Character Breakdown: Katniss Everdeen from The Hunger Games
Katniss is the YA heroine of all YA heroines. She's the character everyone wants to be like and that everyone has written a character based off of. In the ten years since the book came out, people still love her and are inspired by her. That's why today I thought she'd make a great character to take a look at to see if we can find out why.
Spoilers for the Hunger Games ahead.
Personality
• Tough. Katniss has grown up in a hard world. In her district, it's all most people can do to survive. And yet, after her father is killed, Katniss manages to become the breadwinner for her family through her illegal hunting. Later on, she shows her toughness in surviving two more Hunger Games and making it through a war, despite all odds.
• Unashamedly herself. One thing you can't get Katniss to do is be what you want her to be. She's very, very good at being herself and nothing else. While that can be a flaw at times, it's also what endears her to the whole of the country. It's not even an intentional decision most of the time. She just is.
• Survivor. She won the Hunger Games. She survived the Quarter Quell. She went through training to join the resistance army. She made it through the capital. She does whatever it takes. If there's one thing Katniss does, it's survive.
Virtues
• Clever. Many times Katniss has shown herself to be smarter than you might think. While she has a tendency to be stuck on the small picture stuff, she can be quite observant. She realizes what Beetee was doing in Quarter Quell. She figured out why the Capital kept Peeta. When she takes time to think, she can be quite smart.
• Protective. Protecting her sister is what got her into this mess in the first place, setting everything in motion. She protects her family before the games even start, and does her best to protect Peeta and Rue during it. She may claim not to like people, but if she decides that you deserve protection, she will never stop.
Flaws
• Stubborn. This is another one of her traits that can also be a virtue, but most of the time it hinders her. She gets so stuck in her ways that she doesn't realize that others might have a good idea. She doesn't like changing her opinion or her course.
• Untrusting. Growing up the way she did, plus being picked for the Hunger Games, makes Katniss unable to trust easily. She pushes people away and uses her words to hurt them. Even the people she needs for allies she doesn't always trust.
• Hard. When Katniss chooses to be, she can be as cold as ice and hard a rock. It's one of her defense mechanisms. She doesn't let a lot of people in to see the softer girl underneath.
Skills
• Hunting. Her father first taught her how to hunt, not know that it would someday save her and her family's lives. She's very good at being quiet and patient, so the animals don't know she's there. With her hunting skill, she kept food on her family's table.
• Archery. Her father also taught her how to use a bow and arrow, but I don't think he knew that she would become such a phenomenal archer. Her archery skills saved her life in the arena and many other times throughout the books. While an unconventional weapon for close up fighting, she has great skill.
• Inspirational. She never tries to be a leader or an inspiration, but the way she acts does just that. The actions of a scared girl trying to survive the arena is what made her a national icon. Somehow, the people could sense that spark inside her and it gave them strength to rise up.
What Makes Her Interesting
• Her determination. Katniss is a fighter and survivor, and determined to stay that way. No matter what obstacle is thrown at her throughout the books, she does her best to conquer it. The scariest part of the books (to me) is after Prim dies and Katniss does give up. And I think that's why people are so attracted to her. Because she has this unending fire burning in her and we can sense that.
• Her kindness. She may not be the first person you think of when you think kind, but it is in her. It's the little things that she does that gives it away. Teaming up with Rue, and eventually decorating her body. Sticking by Peeta. Talking to the kids. Not wanting unnecessary death. It's another thing that endears her to people.
What's one thing you love about Katniss? What do you think makes her such a powerful character? Tell me in the comments.
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