History Analysis / ActionGirl

* While the above is true, it is also not the whole story. One should not mistake things that are true on average to mean that the same is also true in every particular instance. There is considerable variation in relevant genes and levels of hormones in individual men and individual women, such that some individuals will be stronger or weaker (or taller, or faster) than the average for their sex, and may in fact be equal to or better than average individuals of the opposite sex at a certain task. An individual might also have a unique combination of traits that are considered masculine or feminine, such as spatial reasoning or empathy, depending on their exposure to various hormones during different stages of development in the womb. Therefore you may have a macho male boxer who is unusually good at recognizing subtle emotions in faces, or a woman who is better at mechanical tasks or crane games than most men. It is also important not to underestimate the role of training in reaching one's potential. It may be that an adult can't make themselves taller through exercise[[note]]Kids with a growth deficiency need to be given artificial hormones during puberty to induce a growth spurt[[/note]], but it is possible for women to become muscular. There are enough female powerlifters, bodybuilders, and MMA fighters to show that this can be done: it usually takes more effort to gain similarly large muscle mass, and it is very difficult to approach top male athletes' records without resorting to doping, but if these women are at least stronger than most men who ''don't'' qualify for the Olympics (and even some who do), then that surely makes them Action Girl material. Therefore, what is unrealistic about said videogames and movies is not that they depict females who are as capable at such traditionally masculine activities as men, but rather that they show them being able to do those things while having the kind of waif-like bodies typical for supermodels instead of what female athletes actually look like. This is compounded by having them wear impractical outfits like CombatStilettos or {{Stripperific}} armor, and SheFu fighting styles that would not hold up in real combat, instead of sensible gear and fighting styles that prioritize function over appearance.

* The most disadvantageous kind of combat for an average woman fighting an average man--or a smaller man against a bigger man--would probably be an unarmed and unarmored fight decided by striking and/or wrestling. For example, it is harder for a small fighter to throw a larger one, and it is more difficult for a short person to land a good punch on a tall person's head. A bigger and more muscular person can strike with greater force, while also being able to endure more hits due to their extra muscle and fat. The good news for women (and for smaller men) is that technique can greatly tip the balance. The saying that Judo is about turning an opponent's strength against him is true of all wrestling, and the mechanical advantage provided by a proper throwing posture or submission hold is hard to resist using brute strength: bone is stronger than muscle. If one fighter is significantly more skilled than the other, that will probably be more of a factor than a moderate difference in weight. That being said, it is inadvisable to take on an opponent who is several weight classes above you. Some size differences are simply too great. A small person has more to lose than the larger one if they make just one slip up, or if chance and the environment thwart their plans.

* It's also been said that the more rules a fight has, the greater the advantage the man has. A woman has much less of a chance to win a formal boxing match against a man than if the same man and woman were in a street fight where she can do things like {{Groin Attack}}s, eye gouging, and grabbing items to use as weapons.

* Meelee combat with weapons but no armor may be less disadvantageous than unarmed combat for a smaller fighter. If both parties have edged or pointed weapons with similar weight and reach, then the differences in their capabilities will be vastly leveled. It does not take much strength at all to fatally cut or stab an unarmored person with a sword, dagger, or spear, and any attempt to use brute strength to overwhelm the opponent's guard can easily be thwarted and turned against the attacker using the most basic of techniques. Shields and armor tend to tip the advantage back towards men, however, since then the bigger fighter can resort to shield bashing, charging, or wrestling without having to fear counterattack as much.

* A contest with modern firearms can be more equal because the force behind the projectile comes from chemical propellant rather than the user's muscle power; the only limits on power are one's ability to control recoil and the weight of weapon and ammunition that can be carried self-sufficiently. And as long as the combat is ranged, the physically weaker fighter isn't in danger of the stronger one beating or wrestling them into submission. Firearms are efficient enough at killing people at standard ranges that you don't necessarily need a great big gun to do the job. A 9mm handgun or 5.56mm rifle would be as lethal in the hands of a man or woman, and adequate for many police or military applications. In fact, a larger individual will have the disadvantage of presenting a bigger target and requiring more cover to properly protect themselves. Granted, a stronger person might be able to carry a more heavy-duty weapon such as a general purpose machine gun, or wear more ballistic armor or carry more ammo, but the foot soldier's return on strength diminishes more quickly these days than it did in battles of yore. Modern body armor simply isn't as protective against modern weapons as medieval armour was against medieval weapons, and the existence of weapons such as the RPG-7--which is recoilless and relatively lightweight, yet highly devastating--has done a lot to change the game. Average women may have a harder time doing the manual labor or marching with heavy loads which are expected in modern militaries, but the actual fighting is not necessarily to their disasdvantage. They might even have the advantage in jungle or guerrilla warfare from being able to hide and sneak more easily, and by requiring less food. If even ChildSoldiers can fight in modern wars with some effectiveness, then it's no wonder that females can and do fight as well.

