Female Heroine Task

Imagine being a young girl in war-torn Afghanistan, living a life under the rule of the Taliban, with no freedom, where women are forced to cover themselves from head to foot.

The character I chose for my female heroine assignment was Parvana from the book of the same name by Deboarh Ellis.

Pictures of My Chosen Heroine:

The True Qualities of My Character:
Parvana:
- Challenging accepts conventions/social norms, irrespective of the consequences
- Helps others
- Is independent

Examples on How Parvana Shows Each of the Qualities Listed Above:
Parvana demonstrates her capable ability of challenging accepted conventions by risking her own life just to provide her family with food. She did this by cutting her long, beautiful hair and disguising herself as a boy so that she could move about her town freely although there are many consequences for Parvana if she makes a single mistake. Parvana, being the responsible heroine, stayed firmly where she was, she even went to work during the day and brought home her salary to support her family.

Helping others is another one of the most important qualities a female heroine must have. Parvana displays this criteria by rescueing a woman whom she found crying in the streets. She kindly gave the woman a share of her food and even invited her to her house although the woman was a stranger. Enduring the pain, the torture and the harsh environment was not easy for her. But despite her own worries she is still one who cares about another, stranger or friend.

Independence is a word that is used to describe someone who acts freely from external control. Parvana demonstrates her independence when she takes on her father’s responsibility of going to the market and selling goods to earn money for her family’s support.

Quote that Illustrates How Parvana Can Be Classified as a Female Heroine:
“Parvana whirled around to see a Taliban glaring at her, anger in his eyes and a stick in his hand. The soldier raised his arm and brought his stick down on Parvana’s shoulder” (p.57).


Parvana is truly one who is worthy of obtaining an honourable place in the Literary Heroines Hall of Fame. She has been through so much, yet she doesn’t let her guard down and displays so many heroic qualities. Beyond doubt she is the bravest, most independent and faithful person anyone has ever met. This is why Parvana deserves the respectable position of an honourable place in the Literary Heroines Hall of Fame.