WHAT DO WOMEN SPEAK ABOUT: NARRATIVES OF FEMALE CHARACTERS IN MAINSTREAM CINEMA

The paper focuses on the language of female characters in top thirty box office films with a leading character (1999–2023). research applies narrative analysis to turns heroines account for their archetypal representation. proposes view popular large audiences around globe and presents typology widely recognizable narratives. received framework reflects contemporary vision image role society. study employs Jung’s idea archetype as repetitive collective unconscious. Each is governed by several constant motivations needs, defining characters’ (verbal) behavior. Maslow’s hierarchy human needs serves basis delineation archetypes. moral valence each depends upon satisfaction her aspirations. Recognized met wants predetermine protagonist/heroic archetypes, while thwarted bring about antagonist/villainous based Schmidt’s forty-five master characters. Among overwhelming majority traditional images Nurturer Matriarch there appear representatives Female Messiah, Father’s Daughter, Amazon, respectively, pursuing goals improving society finding self-identity independence.