To Hear
Learn More >
close menu
search
Penguin Random House Penguin Random House
cart
search
close search
close search
The ReadDown

15 Female Literary Characters We’re Crushing On

What’s better than a book character you love? A character you’re in love with. There are so many strong, fascinating leading ladies in literature that capture our heart, but we hope the girls listed below ask us to dance.

  1. 1
    Fates and Furies Book Cover Picture
    Add Fates and Furies to bookshelf
    Add to Bookshelf

    Mathilde

    by Lauren Groff

    While she can be cold and cunning, we can’t help but admire Mathilde’s intelligence, drive and sophistication.

    Fates and Furies Book Cover Picture
    Add Fates and Furies to bookshelf
    Add to Bookshelf

    Paperback
    $18.00

    Buy from Other Retailers:

  2. 2
    Americanah Book Cover Picture
    Add Americanah to bookshelf
    Add to Bookshelf

    Ifemelu

    by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

    We’re well aware she’s in love with Obinze. But Ifemelu is brilliant and awesome, so we love her too.
    Americanah Book Cover Picture
    Add Americanah to bookshelf
    Add to Bookshelf

    Paperback
    $19.00

    Buy from Other Retailers:

  3. 3
    The Life and Death of Sophie Stark Book Cover Picture
    Add The Life and Death of Sophie Stark to bookshelf
    Add to Bookshelf

    Sophie Stark

    by Anna North

    Sophie breaks hearts but she the ultimate girl crush: stunning, intelligent, and elusive.
    The Life and Death of Sophie Stark Book Cover Picture
    Add The Life and Death of Sophie Stark to bookshelf
    Add to Bookshelf

    Paperback
    $22.00

    Buy from Other Retailers:

  4. 4
    Little Women Book Cover Picture
    Add Little Women to bookshelf
    Add to Bookshelf

    Jo March

    by Louisa May Alcott

    Jo is an independent tomboy with a deep love for her family and, hopefully, us.
    Little Women Book Cover Picture
    Add Little Women to bookshelf
    Add to Bookshelf

    Hardcover
    $18.00

    Buy from Other Retailers:

  5. 5
    A Dance with Dragons Book Cover Picture
    Add A Dance with Dragons to bookshelf
    Add to Bookshelf

    Daenerys Targaryen

    by George R. R. Martin

    Dany is a fierce and beautiful Queen who rules the world and our hearts. Do you think she’d Netflix and chill with us?
    A Dance with Dragons Book Cover Picture
    Add A Dance with Dragons to bookshelf
    Add to Bookshelf

    Paperback
    $22.00

    Buy from Other Retailers:

  6. 6
    Jane Eyre Book Cover Picture
    Add Jane Eyre to bookshelf
    Add to Bookshelf

    Jane Eyre

    by Charlotte Bronte

    Who wouldn’t love someone as courageous and passionate as Jane Eyre?
    Jane Eyre Book Cover Picture
    Add Jane Eyre to bookshelf
    Add to Bookshelf

    Paperback
    $9.00

    Buy from Other Retailers:

  7. 7
    Origin Book Cover Picture
    Add Origin to bookshelf
    Add to Bookshelf

    Pia

    by Jessica Khoury

    Pia’s entire existence is more fascinating than our love for her–well, almost.
    Origin Book Cover Picture
    Add Origin to bookshelf
    Add to Bookshelf

    Buy from Other Retailers:

  8. 8
    Outlander (Starz Tie-in Edition) Book Cover Picture
    Add Outlander (Starz Tie-in Edition) to bookshelf
    Add to Bookshelf

    Claire

    by Diana Gabaldon

    We hope nurse Claire time-travels to present day and heals our broken hearts.
    Outlander (Starz Tie-in Edition) Book Cover Picture
    Add Outlander (Starz Tie-in Edition) to bookshelf
    Add to Bookshelf

    Paperback
    $20.00

    Buy from Other Retailers:

  9. 9
    The Fellowship of the Ring (Media Tie-in) Book Cover Picture
    Add The Fellowship of the Ring (Media Tie-in) to bookshelf
    Add to Bookshelf

    Arwen

    by J.R.R. Tolkien

    Who’s Aragorn? The beautiful and noble Arwen is going to the Sadie Hawkins Dance with us.
    The Fellowship of the Ring (Media Tie-in) Book Cover Picture
    Add The Fellowship of the Ring (Media Tie-in) to bookshelf
    Add to Bookshelf

    Mass Market Paperback
    $8.99

    Buy from Other Retailers:

