Can be from any kind of media.
For me it’s Margot from The Magicians (which is interesting because in the books she is anything but) and Jesse Faden from Control.
Ignoring the shit show that is Rings of Power, Galadriel, Luthien, Arwen, Eowyn, and Nienna.
Buffy. I was the right age (or maybe a bit too young) when it aired and it was the first female-led show that I fell in love with.
My girlfriend ):
Oof
Same :(
Mirko from the popular My Hero Academia anime/manga series.
She doesn’t take crap from anyone and fearlessly goes into battle.
Korra and Toph from Avatar, Tsunade and Sakura from Naruto
Hyacinth Bucket (ITS BOUQUET)
He might be a doormat, but she’d be utterly lost without Richard. As such, I can’t agree she’s entirely independent.
Adding to this, she’s also too concerned about what other people (her social betters not her family) think of her to be truly independent. She is strong, however.
Roberta “Bobbie” Draper from The Expanse was the first to jump into my head.
Avasarala is my pick
That’s funny. I also posted Naomi Nagata. While I like Chrisjen and Bobby more, I think Naomi wins for strong independent. General of the resistance, self-marooned insurgent, and the escape of the Chetzmoka.
Came here to say Avasarala.
Cara gee portraying as Camina Drummer.
I think expanse has good characters that work as strong women.
Not the first that comes to mind, but I have to add Nausicaa into the mix. She shows her strength through nothing but kindness and determination, without the need for violence or cold cruelty. A frightened critter bites her, and she endures the pain to keep soothing it without interruption. Ripley’s a badass, but she’d never be able to do that.
Leela from Futurama
Hermione Granger because I read so little fiction that this is the first woman (?) that comes to mind.
Xena Warrior Princess
Ellen Ripley. Under pressure she steps up and does what needs doing. Whether that means operating a loader, comforting a child or making monsters extinct.
Princess Cimorene from the Enchanted Forest Chronicles
Granny Weatherwax, Nanny Ogg, Tiffany Aching.
About half the cast of Fullmetal Alchemist (Olivier Mira Armstrong, Izumi Curtis, Riza Hawkeye, Winry and Pinako Rockbell, Lan Fan, Mai Chang, Chris Mustang… and I’m sure I’m missing some).
Oh, and friggin’ Chell, of course. Makes you almost feel sorry for GLaDOS.
Zoe, Inara, Kaylee, and River. Mic drop.