5 Strong Female Characters on TV to Admire

Strong females make great role models in real life, and they do on TV, as well. A 2012 Journal of Communication study found positive depictions of independent females on television challenged negative stereotypes viewers may have of women. Female characters with confident qualities not only help change perceptions but also show ladies positive characteristics to emulate and can inspire any viewer to devote time to self-improvement. Here are five leading ladies, who can be found on cable packages such as those from www.GetDirectTV.org, to be admired.

Daenerys Targaryen of 'Game of Thrones'

1.) Daenerys Targaryen has arguably overcome more struggles, with more courage, than any other female character on “Game of Thrones.” She originally enters the show with nothing, as a weak person who is forced to marry a savage warrior. Through her marriage and the loss of her husband and unborn son, Daenerys comes into her own as a confident queen and a dignified defender of what is right. She is afraid of no man's power, and she's not afraid to hatch her own dragons or eat an uncooked horse heart, either. Daenerys inspires viewers to keep persevering no matter what hardships they face.

Emily Thorne of 'Revenge'

2.) Emily Thorne buys a house in the Hamptons, next to one of the most powerful families in the area: the Graysons. It's revealed that Emily is really Amanda Clarke, whose father was framed by the Graysons, for a crime he didn't commit, sent to prison and murdered in prison. After years of being separated from her father and hearing that he was a terrorist, Amanda learns the truth and wants to get revenge on those who wronged her and her father. She learns martial arts and combat techniques, then heads back to where her nightmare began. There are no limits to what she will do: murder, spy, and even marry the wealthy son of her archenemies. While ladies shouldn't be encouraged to break the law because of Emily's actions, there's plenty to be gleaned from her independent nature and determination.

ABC Wednesdays this fall at 9 p.m.

Bernadette of 'The Big Bang Theory'

3.) Bernadette has a Ph.D and is a very well-paid microbiologist who knows just how to keep her man where she wants him — she says it as it is. She asks for, and then takes, what she wants and feels no guilt about doing it. Besides living out her own dreams of higher education, she inspires her husband to follow his dreams, as well, even when that means blasting off into space. Bernadette is a great example of how being intelligent and standing up for what you believe in is sexy.

CBS Thursdays this fall at 8 p.m.

Michonne of 'The Walking Dead'

4.) When the zombie apocalypse arrives, it's time to fend for you, and Michonne is one lady in “The Walking Dead” who has one of the best chances to survive. She has no problem removing mouths and arms off zombies to use as camouflage as she roams the countryside, and she'd rather fight than flee when it comes to danger. With her background in sword fighting and martial arts, and as a leader of an elite ninja group, Michonne is more than a woman: she is a lethal weapon. Michonne is a living example that there is nothing to fear but fear itself.

Returns to AMC Oct 14

Elizabeth Jennings of 'The Americans'

5.) Elizabeth is fully dedicated to Mother Russia, choosing to die rather than reveal her secrets as an undercover KGB in America. Elizabeth will gun down her enemy whenever and wherever she needs to without hesitation. She is dedicated to her children, and anyone who messes with them better be ready to take on a fiery lady. Even though she has one of the most difficult jobs in the world, Elizabeth pays perfect attention to detail and is one women whose work ethic is to be admired.

FX Wednesdays this fall at 9 p.m.

Who is your favorite strong female on the TV screen? Tell me in the comments.