Major Role Models from Minor Characters: It's Okay to be "Average"
When I was young, I wished for strength like Jo March. I wanted the persistence of Elizabeth Bennett. I envied Anne Shirley’s bravery. I dreamed of being someone who was unafraid of a challenge. From reading literature, I created an image in my mind of who I should be. But because of my introspection, I found myself far from meeting the mark I had set. As an introvert, I love the peace that comes from security. I enjoy spending time with those I love. If a conflict arises, I prefer others to approach the situation, instead of myself. I hardly could compare to the characters I desired to be. For a while, I was ashamed of my true colors. In a world that pushes for females to lead more, act out more, and take over the world—was I failing if I became something far different? To answer my question, I dove back into the literary tales of my childhood. Perusing the books for a third or fourth time, I realized that the leads—Jo, Elizabeth, and Anne—displayed only some of the positive qua...
