Within my childhood, I saw cinematic roles change between both sexes. In modern society, women have come a long way, generally being displayed as free and equal members of society. Women are now being featured more in television and film. As a moviegoer and fan of many shows, seeing female heroes has become one of my favorite aspects of film because I am able to see more variation when it comes to gender.

Particularly the way women are now being portrayed is quite fascinating. People may be used to seeing male heroes, but heroines are on the rise. Women are now being given roles other than the expected ones. Roles that have more depth. In the book, "Heroines of Film and Television: Portrayals in Popular Culture" Avery (2014) states, “As portrayals of heroic women gain ground in film, television, and other media, their depictions are breaking free of females as versions of male heroes or simple stereotypes of acutely weak or overly strong women."These complicated characters make viewers think past the perception of expectation and deeper into the equal decision-making process of an actual human being.

Heroines are capable of determining and creating justice or security for the greater good. Published by the New York Times, Sugar, Spice and Guts, A.O. Scott and Manhole Dargis (2015) claim, “Characters like Katniss Everdeen are changing girlhood and challenging tired stereotypes by not waiting for some guy to save the day: They’re saving themselves and their worlds, too. Yet Katniss, her screen sisters and the industry have a very long way to go." Heroines carry on the same role as the opposite sex. They are often left with the burden carried out by theirleadership.

Often both female and male characters are led down this decision-making path and question their own humanity. It often seems as if a hero’s role comes with the burden of selflessness. I like that I can still feel for the female who carries this burden and not look at it any other way. It is not weird, awkward or falsely done. When these emotions are occurring on screen, the imagination and depth take over in the hearts of audiences who can visualize it. In a nontraditional sense, women can make a big difference in both the magical, fictionalized world as well as the real, tangible one we live in by staying within the universal scope of themed values we live by. Female characters are as strong, courageous, honorable and lovable as any male, creating substance and meaning within their fictional world.