* One way a woman can compensate for sexual differences in musculature is by fighting on horseback. If the horse is moving, most of the power behind the strike will come from the ''horse'', not the rider, and a horse, especially one bred for battle, has far more weight and power than any human. This is one of the reasons many historical examples of warrior women were Asiatic horse nomads.

* There's a biological basis behind this social dynamic. Testosterone builds muscle mass and bone density, both of which are necessary for physical prowess. It's why they have weight classes in boxing and separate men's and women's sports. Technique can make up for some degree of power differential, but not to the point that someone who weighs 90 lbs will take on someone who weighs 220. Men have much higher testosterone levels, 30x higher or more, than women, which is why virtually any strength measurement of any sampling of males and females will find the males to be [[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9569979/ physically stronger]], even with [[http://www.stumptuous.com/ebben.html strength training]]. That's why men tend to take on social roles involving physical dominance, whatever those roles may be in whatever culture. The butt-kicking pixies of Hollywood and video games might make profits, but they're unrealistic.

* A contest with firearms could be more equal because the force behind the projectile comes from chemical propellant rather than the user's muscle power; the only limits on power are one's ability to control recoil and the weight of weapon and ammunition that can be carried self-sufficiently. And as long as the combat is ranged, the physically weaker fighter isn't in danger of the stronger one beating or wrestling them into submission. Firearms are efficient enough at killing people at standard ranges that you don't necessarily need a great big gun to do the job. A 9mm handgun or 5.56mm rifle would be as lethal in the hands of a man or woman, and adequate for many police or military applications. In fact, a larger individual will have the disadvantage of presenting a bigger target and requiring more cover to properly protect themselves. Granted, a stronger person might be able to carry a more heavy-duty weapon such as a general purpose machine gun, or wear more ballistic armor or carry more ammo, but the foot soldier's return on strength diminishes more quickly these days than it did in battles of yore. Modern body armor simply isn't as protective against modern weapons as medieval armour was against medieval weapons, and the existence of weapons such as the RPG-7--which is recoilless and relatively lightweight, yet highly devastating--has done a lot to change the game. Average women may have a harder time doing the manual labor or marching with heavy loads which are expected in modern militaries, but the actual fighting is not necessarily to their disasdvantage. They might even have the advantage in jungle or guerrilla warfare from being able to hide and sneak more easily, and by requiring less food. If even ChildSoldiers can fight in modern wars with some effectiveness, then it's no wonder that females can and do fight as well.

* In combat, size difference has the greatest effect in unarmed and unarmored martial arts such as boxing and wrestling. For example, it is harder for a small opponent to throw a larger one, and it is more difficult for a short person to hit a tall person's head. Bigger people might also be able to endure more hits due to their extra muscle and fat. Even in unarmed combat, however, these differences can potentially be overcome. Even in times when martial arts were almost exclusively a male activity, masters spoke of how technique could enable the WeakButSkilled to defeat the UnskilledButStrong. In a contest of evenly matched skill, a difference in strength could potentially decide the outcome, but this is relatively rare. As long as the rules of engagement allow the smaller part to use the techniques that would be advantageous to them, and as long as the difference in height or weight is not too outrageous, skill is usually the deciding factor in a contest between two martial artists.

* Armed and unarmored martial arts are more of an equalizer. If both parties have edged or pointed weapons with similar weight and reach, then the differences in their capabilities will be vastly leveled. It does not take much strength at all to fatally cut or stab an unarmored person with a sword, dagger, or spear, and any attempt to use brute strength to overwhelm the opponent's guard can easily be thwarted and turned against the attacker using the most basic of techniques. Shields and armor tend to tip the advantage back towards men, however, since then they can resort to shield bashing, pushing, or rushing in to wrestle without having to fear counterattack as much. Keep in mind, though, that armor, and in particular elaborate armor such as plate, was difficult and laborious to produce, and thus ''expensive''. Few normal soldiers could afford heavy armor.

