10 Most Inspirational Period Drama Heroines

The best period dramas are captivating for their audience, transporting viewers successfully into another time period and world. Though many moving parts are responsible for the development of a historical setting, one of its most important are the leading characters who propel the story forward. Many female leads are some of the most compelling, following their dreams and defending their independence, despite dealing with unfair societal expectations.

Among these memorable leading ladies are characters like Jo March (Saoirse Ronan), from Greta Gerwig’s Little Women (2019), who stands by her dreams and becomes a published author, and Elizabeth Bennet (Keira Knightley), in the 2005 adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, who refuses to settle for less in love because of her family’s lower economic status. In the end, these women are inspirational to watch onscreen, standing out for their conviction and determination in a time and world when forces are working against them.

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10

Elizabeth Bennet – Keira Knightley

Pride & Prejudice (2005)

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One of the most popular period dramas is the 2009 remake of Jane Austen’s novel, Pride and Prejudice, one of its best adaptations. This story follows the Bennets, led by Elizabeth Bennet (Keira Knightley), a headstrong young woman who must navigate her place in Regency society. Head and heart complicate things when Elizabeth meets the wealthy and proud Mr. Darcy (Matthew MacFayden). It is no wonder that Pride and Prejudice is one of the most popular period drama films of the last few decades, because of its picturesque scenery, sweeping soundtrack, and heartfelt performances.

However, it is its leading heroine, Elizabeth Bennet, one of Keira Knightley’s best roles, who makes this particular adaptation so compelling. Knightley brings Jane Austen’s Elizabeth to life, armed with all of her trademark qualities: an independent spirit, a fiery personality and a big heart. Moments such as her refusal of Mr. Collins’ (Tom Hollander) proposal and Mr. Darcy’s first proposal, solidifies that Elizabeth is not willing to settle, no matter her station. Her defense of her family to several of the arrogant elites is equally a testament to her solid character.

9

Emma – Anya Taylor-Joy

Emma (2020)

Another Jane Austen heroine makes a fresh appearance in the 2020 adaptation of Emma. Directed by Autumn de Wilde, this version of the famous story features Anya Taylor-Joy as Emma, the selfish but well-meaning heiress in 1800s England. In the process of mingling with her friends’ love lives, Emma finds herself questioning her own.

Emma is an interesting character by Jane Austen, having many flaws and fallacies that are obvious to the viewer, especially at the beginning of the film. However, it is apparent that, despite her tendency to be egocentric and cold, at times, she had a big heart and strong aspirations. By the end, Emma deconstructs her own prejudices and conservative viewpoints, allowing both herself and her friends to follow their hearts. For example, Emma refuses a proposal from Mr. Elton (Josh O’Connor), despite his seemingly high societal standing.

8

Jo March – Saoirse Ronan

Little Women (2019)

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Another long-standing favorite female character in literature is Jo March, who Saoirse Ronan portrays in Greta Gerwig’s 2019 adaptation of the novel, Little Women. This film revolves around Jo and the fellow March sisters, as they grow together and navigate challenges as a family living in the 1800s in Massachusetts. Though there have been many wonderful adaptations prior to Gerwig’s, she chooses to push boundaries and explore themes of girlhood and identity.

Little Women Adaptations	Joe Actress
1933	Katharine Hepburn
1949	June Allyson
1994	See more : Who are Sonoya Mizuno Parents? Meet Hajime Mizuno And Saya Mizuno Winona Ryder
2018	Maya Hawke
2019	Saoirse Ronan

For her mouthpiece, Gerwig chooses none other than Jo March, the most outspoken and free-spirited of the sisters. Though each of Louisa May Alcott’s female characters are unique in their own right, Jo stands out for her commitment to her career aspirations of becoming a writer. Apart from her famous monologue about women being meant for more than love and romance, Jo’s modern beliefs are represented in her choice to study literature away from home, refusal of Laurie’s (Timothee Chalamet) proposal, and eventual publishing of her book.

7

Lucy Honeychurch – Helena Bonham Carter

A Room With A View (1985)

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In one of Helena Bonham Carter’s best movies, she starred as Lucy Honeychurch in the 1985 period piece, A Room With A View. In this peaceful and thought-provoking piece directed by James Ivory, Lucy’s traditional life is called into question after a brief romance with George Emerson (Julian Sands), a man she met in Florence. At home, she struggles to find satisfaction with her old life.

Though Lucy is lucky to have a fairly good relationship with her family and friends, unlike many heroines in other period pieces, she is still subject to the patronization of polite British society. Despite her quiet nature at the beginning of the film, Lucy is not to be underestimated, and she soon breaks out of her shell by the end when she chooses to pursue a life of travel and romance with George. Lucy’s decision to honor her passionate and excitable nature inspires audiences to do the same, even with the threat of public disapproval and scandal.

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Heloise – Adèle Haenel

Portrait Of A Lady On Fire (2019)

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One of the most recent period piece successes is Céline Sciamma’s film, Portrait of a Lady on Fire, a deeply profound and emotional journey about the forbidden love between a painter, Marianne (Noémie Merlant) and her subject, Héloïse (Adèle Haenel), set on an island off of Brittany. Their romance makes the pair both consider their roles in society.

