Beyond “Strong Female Character” – Why Beth Dutton is a Must-Watch.

Aren’t you tired of the phrase “strong female character”? Why don’t we hear about “strong male characters”? What does “strong” even mean, anyway?

Here’s the thing: Female characters deserve so much more than a cliche label. We’re way past the era of the butt-kicking hottie being the only definition of a strong woman. It’s the 2020s, and we’re craving nuanced characters who feel real!

Thankfully, there are tons of fantastic examples out there. One of my all-time favourites is Polly Gray (the incredible Helen McCrory) from Peaky Blinders. But in my humble opinion, Beth Dutton from Yellowstone is the queen of complex female characters.

Meet Beth Dutton – The Queen of Complexity – Beth Dutton (Kelly Reilly) isn’t your average TV daughter. Sure, she’s got a sharp tongue and can be ruthless, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Beneath the designer clothes and biting remarks lies a woman shaped by past trauma and a fierce love for her family. Screenwriters take note – Beth Dutton is a masterclass in crafting compelling female characters.

Here’s Why Beth Dutton is So Awesome (and What We Can Learn).

#1 – Embrace the Flaws!
Beth is far from perfect. She can be manipulative and even self-destructive at times. But guess what? Those flaws are what make her real.

Here’s the deal: perfect people are boring! We’ve all got our quirks, insecurities, and maybe even a little darkness lurking around the edges. That’s what makes us human.

For instance, in Season 1, she orchestrates a hostile takeover of Jenkins’ land development company. She leverages her knowledge of financial markets and corporate law to outmanoeuvre her opponents, demonstrating her ability to think several steps ahead and manipulate complex situations to her advantage.

#2 – Strength Comes in All Shapes and Sizes.
Let’s ditch the idea that strong women must be physically imposing.

Beth’s strength lies in her wit, strategic mind and emotional resilience. She’s a master manipulator who gets what she wants, proving that brains are just as powerful as brawn.

In Season 2, after surviving a brutal attack by the Beck brothers’ henchmen, she doesn’t succumb to fear or despair.

Instead, she emerges more decisive, more determined to seek justice and protect her family. This resilience is a testament to her inner strength and ability to endure and overcome adversity.

#3 – Vulnerability is a Strength, Not a Weakness.
Beth’s tough exterior hides moments of vulnerability that make her even more enjoyable.

These glimpses into her pain and loneliness show that strength and vulnerability can absolutely coexist.

Beth’s vulnerability can be seen throughout the whole series, but nothing like the scene in Season 3 where Beth breaks down in front of John, confessing the horrors of what Jamie did to her, better demonstrates it.

That moment of raw vulnerability shattered the image of the always-in-control Beth. But instead of making her weak, it showed the depth of her pain and the trauma she carries. It made her infinitely more human and relatable.

#4 – Past Makes You, But Doesn’t Define You. 
Beth’s past trauma has undoubtedly shaped her personality. However, it doesn’t define her. She’s a survivor, and her past experiences inform her choices without dictating them. We’ve all had our share of life experiences that leave a mark.

But here’s the empowering truth: those experiences, both good and bad, shape who we are, but they don’t have to limit who we can become. Beth is a shining example of this.

A great example of it appears already in Season 1.  One of the most significant events shaping Beth’s character is the loss of her mother in a tragic horse-riding accident.

Beth blames herself for her mother’s death, a burden she has carried since childhood. This trauma shapes her interactions with her family, especially with her father, John Dutton.

She often exhibits a fierce loyalty and protective instinct towards him, driven by a desire to make amends for her perceived culpability. Despite this, Beth does not let the trauma solely define her; she channels her guilt into a relentless drive to protect the family’s legacy.

#5 – Challenge Traditional Gender Roles. 
Beth Dutton throws away conventional gender expectations with her unapologetic boldness and unconventional approach to power.

Creating characters who challenge traditional roles can make them more interesting and inspiring.

Women are often expected to be pleasant and agreeable. Beth Dutton throws that expectation out the window.
She’s not afraid to be angry, ambitious, or ruthless when necessary. She redefines what it means to be a powerful woman on her own terms.

Another example is that Beth rejects many conventional norms associated with femininity. She is not concerned with being perceived as gentle or nurturing in the traditional sense. Her wardrobe choices of power suits and rugged outdoor attire reflect her rejection of stereotypical feminine presentation. Moreover, her language and demeanour are often blunt and abrasive, further defying traditional expectations of how women should behave.

#6 – Relationships Make the Character.
Another way Beth challenges traditional gender roles is that she’s not just a daughter or a love interest. She’s much more than that.

Her interactions with her family, especially with Rip Wheeler, add incredible depth to her personality. Strong relationships reveal different sides of a character and create opportunities for growth and conflict.

Beth’s romantic relationship with Rip Wheeler adds a significant emotional layer to her character. Their relationship is built on mutual respect, deep affection, and shared history.

In Season 3, their relationship is pivotal when Beth proposes to Rip, showing her vulnerability and desire for a stable, loving partnership. Rip’s unwavering support and understanding give Beth a sense of security and belonging. Their relationship shows Beth a softer, more vulnerable side, balancing her otherwise tough exterior.

#7 – Humor as a Shield. 
Beth’s sharp wit and sarcasm are often a defence mechanism. She uses humour to deflect from pain, but it can also be a way to connect with others.

We all use humour for different reasons, but for Beth, it’s a shield that protects her from vulnerability.

Here are several ways she is using it in the show:

Laughter as a Defence – When Beth confronts Jamie about his betrayal, her cutting remarks and sarcastic jabs keep him at arm’s length, preventing him from seeing her true emotions – a potent mix of anger and hurt. Humour, in this case, became a weapon to deflect her pain.

Finding Common Ground Through Wit – Despite her sharp tongue, Beth can use humour to disarm people and build connections. For example, her witty banter with Rip Wheeler creates a playful dynamic that strengthens their bond. Humour allows her to connect with others without fully letting down her guard.

The Dark Side of Humor – Sometimes, Beth’s humour can be cruel and hurtful. Her barbs can leave a sting, revealing the anger and pain simmering beneath the surface. This complexity makes her a more realistic character – funny and flawed at the same time.

Beth’s humour is a fascinating part of her personality. It’s a shield, a weapon, and a bridge. It reflects her pain, her intelligence, and her desire for connection. She shows us that humour can be a powerful tool for protection and connection.

In Conclusion – Beth Dutton is a fantastic example of how female characters can be complex, flawed, and utterly captivating. Let’s move beyond the “strong female character” label and celebrate the richness characters like Beth bring to our screens!

Now it’s YOUR turn – Can you think of other female characters in TV shows or movies who challenge traditional gender roles like Beth does? Share your favorites!

Would love to get your input in the comment box below.

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