Is Malian Of Night A Streetwise Heroine?
On Monday, I linked through to my February 1 feature post on the Supernatural Underground, Streetwise Heroines.
In the post, I talked about a few criteria that I feel determine a streetwise heroine, including that she:
- is either from the wrong side of the tracks or able to operate on that turf
- fulfills the 3 “S’s”: strong, savvy, and sassy
- is a little bit badass, as well — but with a heart that’s in the right place; and
- a fourth “S” — sexy — was rated as ‘desirable (possibly) but not essential’
So how does Malian, the heroine of my own Wall of Night series, rate against these criteria?
She’s not from the wrong side of the tracks — far from it: as Heir to the warrior House of Night, Malian is definitely an aristocrat. I feel though, that events in The Gathering Of The Lost (GATHERING) make it pretty clear that she is capable of operating on the wrong side of the tracks.
Malian is also strong and savvy, and although “sassy” may not be quite the right word for an epic fantasy world, she’s definitely assertive and has plenty of what was once called “sand” (i.e. nerve; courage)
In terms of “sexy” — well, she is a little young for that adjective in The Heir Of Night (HEIR) — and I will leave those who have read GATHERING to make up their own minds on that point.
A little bit badass — again, not so much in HEIR, but the element does creep in for GATHERING.
Is her heart in the right place: again, readers will have to make up their own minds, especially in GATHERING, but my feeling is that so far she is more on the side of the angels than not…
So overall, I do feel that Malian of Night has enough of the baseline attributes to qualify as a “streetwise heroine” — dissenting opinions, with reasons (but no spoilers!), welcome however. 😉
In the first novel…no, Malian is not streetwise.
By Gathering, though, she has skills and experience that make her a much more rounded figure.Perhaps more streetwise
Yes, although the box checking works for GATHERING I must admit to not being 100% sure Malian truly is a “streetwise heroine.” Perhaps I missed additional criteria, such as “wise-cracking”… 😉
Malian in the first book had a lot of help and some great fortune created by that help. One environment leads to a narrow focus of experience and skill set considering her path before her “abilities” come to light. Forward to the second book and Malian has been out in the world in multiple environments taking in a lot of aspects of each to further her skills, experience and broaden her outlook/approach. Isn’t that the core of streetwise? Taking in that which is around you and using it to propel you forward and further your goals is streetwise. Not being swallowed up by a monumental task that is set before you realizing if you fail the results for all would be disastrous. Doesn’t the aforementioned help define streetwise along with “strong, savvy and sassy”?
I think it does, adaptation is the life force of streetwise and Malian exhibits that at every turn once she left the wall.
I agree that adaptation is an important part of streetwise, but that could also apply in a more academic, say, or courtly situation, so perhaps it’s not exclusive to streetwise. I think to be streetwise these things have to be happening in the context of ‘the street’, which they do to a far greater extent in GATHERING — although it’s still not a “thieves’ kitchen” or “mean streets” experience, eg in the style of Locke Lamora, or when Kvothe is on the streets in “The Name Of The Wind.”
I’ve always considered the term “street-wise” as a current-day thing associated with urban living.
I’ve never thought of it as a term that could be applied in a more historical setting, but the general traits of being “street-wise” would still exists in any setting because it is basically a set of survival skills.
Malian is strong and savvy, and capable of looking after herself. This comes across very clearly in “Gathering”.
I don’t see Malian as “sassy”.
Thanks for your thoughts, June. I think it is possible to have a “streetwise” character in a medieval setting so long as there is a credible street culture created etc. But I think you’re right, “sassy” is not a terribly apposite adjective for Malian.