A heroine is not perfect (and other observations)

A heroine is not perfect.

She will have flaws—some may be cute, some may be dark—but she will definitely not be perfect, for perfection does not lend itself to adventure or transformation.

A heroine will have adventures. A lot will happen to her in a few hundred pages. She still won't be perfect, though.

One is quite likely to find a heroine in a tree, or a ballroom, or galloping recklessly across the moors. She is frequently found where she oughtn't be.

[image error]She is generous, and may very well give you a piece of her mind whether you asked for it or not. She has a tendency to be outspoken.

Some heroines, however, are shy. This does not rule out witty and wicked thoughts, which the reader is fortunately privy to.

She is very concerned with the welfare of others. In fact, she may even take it upon herself to ensure a particular outcome or event involving others. Some may call this meddling.

She has an interest, be it reading or mathematics, or science or dresses. Perhaps she is good at dancing or singing or horseback riding. Perhaps not. She generally has an aversion to embroidery.

She might be plump or slender, tall or short. She will probably have violet eyes or gold flecks in her eyes (which will sound decidedly less odd when the hero is noticing it in the context of a novel). Her mouth might be too wide, or bow-shaped or regular. It will be oh-so kissable. The hero will find her outrageously attractive, just how she is.

She will have the most fashionable gowns. Unless she does not. She will certainly be divested of her attire by the hero before the end of the book.

She will probably marry a duke or another man of high rank. But she'll be kind to everyone regardless of their station.On the whole, she is extraordinarily kind.

She may possess doubts and fears, but she'll still dare to dream.

She'll save her own self, thank you very much.

What are some other essential traits of a heroine?