5 of TV's most inspiring female characters

They may be fictional but they still kick ass

TV, it’s our guilty pleasure. With so many amazing series on offer it’s about time we recognized the inspirational women of the shows we love.

Here are our top 5 most inspiring women of TV.

1. Lorelai Gilmore (Gilmore Girls)

“I love pudding. I worship it. I have a bowl up on the mantel at home with the Virgin Mary, a glass of wine, and a dollar bill next to it.”

Lorelai Gilmore is, in my opinion, the perfect woman. She moved out of her parents’ home at sixteen when she fell pregnant, because she wanted to follow her dreams and not settle for the easiest way to ‘deal’ with the situation. It wasn’t just tough on a domestic scale, but on a societal scale. She built a life for her child and herself, while being a single, teenage mother. Such a difficult situation can change a person, but Lorelai was strong enough to keep her vivid and optimistic nature alive. She is the most amazing mother a daughter could ask for, a great friend and, at times, the perfect daughter! When life hits you hard, if you deal with it as gracefully as Lorelai did you deserve a pat on the back!

2. Leslie Knope (Parks and Recreations)

“I’m a feminist, okay? I would never ever go to a strip club. I’ve gone on record that if I had to have a stripper’s name, it would be Equality.”

Three words come to mind when I think about Leslie – thoughtful, powerful and confident. She is one of the strongest women depicted in television history, and her energy and charisma never fails to inspire. Women in the workplace have faced many difficulties. Leslie Knope believes that even at your lowest, everything will look up if you follow your beliefs. Her strong beliefs and morals make her an ideal role model. She’s the best friend, the best leader, a remarkable wife, and one of the most amazing (fictional) people you’ll ever know!

3. Donna Noble (Doctor Who)

“I'll tell you something, Doctor. Something that I've never told you before: I think you're wrong.”

Of all the the Doctor’s companions, Donna Noble is the most inspiring. Being in your late thirties with no solid job prospect or love life can be hard, but not if you deal with it the Noble way! When she realised that she missed the chance of a lifetime by not travelling with the Doctor, she started investigating unexplained circumstances, such as the ‘disappearance of the bees’, on her own. Unlike other companions, Donna seldom needed saving. The Doctor even said, “She takes care of me.” Her character develops from an obnoxious, loud and bossy woman to become compassionate and kind, without losing herself. Oh and don’t forget that she’s the most important woman in the universe!

3. Daenerys Targaryen (Game of Thrones)

“All men must die, but we are not men."

From a frightened teenage girl sold to a warrior tribe to Khaleesi, mother of dragons, Daenerys has had a profound character development. She is compassionate and strong, knowing that the perfect Queen truly cares for people. When obstacles come her way, she knows how to fix them. Her strength, tenacity and self-assurance are inspiring qualities for women to relate to, making her an incredible role model. Plus she’s got dragons!

5. Peggy Olsen (Mad Men)

“I am the person you need to impress right now.”

Working in a male-dominated workplace can be hell, and Peggy Olsen serves as an inspiration to all professional women. The workaholic secretary-turned-copywriter breaks the stereotypes of the show’s setting. She breaks the gender norms of 1960s America as a shining example of women braving a male-dominated society. The hardships she faces with her overbearing Catholic family and often sexist male colleagues is commendable, in the era where women were expected to be home managing the family. Her passion for her work often strains her relationships but Peggy works on, becoming an unexpected icon for women in the corporate world!