Taryn Bradley
The Woman of Twilight
The Twilight series is one of the
most popular books of the decade. Something about vampires, werewolves, and
love intrigues a book and movie lovers mind. Not only is the series about
mystical creatures but a girl developing through each book. Bella, the main
character is quiet, shy, awkward and a bit cold. She kept to herself throughout
her first year at a new school. Several boys drooled over her like a shiny new
toy but she was only interested in one boy, Edward Cullen. A quietly gorgeous
vegetarian vampire that cannot keep him
himself away from Bella. Through each book they fall deeply in love and
end up married with a child, while the Volturi (rulers/most powerful vampires
in the world) is on their heels.
This
shy naïve girl transforms to a gorgeous women. Not only was this a physical
change though, her personality played a big part in this development. She
became strong; ready to knock anyone down that got in her way and a little more
fun to be around. For example in the
first book (Twilight) Bella was silly enough to fall for the tricks of a
ruthless vampire, meeting him at a ballet studio across the street from her old
home. By the end of the series Bella has become more sharp about her actions
and can put things together that others intend for her and only her to know. Such as, in Breaking dawn she is able to read
the clues Alice has left for her. Bella learns why Alice left and what she
needs to do to keep her family safe. Bella is now able to think before she
makes decisions that might affect the people around her and learns to defend
herself.
Although
Bella changes in a big way she has had someone to influence that change. Her
vampire husband Edward. Which I would consider her catalyst. Without his love
she would have never encountered vampires or even turned in to one. She would
stay that innocent, painfully awkward girl tripping in to each day unnoticed, except
for the few gratifying boys at school. He has changed her life for basically
eternity.
Just
like in the Hunger Games series a boy changes the girl. Katniss is a stiff,
serious, emotionless, down to business girl. She goes in to the annual live
killing fixture referred to as, the hunger games. Two people from each district
(1-12, 1 being the wealthiest and 12 being the most poor) between the ages of
12 and 18 get thrown in to a vast piece of land, locked in until everyone
brutally murders each other. Once one lone tribute stands they win the games
and never working another day in he or she’s life. Both Katniss and Peeta were
chosen to be tributes in the Hunger games. Both realizing they’ve come to the
probability of death. But Peeta gives Katniss a reason to live and teaches her
to love again. Just like Edward, being her catalyst. So once she returns home
as a victor along the side of Peeta she finds herself stuck between her two
loves, Peeta or Gale (childhood friend). Similar to Bella with Jacob and
Edward. Katniss finally starts to live
again and become more bubbly and outgoing, as did Bella after her falling for
Edward.
As you
can see character development play a large part in the plot of every book. A
small character can easily influence and be the catalyst of a strong
independent women. For some it just takes a little love.
