May 2026
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    Hi Reddit! Could you please recommend some books with a "monstrous" FMC that has strong characterization or a strong character arc?

    Examples of characters I love that mostly fit this trope:

    • Blue Eye Samurai (TV show) – Mizu and to a lesser degree Akemi too by the end of season 1
    • Nimona (Movie) – Nimona
    • Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Re-Evolution (Comic) – Yi, Moja and to a lesser degree Granny April
    • Lady Killer (Comic by Joëlle Jones) – Josie Schuller
    • Shadows for Silence in the Forests of Hell (Book by Brandon Sanderson) – In this book there are zombie-ghost-like monsters that kill mindlessly all except for one that is implied to still have some of her memories? Humanity? Morals? I don't know what's going on, but I'm loving it!
    • Mistborn (Book by Brandon Sanderson) – Kelsier

    Things I love:

    • A MC that is ostracized or seen as a monster for some reason. (eg. They look like a literal monster, they have strange or scary powers, their moral code or beliefs are abnormal, they come off as cold, do things that make others uncomfortable, or it can be a silly reason like xenophobia)
    • The MC has long since stopped trying to fit in and instead walks to the beat of their own drum. (eg. On a self-imposed quest, doing what only they perceive to be morally righteous.)
    • A strong character arc and / or strong characterization, but the book doesn't need to be character driven.
    • A fantastical setting (eg. fantasy, horror, sci-fi). I just don't gel with historical fiction and read little fiction.

    Things I prefer:

    • The monstrous character to be female.
    • There to be some ambiguity surrounding their "humanity". (eg. Their actions appear evil at first, but we later learn that they're making hard sacrifices for a greater good. Are they really a heartless monster or are they just misunderstood?)

    Things I'm indifferent to:

    • Romance or explicit content.
    • If the monstrous MC is redeemed or eventually accepted by others.
    • The medium – book, fanfic, TV shows, movies, comics are all welcome! Though I'm less interested in Manga & Anime.

    These types of stories really resonate and stick with me, and I'd love to hear your recommendations to find more!

    by _ratchette

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    2 Comments

    1. dalidellama on

      *Greenteeth* is about Jenny Greenteeth (anthropophagous water spirit)
      I forger the author

    2. Maybe “Graceling” by Kristin Cashore? It has a lot of romance in it so not sure if it’s exactly what you’re looking for.

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