* A contest with firearms could be even more equal because the force behind the projectile comes from chemical propellant rather than the user's muscle power; the only limits on power are one's ability to control recoil and the weight of weapon and ammunition that can be carried self-sufficiently. And as long as the combat is ranged, the physically weaker fighter isn't in danger of the stronger one beating or wrestling them into submission. Firearms are efficient enough at killing people at standard ranges that you don't necessarily need a great big gun to do the job. A 9mm handgun or 5.56mm rifle would be as lethal in the hands of a man or woman, and adequate for many police or military applications. In fact, a larger individual will have the disadvantage of presenting a bigger target and requiring more cover to properly protect themselves. Granted, a stronger person might be able to carry a more heavy-duty weapon such as a general purpose machine gun, or wear more ballistic armor or carry more ammo, but the foot soldier's return on strength diminishes more quickly these days than it did in battles of yore. Modern body armor simply isn't as protective against modern weapons as medieval armour was against medieval weapons, and the existence of weapons such as the RPG-7--which is recoilless and relatively lightweight, yet highly devastating--has done a lot to change the game. Average women may have a harder time doing the manual labor or marching with heavy loads which are expected in modern militaries, but the actual fighting is not necessarily to their disasdvantage. They might even have the advantage in jungle or guerrilla warfare from being able to hide and sneak more easily, and by requiring less food. If even ChildSoldiers can fight in modern wars, then it's no wonder that females can and do as well.

* Armed and unarmored martial arts are more of an equalizer. If both parties have edged or pointed weapons with similar weight and reach, then the differences in their capabilities will be vastly leveled. It does not take much strength at all to fatally cut or stab an unarmored person with a sword, dagger, or spear, and any attempt to use brute strength to overwhelm the opponent's guard can easily be thwarted and turned against the attacker using the most basic of techniques. Shields and armor tend to tip the advantage back towards men, however, since then they can resort to shield bashing, pushing, or rushing in to wrestle without having to fear counterattack as much.

* While the above is true, it is also not the whole story. One should not mistake things that are true on average to mean that the same is also true in every particular instance. There is considerable variation in relevant genes and levels of hormones in individual men and individual women, such that some individuals will be stronger or weaker (or taller, or faster) than the average for their sex, and may in fact be equal to or better than average individuals of the opposite sex at a certain task. An individual might also have a unique combination of traits that are considered masculine or feminine, such as spatial reasoning or empathy, depending on their exposure to various hormones during different stages of development in the womb. Therefore you may have a macho male boxer who is unusually good at recognizing subtle emotions in faces, or a woman who is better at mechanical tasks or crane games than most men. It is also important not to underestimate the role of training in reaching one's potential. An individual cannot change the size of their skeleton through training[[note]]Kids with a growth deficiency can be given artificial hormones to induce a growth spurt[[/note]], but it is possible for women with the right build to put on large amounts of muscle through exercise. There are enough female powerlifters, bodybuilders, and MMA fighters to show that this can be done. Therefore, what is unrealistic about said videogames and movies is not that they depict females who are as capable at such traditionally masculine activities as men, but rather that they show them being able to do those things while having the kind of waif-like bodies typical for supermodels instead of what female athletes actually look like. This is compounded by having them wear impractical outfits like CombatStilettos or {{Stripperific}} armor, and SheFu fighting styles that would not hold up in real combat, instead of sensible gear and fighting styles that prioritize function over appearance.

