Comments on: Nice Girls Finish First

By: Josie

Josie — Tue, 28 Jun 2005 23:56:22 +0000

Fantastic column! I love chivalry – even the word is beautiful to me! I like reading about the nice girl who finishes first. I also love to read books about the tough girl who can fight her own battles.

I believe that quote is from the movie “Death on the Nile” and it was Maggie Smith talking to Mia Farrow. I’m crazy about old movies.

By: Anne E.

Anne E. — Mon, 27 Jun 2005 10:59:40 +0000

As long as nice doesn’t equate with bland and boring, I’m with you! I wish I could remember the movie that the following quote came from, as it is unfortunately all too common in both real life and in far too many books: a young woman was lamenting that she hadn’t been very nice to a young man whom she liked, and an older woman said rather bitterly, “Don’t worry. Men don’t have much regard for women who treat them well.” I feel that kick-ass heroines have their place, but so do the nice girls, who sometimes do win out in the end: I’m thinking particularly of Agnes in “David Copperfield,” who was the consumate nice girl, who finally achieved her heart’s desire and married David, whom she had loved since girlhood.

By: Pat Kirby

Pat Kirby — Sun, 26 Jun 2005 19:48:47 +0000

I’m torn. Sort of agree and then, not so much.

I enjoy a story where the hero rides to the rescue after the heroine has made some sort of attempt to extricate herself from the delemma. There’s nothing wrong with asking for [and taking] help when you need it.

What I dislike, however, is the Disney Cinderella, who is rewarded with the Prince and magic coach for no apparent reason other than her innate goodness. Frankly, I think it sends the erroneous message that if you are pretty and “nice” enough, everything will always work out. (I have read and seen other versions of Cinderella where her character is better developed and interesting.)

OTOH, while I think a girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do, I don’t like the trend where (I’m thinking about a couple of series) the author mistakes kick-a__ for utterly without scrupples, feel no empathy, kill ‘em all mentality. I think one our greatest strengths as women is our innate emphathy and compassion.

Basically, my ideal heroine is smart, tough, and reasonable enough to recognize that she’s outgunned and needs a little help.

By: Cindy Cruciger

Cindy Cruciger — Sun, 26 Jun 2005 16:46:20 +0000

Cindy wrote: “Nice is a tough one to pull off in a novel and keep it interesting.” I agree. Absolutely. It is a challenge. But when it’s done and done well, what an exciting and satisfying read!

I was just think that same thing but related to the last Survivor. The good guy won! For the first time ever I think I didn't feel icky watching a reality show.

By: Beth Ciotta

Beth Ciotta — Sun, 26 Jun 2005 14:49:19 +0000

Monopoly board! Love it, Mechele!

By: Mechele Armstrong

Mechele Armstrong — Sun, 26 Jun 2005 14:38:36 +0000

Great post. I’m a nice girl . I like reading them and I think most of my heroines will have at least some of that. LOL I love your frying pan example. I had a “nice girl” use a monopoly board LOL.

By: Beth Ciotta

Beth Ciotta — Sun, 26 Jun 2005 12:33:01 +0000

Just wanted to thank everyone who chimed in. I enjoyed reading your feedback! Have a great Sunday!

By: Jordan Summers

Jordan Summers — Sun, 26 Jun 2005 06:31:28 +0000

You are a nice girl. Nothing wrong with that in real life or in fiction.:grin:

By: Alyssa

Alyssa — Sun, 26 Jun 2005 03:12:56 +0000

This is a great column! I enjoy kickass heroines, but I don’t always relate to them. I’m definitely one of those people who comes up with a perfect comeback long after it will make any difference. So I love reading about nice, strong heroines.

Alyssa

By: Allison Brennan

Allison Brennan — Sun, 26 Jun 2005 01:03:06 +0000

Great article, Beth. It reminds me that the best kick-butt heroines have a soft side, too.