This document discusses the representation of female characters in film and video games. It notes that historically, female characters have often been portrayed through gender stereotypes as weak, emotional, and dependent on men. However, there has been a rise in strong female hero characters that blend traditionally masculine and feminine traits. As media becomes more participatory, audiences now have more opportunities to help shape representations and identities in games and virtual worlds.

1. A discussion of the rise of the female hero character with a focus on film & video games. Joanna Robinson

3. Representations are an Ideologically inscribed form of [powerful] discourse. Kellner & Durham (2001). Social construction of gender (& race & sexuality) – the media as social institution 'Nature versus nurture' & 'Images of women' debate in cultural studies, film studies, sociology and psychology – these images serve as heroes and R ole models. Female characters for women and male for men. There is a history of problematic gendered representations in popular culture They may reproduce various inequalities and beliefs/ideas/ideologies, that negatively impact women and discourage their participation Video games introduce women to technology. Increasingly women play anyhow, but there is a large 'forgotten' audience that is not being catered to!

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35. * A variety of representations...