The sign that Héloïse leaves for Marianne is in a portrait that is made of her and her child, and hung in a museum that Marianne visits. In the painting, she holds a book open to page 28, which holds a nude sketch of her drawn by Marianne during their affair.

Both female leads are equally interesting to watch onscreen, but Héloïse transforms Marianne through her rebellious nature and refusal to submit to traditional societal norms. For example, Héloïse fights to take walks alone, without Marianne as a chaperon, and doesn’t wish to have her portrait painted, in protest of her arranged marriage. In the end, though, she cannot escape her fate, but chooses never to betray her free-spirited nature, evidenced in her final message to Marianne years later at the end of Portrait of a Lady on Fire.

5

Georgiana – Keira Knightley

The Duchess (2008)

The real-life figure of Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire, is chronicled in Saul Dibb’s famous period piece, The Duchess. This heartbreaking window into the real-life Duchess’ life, chronicles her challenges with love, friendship, parenthood, and money. The film’s portrayal of the infamous historical figure is definitely one of Keira Knightley’s best roles.

In history, Georgiana is generally misunderstood as a vapid, erratic socialite with an addiction to gambling and drama. The Duchess refutes this image, showing that she is a free-thinker, independent, and follows her heart. Many of Georgiana’s struggles result because she actively protests and questions her restricted lifestyle and loveless marriage. For example, Georgiana fights to remain with her lover, Charles Grey (Dominic Cooper), and works as a political and social organizer among other elites, forming her own identity apart from her domestic role.

4

Dido Elizabeth – Gugu Mbatha-Raw

Belle (2013)

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Another famous historical heroine is featured in the 2013 film, Belle. This period piece tells the fascinating true story of Dido Elizabeth, who Gugu Mbatha-Raw portrays in one of her best roles, an 18th-century aristocrat in England, whose mixed-race identity complicated her unusual station in society. Along the way, love, friendship, and loyalty are put to the test by her delicate position. Belle is a difficult watch, at times, as Dido faces a series of racist and hateful attacks.

Despite public disapproval from even her own adopted family, Dido chooses not to let her vulnerable position define her or limit her choices. For example, though Dido is engaged to a man of elite standing, ensuring stability for herself in society, she chooses a life of love with a man below her who values her for who she is naturally. Beyond this, Dido becomes involved in the abolitionist movement in England and champions her rights. She even maintains a healthy relationship with her European half-sister, encapsulated in the famous painting of the two women which made Dido’s story famous.

3

Mollie Burkhart – Lily Gladstone

Killers Of The Flower Moon (2023)

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In this 2023 Oscar-nominated film, Lily Gladstone does an impressive job in her breakout role as Mollie Burkhart, the heart of Killers of the Flower Moon, and a member of the Osage Nation and the real-life wife of Ernst Burkhart (Leonardo DiCaprio), a man whose family was involved in the murder of the Osage Native American population so that they could own the land which was rich in oil.

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This true story makes Killers of the Flower Moon another heartbreaking watch, but Mollie’s ultimate triumph offers a bit of hope, and retribution for her sufferings at the hands of her husband. Mollie demonstrates her strength in a variety of ways, from her fierce commitment to her family, to questioning the social systems in Osage. Though Mollie is unaware of her husband’s acts for much of the film, she is far from a fool, remaining suspicious of his family’s motives. In the end, she leaves Ernst despite his pleas for forgiveness, valuing her independence and self-respect.

2

Catherine Earnshaw – Kaya Scodelario

Wuthering Heights (2011)

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Many Wuthering Heights adaptations have been made of Emily Brontë’s famous novel. However, few have been able to successfully capture the tempestuous relationships of its leads, Catherine (Kaya Scodelario) and Heathcliff (James Howson). In this version of the story, Catherine’s tragic romance with her foster brother is explored in detail, from their initial meeting as children, to her eventual death.

Catherine is one of the most complex female heroines to come out of literature from the Regency period, so it’s no surprise that she remains so in Kaya’s version of the iconic heroine. Though Catherine is often written off as over-emotional and difficult, her bold personality and fiery nature are a result of the restrictions which have been placed on her. Though Catherine marries and has a child, she longs and fights for freedom of will and heart until her death. Because of her refusal to adopt a traditional mentality, she solidifies herself as an example of a modern thinker.

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Celie – Whoopi Goldberg

The Color Purple (1985)

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Steven Spielberg’s The Color Purple is a heartbreaking story about Celie (Whoopi Goldberg), an African-American woman living in the early 1900s South. The film follows Celie and her sister, Nettie (Akosua Busia), as they grow up in separate environments, navigating racism and abuse, but also finding a support system made of women who will change one another’s lives for the better.

Whoopi Goldberg’s performance as Celie is a triumph, and she demonstrated Celie’s growth into a confident and self-sufficient woman over 40 years. Though Celie begins life with little to no control over the terrible things that occur within her family, she breaks away from the toxicities of domestic life in the end, when she leaves her husband, Mr. Avery (Danny Glover). Beyond this, Celie manages to bring her sister home, and save other women from abuse and neglect. In fact, Celie manages to open her own seamstress business, and employ her female friends so they benefit as well.

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