* In combat, size difference has the greatest effect in unarmed and unarmored martial arts such as boxing and wrestling. For example, it is harder for a small opponent to throw a larger one, and it is more difficult for a short person to hit a tall person's head. Bigger people might also be able to absorb more hits due to their extra muscle and fat. Even in unarmed combat, however, these differences can potentially be overcome. Even in times when martial arts were almost exclusively a male activity, masters spoke of how technique could enable the WeakButSkilled to defeat the UnskilledButStrong. In a contest of evenly matched skill, a difference in strength could potentially decide the outcome, but this is relatively rare. As long as the rules of engagement allow the smaller part to use the techniques that would be advantageous to them, and as long as the difference in height or weight is not too outrageous, skill is usually the deciding factor in a contest between two martial artists. Armed martial arts, in comparison, are even more of an equalizer. If both parties have weapons with similar weight and reach, then the differences in their capabilities will be vastly leveled. It does not take much strength at all to kill someone with a sword, dagger, or spear, and any attempt to use brute strength to overwhelm the opponent can easily be thwarted and turned against the attacker using the most basic of techniques. The most equal of all is a contest with firearms, since the strength of the user is irrelevant to the power of the bullet, and in fact a larger individual will have the disadvantage of presenting a bigger target. Granted, a stronger individual might be able to carry a heavier weapon, or wear heavier armor than the weaker, but this could potentially be compensated for by the smaller one's agility. As long as you are physically fit enough to use the weapons and fighting style that you are trained in, then you can potentially be a match one-on-one for any opponent of similar skill.

Especially if she's the main character, an Action Girl's relationships with her (actual or surrogate) family will be an important part of her character ({{Xena}} and Gabrielle, [[Series/BuffyTheVampireSlayer Buffy]] and the Scoobies, etc.). Jennifer K. Stuller's ''Ink-Stained Amazons and Cinematic Warriors: Superwomen in Modern Mythology'' contains some detailed analysis of this.

* One way a woman can compensate for sexual differences in musculature is by fighting on horseback. If the horse is moving, most of the power behind the strike will come from the ''horse'', not the rider. This is one of the reasons many historical examples of warrior women were Asiatic horse nomads.

* Of course, in fiction, there are even more ways to get around this. In a {{Superhero}} universe, who's to say a woman cannot have SuperStrength equal to or greater than any man? And if the series revolves around HumongousMecha, the physical strength of the pilots is mostly irrelevant.

* It's also been said that the more rules a fight has, the greater the advantage the man has. A woman has much less of a chance to win a formal boxing match against a man than a street fight where she can do things like {{Groin Attack}}s, eye gouging, and grabbing items to use as weapons.

* In combat, size difference has the greatest effect in unarmed and unarmored martial arts such as boxing and wrestling. For example, it is harder for a small opponent to throw a larger one, and it is more difficult for a short person to hit a tall person's head. Bigger people might also be able to absorb more hits due to their extra muscle and fat. Even in unarmed combat, however, these differences can potentially be overcome. Even in times when martial arts were almost exclusively a male activity, masters spoke of how technique could enable the WeakButSkilled to defeat the UnskilledButStrong. In a contest of evenly matched skill, a difference in strength could potentially decide the outcome, but this is relatively rare. As long as the rules of engagement allow the smaller part to use the techniques that would be advantageous to them, and as long as the difference in height or weight is not too outrageous, skill is usually the deciding factor in a contest between two martial artists. Armed martial arts, in comparison, are even more of an equalizer. If both parties have weapons with similar weight and reach, then the differences in their capabilities will be vastly leveled. It does not take much strength at all to kill someone with a sword, dagger, or spear, and any attempt to use brute strength to overwhelm the opponent can easily be thwarted and turned against the attacker using the most basic of techniques. The most equal of all is a contest with firearms, since the strength of the user is irrelevant to the power of the bullet, and in fact a larger individual will have the disadvantage of presenting a bigger target. Granted, a stronger individual might be able to carry a heavier weapon, or wear heavier armor than the weaker, but this could potentially be compensated for by the smaller one's agility. As long as you are physically fit enough to use the weapons and fighting style that you are trained in, then you can potentially be a match one-on-one for any opponent of similar skill.

* Another reason, of course, is the DoubleStandard in the society being depicted. Many otherwise potential ActionGirl works take place in places and times where women were not intentionally sent, eg, the combat forces of the vast majority of armies until very recent history. Even now when they are free to join for example, the Canadian infantry, SWAT officers, etc. they still tend to be male-dominated professions (e.g., in the Canadian military, more than 2 decades after integration, women only make up [[http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2013/02/09/canada-women-in-combat/1904683/ 2.4% of combat troops]]). So all things being equal, of course there will be far more depictions of men then women fighting when men are more likely to fight in RealLife. The only ways around are either to intentionally focus on women as in Mulan or to go into PoliticallyCorrectHistory. A better done example of the latter (despite its many other flaws) is the 2004 film KingArthur, wherein Guinevere is changed from the older and traditional depictions of a Roman to a so-called "Woad" in order for her have a reason for taking the field (Pictic women unlike Roman ones, did go to battle certain times).

