A heroine is a female hero: a girl or woman admired for her courage, noble qualities, or remarkable achievements. When Harriet Tubman risked her life repeatedly to lead enslaved people to freedom, she became an American heroine. When Marie Curie persisted through years of difficult experiments to discover radium, she became a heroine of science.

The word also refers to the main female character in a story, especially one who drives the action forward through brave or admirable choices. Scout Finch is the heroine of To Kill a Mockingbird, Meg Murry is the heroine of A Wrinkle in Time, and Dorothy is the heroine of The Wizard of Oz.

A heroine doesn't have to be perfect. What makes someone a heroine is standing up for what's right when it's difficult, showing extraordinary courage in challenging situations, or achieving something important despite obstacles. A girl who speaks up against bullying even when it's scary, or who works tirelessly to master a difficult skill, shows heroic qualities.