5 Character’s Who Took Charge Of Their Destiny

Leadership can be explored in a variety of ways, ‘Lord of the Flies’ is based on that concept. However, one of the most captivating ways to present a leader is by having them challenge the status quo and take charge of their own destiny. We’ve gathered a list of five characters who took charge of their own destiny in different ways to show you the different ways this particular leadership trait can be represented:

• Katniss Everdeen: this teenage girl gained her heroine status when she volunteered for the 74th annual Hunger Games to save her younger sister. Although people tend to fixate on the ‘love triangle’ they forget that what made Katniss a leader that triggered the rebellion against the Capitol was her love for her sister. She never wanted any fame or to be brave, in fact, she was actually terrified, she volunteered as a tribute with the sole purpose of protecting her sister Prym.
• Amy Dunne: definitely not as positive as Katniss. Amy Dunne is more of a villainess than a heroine in Gone Girl, but she makes this list because of her incredibly clever, cunning and quite evil way to take charge of her own destiny. After giving up her life and money to move across the country with her husband when he decides to, only to discover him cheating on her with a younger college student, Amy decides to execute the ultimate revenge plan. It’s dark, twisted, calculating and executed perfectly to the point where Amy got her ‘happy ending’. A very interesting perspective of taking charge of your own life.
• Snowman: this particular character is, in fact, a horse, that really existed and whose story inspired an entire country. Purchased for only eighty dollars its owner didn’t expect much from Snowman and even gave him up in order to later purchase a competing horse. However, Snowman took charge of his future by not only finding his way back to his owner but by actually being a successful competing horse that captured America’s heart.
• Jordan Belfort: slightly controversial to include him on this list, firstly because he’s not a character, and secondly because most of his actions were illegal. However, you can’t argue that his ‘I’ll get whatever I want no matter what it takes’ approach is what made him a very captivating leader. His ability to analyze a situation and use the circumstances to his advantage to take charge of his destiny is exactly why he deserves to be on this list.
• Lizzie Bennet: determined, educated, smart, clever and not willing to settle for anything less than she deserves. Jane Austen’s heroine has been an icon for women everywhere for refusing the status quo and shutting down marriage proposals, choosing to only marry out of love. Something she achieves in the end after many obstacles, proving the importance of taking charge of your own life.

Of course, there are many other characters who have deemed themselves leaders of their stories, but it’s important to know that it can come in many shapes and forms. If you want to read some of these books mentioned, or explore others, go check out our online library www.mybymedia.com.