* In combat, size difference has the greatest effect in unarmed and unarmored martial arts such as boxing and wrestling. For example, it is harder for a small opponent to throw a larger one, and it is more difficult for a short person to hit a tall person's head. Even in unarmed combat, however, these differences can potentially be overcome. Even in times when martial arts were almost exclusively a male activity, masters spoke of how technique could enable the WeakButSkilled to defeat the UnskilledButStrong. In a contest of evenly matched skill, a difference in strength could potentially decide the outcome, but this is relatively rare. Skill is usually the deciding factor in a contest between two martial artists once a certain minimum of physical competence is reached in both parties, as long as the difference in height or weight is not too outrageous. Armed martial arts, in comparison, are even more of an equalizer. If both parties have weapons with similar weight and reach, then the differences in their capabilities will be vastly leveled. It does not take much strength at all to kill someone with a sword, dagger, or spear, and any attempt to use brute strength to overwhelm the opponent can easily be thwarted and turned against the attacker using basic technique. The most equal of all is a contest with firearms, since the strength of the user is irrelevant to the power of the bullet, and in fact a larger individual will have the disadvantage of presenting a bigger target. Granted, a stronger individual might be able to carry a heavier weapon, or wear heavier armor than the weaker, but this could potentially be compensated for by the smaller one's agility. As long as you are physically fit enough to use the weapons and fighting style that you are trained in, then you can potentially be a match one-on-one for any opponent of similar skill.

* There's a biological basis behind this social dynamic. Testosterone builds muscle mass and bone density, both of which are necessary for physical prowess. It's why they have weight classes in boxing and separate men's and women's sports. Technique can make up for some degree of power differential, but not to the point that someone who weighs 90 lbs will take on someone who weighs 220. Men have much higher testosterone levels, 30x higher or more, than women, which is why virtually any strength measurement of any sampling of males and females will find the males to be [[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9569979/ physically stronger]], even with [[http://www.stumptuous.com/ebben.html strength training]]. That's why men tend to take on social roles involving physical dominance, whatever those roles may be in whatever culture. The butt-kicking pixies of Hollywood and video games might make profits, but they're unrealistic.

* This troper is familiar enough with gender dynamics to posit that some of these gender issues are, in part, from the female demographic rather than the males. Ultimately, women and men have distinct biological niches regardless of legality, regulation, or medication (though surgery is a valid 'remedy'). Those facets where women hold a monopoly (i.e. motherhood) or genetic imperative (physical attractiveness/health) are exclusive points for weighing a woman as a woman (rather than as a person in general). Those facets where a man typically holds a biological advantage (physical strength) or a biological imperative (i.e. accumulation of wealth) are areas where Action Girls and related tropes tend to tread. When a girl or woman treads on a man's territory, she's an Action Girl. Keep in mind, "Guy Stuff" generally includes risky behavior or such activities that place the man as 'disposable.' Only those action roles falling on archetypal female ground (i.e. The Matriarch/Mother) and non-disposability will generally see an Action Girl measured as a woman.

* Another reason, of course, is the DoubleStandard in the society being depicted. Many otherwise potential ActionGirl works take place in places and times where women were not intentionally sent, eg, the combat forces of the vast majority of armies until very recent history. Even now when they are free to join for example, the Canadian infantry, SWAT officers, etc. they still tend to be male-dominated professions (e.g., in the Canadian military, more than 2 decades after integration, women only make up [[http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2013/02/09/canada-women-in-combat/1904683/ 2.4% of combat troops]]). So all things being equal, of course there will be far more depictions of men then women fighting when men are more likely to fight in RealLife. The only ways around are either to intentionally focus on women as in Mulan or to go into PoliticallyCorrectHistory. A better done example of the latter (despite its many other flaws) is the 2004 film KingArthur, wherein Guinevere is changed from the older and traditional depictions of a Roman to a so-called "Woad" in order for her have a reason for taking the field (Pictic women unlike Roman ones, did go to battle certain times).

Male badasses use tons of violence, female badasses can too, hence Action Girl, but honestly...how many scenarios can you think of where the man is passive and tries to sort out the problem without violence while the woman charges into a fight guns blazing? Other than ''Manga/BlackLagoon'', there aren't many series where this is common.

