What Does "Strong" Mean?

I got an interesting discussion question and I'm curious as to what your guys opinions are. (I'll be posting this on tumblr too, be warned.)

A while ago, I was watching an anime reviewer and he was asked if he could recommend some anime that have strong female characters and he said "Well, there aren't a lot of strong female characters in anime." That caused a spit take for me. Wait, what is he talking about? A few dozen instantly came into my head when I heard the question, Lina Inverse, Holo from Spice and Wolf, Chidori from Full Metal Panic!, etc. (And yes, I know this reviewer has seen these anime)

However, when the reviewer recommended Black Lagoon it occurred to me that perhaps his definition of "strong female character" is a female character that can hold her own her own in a fight. (I haven't seen Black Lagoon but I know enough that it is a violent anime with lots of fighting.)

Okay, sure that's fine, but it got me thinking. What does being a strong female character actually mean? Because I can list quite a few strong female characters that aren't the bossy others around and punching everyone they see. There are plenty of quiet, and very feminine characters that I would define to be very strong.

Ahiru from Princess Tutu, Rarity and Twilight from My Little Pony, Estelle from Tales of Vesperia, Aya from the Green Lantern series etc.

To me, a strong female character, means a female character that she isn't just talking about boys and romance problems and she isn't there to be rescued and become the main love interest for the male hero. She has her own unique personality, doesn't need to be saved constantly and can help out the story/characters in her own way, whether it's fighting, healing or just making sure the other characters aren't doing anything foolish.

Sure she may need some help or advice along the way, everyone one does that normal, but to me a strong female character can hold her own ground and make her own decisions despite whatever weakness she has.

So, I'm curious. What do you guys think defines "a strong female character?"

What Does "Strong" Mean?

I got an interesting discussion question and I'm curious as to what your guys opinions are. (I'll be posting this on tumblr too, be warned.)

A while ago, I was watching an anime reviewer and he was asked if he could recommend some anime that have strong female characters and he said "Well, there aren't a lot of strong female characters in anime." That caused a spit take for me. Wait, what is he talking about? A few dozen instantly came into my head when I heard the question, Lina Inverse, Holo from Spice and Wolf, Chidori from Full Metal Panic!, etc. (And yes, I know this reviewer has seen these anime)

However, when the reviewer recommended Black Lagoon it occurred to me that perhaps his definition of "strong female character" is a female character that can hold her own her own in a fight. (I haven't seen Black Lagoon but I know enough that it is a violent anime with lots of fighting.)

Okay, sure that's fine, but it got me thinking. What does being a strong female character actually mean? Because I can list quite a few strong female characters that aren't the bossy others around and punching everyone they see. There are plenty of quiet, and very feminine characters that I would define to be very strong.

Ahiru from Princess Tutu, Rarity and Twilight from My Little Pony, Estelle from Tales of Vesperia, Aya from the Green Lantern series etc.

To me, a strong female character, means a female character that she isn't just talking about boys and romance problems and she isn't there to be rescued and become the main love interest for the male hero. She has her own unique personality, doesn't need to be saved constantly and can help out the story/characters in her own way, whether it's fighting, healing or just making sure the other characters aren't doing anything foolish.

Sure she may need some help or advice along the way, everyone one does that normal, but to me a strong female character can hold her own ground and make her own decisions despite whatever weakness she has.

So, I'm curious. What do you guys think defines "a strong female character?"