Books

Mejores personajes femeninos de Shakespeare

Explore a ranking of the most influential and memorable female figures created by William Shakespeare. From ambitious queens to witty comedic heroines and tragic lovers, this list celebrates the depth and complexity of his characters. Discover which ones are audience favorites and why they remain relevant in contemporary literature and theatre. Participate to highlight the women who defined the Bard's work.

367100% verified
  1. 1

    Lady Macbeth

    367 Global Votes
    • Striking and powerful character

      (+3)

    Lady Macbeth is an iconic female character who subverts Jacobean gender expectations, displaying an ambition and ruthlessness that surpass her husband's. Her psychological manipulation and role as a catalyst for Macbeth's tragedy make her an unforgettable figure in literature. Her descent into madness, driven by a moral sense of guilt, adds a profound layer of complexity to her character.

  2. 2

    Beatrice

    0 Global Votes
    • Strong and independent character

      (+4)

    Beatrice stands out for her wit, independence, and ability to challenge the social norms of her era. Her "merry war" of words with Benedick and her emotional evolution make her a complex and fascinating female character in Shakespeare's work.

  3. 3

    Viola

    0 Global Votes
    • Loyal to Orsino

      (+4)

    Viola demonstrates remarkable intelligence, keen wit, and immense resourcefulness, allowing her to navigate complex circumstances while in disguise. Her unwavering loyalty to Duke Orsino, despite her own feelings, and her compassion establish her as a deeply human and admirable figure.

  4. 4

    Portia

    0 Global Votes
    • Quick-witted

      (+4)

    Portia stands out for her exceptional wit, independence, and legal acumen, making her one of Shakespeare's most complex and admired heroines. Her pivotal role in the courtroom scene, where she resolves the central conflict with her intelligence and persuasive abilities, underscores her strong character and capacity to overcome the constraints of her era.

  5. 5

    Cleopatra

    0 Global Votes
    • Highly attractive woman

      (+4)

    Cleopatra is a profoundly complex and multidimensional female character in Shakespeare's work, notable for her charisma, eroticism, and theatrical nature. Her inconsistency and ability to manipulate through her sexuality and pride make her an unforgettable figure who resists male dominance.

  6. All the rankings you can imagine

    Thousands of verified votes to discover the best. Your vote here counts

  7. 6

    Juliet

    0 Global Votes
    • Self-assured, loyal, and capable woman

      (+4)

    Juliet is an iconic Shakespearean female character, notable for her remarkable evolution from an innocent young girl to a strong, determined woman. Her intelligence, bravery, and resolve to master her own destiny make her a complex and profoundly influential figure in literature. Her character development stands as an early triumph of Shakespearean characterization.

  8. 7

    Cordelia

    0 Global Votes
    • Devotion, kindness, beauty, and honesty

      (+2)

    Cordelia embodies integrity, loyalty, and commitment to truth, refusing to partake in deception and maintaining her devotion to Lear despite his initial harshness. Her character represents the ideal of love and selflessness, standing out for her dignified judgment and behavior in a world of betrayal.

  9. 8

    Ophelia

    0 Global Votes
    • Intensely loyal

      (+3)

    Ophelia is a profoundly tragic and complex female character whose story explores the devastation of personal agency when faced with manipulation and abuse. Her evolution from obedience to madness and death offers a poignant critique of societal and patriarchal pressures in Shakespeare's era.

  10. 9

    Emilia

    0 Global Votes
    • Demonstrates feminist qualities

      (+4)

    Emilia stands out for her sharp perspective on women's vulnerability to marital abuse and her unwavering loyalty to Desdemona, defying the norms of her era. Her character offers a proto-feminist voice, revealing the truth and confronting injustice, making her a complex and essential figure in Shakespeare's work.

  11. 10

    Paulina

    0 Global Votes
    • Authoritative, upstanding, courageous, and highly moral

      (+4)

    Paulina is an exceptional female character due to her unwavering morality and courage in confronting King Leontes's tyranny. Her role is fundamental to the play's redemption, as she orchestrates the final reconciliation and Hermione's return, demonstrating unparalleled strength and determination.

  12. 11

    Desdemona

    0 Global Votes
    • Courageous in love

      (+4)

    Desdemona is a complex and multifaceted female character who defies the expectations of her era, displaying remarkable strength and spirit by marrying Othello. Her characterization deeply explores themes of innocence, loyalty, and the devastating consequences of jealousy and manipulation, resonating with audiences across centuries.

Frequently asked questions

This ranking evaluates the strength, complexity, and influence of female characters in Shakespeare's plays, highlighting how they challenged gender stereotypes of their time.
Users can participate by voting for their favorite female characters from the list. Your vote contributes to the overall ranking, reflecting community opinion.
The results reflect the community's popularity and recognition of these characters. They serve as a guide to explore the richness and depth of Shakespeare's female figures.
The ranking features a selection of notable female characters, such as Beatrice, Cleopatra, Rosalind, Portia, and Lady Macbeth, among others, who are recognized for their impact and complexity.

How we built this ranking and what to consider when choosing

Our methodology for ranking Shakespeare's female characters is based on cultural relevance and community perception, highlighting their lasting impact on literature and theatre.

  • Character relevance is considered based on their role in the plot and their ability to challenge societal norms of the time, such as Portia defying gender rules.
  • Characters exhibiting strong personality and independence, such as Beatrice or Cleopatra, who often defy masculine expectations, are highly valued.
  • Psychological complexity and character development throughout the play are key factors, reflecting the depth with which Shakespeare created them.
  • Community voting plays a crucial role, allowing public preferences to influence each character's position in the ranking.
  • The character must be a central figure or have a significant impact on the plot of a Shakespearean play.
  • Priority is given to characters who demonstrate strength, intelligence, or notable agency, challenging traditional female roles.
  • Character complexity and evolution throughout the narrative are essential for inclusion.
  • Characters must be recognized for their contribution to the play's themes or for their memorable stage presence.