* Changes in gender dynamics produce all the varieties of ActionGirl and FauxActionGirl you can think of. There are no real-life biological imperatives for women to strive for attractiveness or for men to strive for wealth, but there are certainly cultural imperatives for both. (Plenty of people argue otherwise, in the same way anthropologists often fall into the trap of thinking marriage is the same across every culture, thanks to ethnocentrism.) That doesn't mean the imperatives don't exist, though; thanks to YourMindMakesItReal, plenty of people in RealLife either are that way or write characters that way (it's always easier that way, after all). More Action Girls are likely to show up in fiction as these cultural imperatives slowly dissolve and transform. Of course, you'll also get backlashes with portrayals of female characters following more traditional gender roles, as men and women who are used to The Way Things Are try to keep things that way. StatusQuoIsGod, after all, until it isn't anymore.

Male badasses are clothed and in Western media, often buff or scarred or something emphasizing "masculinity". Female badasses are barely clothed and often are like supermodels. Even fighting styles are different: Men often have plausible (or semi-plausible styles)...women often have SheFu.

Male badasses go out and beat up the enemy...female "badasses" sometimes do, but are often [[{{Chickification}} Chickified]] so the men can act and be awesome. Women can still get sympathy (or at least some people believe they can, though many hate Chickification like me for example) just by being women...or providing {{fanservice}}...which leads to...

Male badasses use tons of violence, female badasses can too, hence Action Girl, but honestly...how many scenarios can you think of where the man is passive and tries to sort out the problem without violence while the woman charges into a fight guns blazing? Other than Anime/BlackLagoon, there aren't many series where this is common.

Male badasses can be scarred, be a victim of {{Gorn}} or even die, and they'll probably die more often, but they at least usually get {{Heroic Sacrifice}}s. Female badasses are [[BeautyIsNeverTarnished not usually scarred]], rarely victims of Gorn, and they don't die as often unless it is to be StuffedInTheFridge to motivate a male character.

Especially if she's the main character, an Action Girl's relationships with her (actual or surrogate) family will be an important part of her character ({{Xena}} and Gabrielle, {{Buffy}} and the Scoobies, etc.). Jennifer K. Stuller's ''Ink-Stained Amazons and Cinematic Warriors: Superwomen in Modern Mythology'' contains some detailed analysis of this.

Male badasses use tons of violence, female badasses can too, hence Action Girl, but honestly...how many scenarios can you think of where the man is passive and tries to sort out the problem without violence while the woman charges into a fight guns blazing? Other than BlackLagoon, there aren't many series where this is common.

* This troper is familiar enough with gender dynamics to posit that some of these gender issues are, in part, from the female demographic rather than the males. Ultimately, women and men have distinct biological niches regardless of legality, regulation, or medication (though surgery is a valid 'remedy'). Those facets where women hold a monopoly (i.e. motherhood) or genetic imperative (physical attractiveness/health) are exclusive points for weighing a woman as a woman (rather than as a person in general). Those facets where a man typically holds a biological advantage (physical strength) or a biological imperative (i.e. accumulation of wealth) are areas where Action Girls and related tropes tend to tread. When a girl or woman treads on a man's territory, she's an Action Girl. Keep in mind, "Guy Stuff" generally includes risky behavior or such activities that place the man as 'disposable.' Only those action roles falling on archetypal female ground (i.e. The Matriarch/Mother) and non-disposability will generally see an Action Girl measured as a woman.

'''FemaleSuccessIsFamily''' -

Male badasses go out and beat up the enemy...female "badasses" sometimes do, but are often Chickified so the men can act and be awesome. Women can still get sympathy (or at least some people believe they can, though many hate Chickification like me for example) just by being women...or providing {{fanservice}}...which leads to...

Male badasses can be scarred, be a victim of {{Gorn}} or even die, and they'll probably die more often, but they at least usually get {{Heroic Sacrifice}}s. Female badasses are not usually scarred, rarely victims of Gorn, and they don't die as often unless it is to be StuffedInTheFridge to motivate a male character.

Especially if she's the main character, an Action Girl's relationships with her (actual or surrogate) family will be an important part of her character (Xena and Gabrielle, Buffy and the Scoobies, etc.). Jennifer K. Stuller's ''Ink-Stained Amazons and Cinematic Warriors: Superwomen in Modern Mythology'' contains some detailed analysis of this.