  10. 10
    Anna Karenina Book Cover Picture
    Add Anna Karenina to bookshelf
    Add to Bookshelf

    Anna Karenina

    by Leo Tolstoy

    Anna is the perfect, popular girl in school until we find out she’s just as sinful as the rest of us–which makes her even cooler.
    Anna Karenina Book Cover Picture
    Add Anna Karenina to bookshelf
    Add to Bookshelf

    Hardcover
    $30.00

    Buy from Other Retailers:

  11. 11
    Harriet the Spy: 50th Anniversary Edition Book Cover Picture
    Add Harriet the Spy: 50th Anniversary Edition to bookshelf
    Add to Bookshelf

    Harriet M. Welsch

    by Louise Fitzhugh

    We just adore Harriet and her curious, passionate, truth-telling ways.
    Harriet the Spy: 50th Anniversary Edition Book Cover Picture
    Add Harriet the Spy: 50th Anniversary Edition to bookshelf
    Add to Bookshelf

    Hardcover
    $19.99

    Buy from Other Retailers:

  12. 12
    The Girl in the Spider's Web Book Cover Picture
    Add The Girl in the Spider's Web to bookshelf
    Add to Bookshelf

    Lisbeth Salander

    by David Lagercrantz

    Lisbeth is a smart, cool, kickass woman and we can’t stop thinking about her.
    The Girl in the Spider's Web Book Cover Picture
    Add The Girl in the Spider's Web to bookshelf
    Add to Bookshelf

    Paperback
    $19.00

    Buy from Other Retailers:

  13. 13
    The House on Mango Street Book Cover Picture
    Add The House on Mango Street to bookshelf
    Add to Bookshelf

    Esperanza

    by Sandra Cisneros

    Esperanza’s ambition and observational nature is both touching and enamoring.
    The House on Mango Street Book Cover Picture
    Add The House on Mango Street to bookshelf
    Add to Bookshelf

    Paperback
    $13.00

    Buy from Other Retailers:

  14. 14
    Breakfast at Tiffany's & Other Voices, Other Rooms Book Cover Picture
    Add Breakfast at Tiffany's & Other Voices, Other Rooms to bookshelf
    Add to Bookshelf

    Holly Golightly

    by Truman Capote

    We’d take the fabulous and fun Holly Golightly to Tiffany’s and spoil her anytime she wants.
    Breakfast at Tiffany's & Other Voices, Other Rooms Book Cover Picture
    Add Breakfast at Tiffany's & Other Voices, Other Rooms to bookshelf
    Add to Bookshelf

    Hardcover
    $26.00

    Buy from Other Retailers:

  15. 15
    Carrie Book Cover Picture
    Add Carrie to bookshelf
    Add to Bookshelf

    Carrie

    by Stephen King

    OK, she has issues, but we love her ability to fight for herself.
    Carrie Book Cover Picture
    Add Carrie to bookshelf
    Add to Bookshelf

    Paperback
    $17.00

    Buy from Other Retailers:

  • Share:
  • Share on Facebook
  • Share on X
  • Pin it
  • SMS
  • Email

More to Explore

See all

Connect

Sign up for news about books, authors, and more from Penguin Random House

global.penguinrandomhouse.com

© 2025 Penguin Random House

  • About Us
  • Our Story
  • Our People
  • Locations
  • Management
  • Social Impact
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Careers
  • Imprints
  • Quick Links
  • Partnerships
  • Media Queries
  • Influencers
  • Company Reads
  • PenguinRandomHouse.biz
  • Email Preferences
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • CA Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell My Personal Info
  • Affiliate Program Disclosure
  • Avoid Publishing Scams
  • Help
  • Publishing Process
  • FAQ
  • Shopping & Shipping FAQ
  • For Educators
  • Subrights
  • Permissions
  • Estate Information

Connect

Sign up for news about books, authors, and more from Penguin Random House

global.penguinrandomhouse.com

© 2025 Penguin Random House

Visit other sites in the Penguin Random House Network

Raise kids who love to read

Brightly

Raise kids who love to read

Out of Print

Out of Print

Shirts, totes, socks, and more for book lovers

An online magazine for today’s home cook

TASTE

An online magazine for today’s home cook

Today's Top Books

Today's Top Books

Want to know what people are actually reading right now?

Wonderbly

Wonderbly

Personalized books for kids and adults

×
My Account
Sign In Create An Account
Hi,
Member Since

Account Overview Recommendations Orders Account Details Email Preferences Bookshelf

Success!

Your account has been created. Upload book purchases, access your personalized book recommendations, and more from here.