Honestly, Shirley is the strongest written female lead I've seen in a long time, especially because she actively works beyond the 'sassy OP bullied girl' stereotype. Most people only perceive strength as not letting yourself get beaten down, or fighting against things just because they don't benefit you personally. While that may be one facet of strength, that's still only ONE definition, and a shallow one at that because it's usually a particularly selfish type of revenge porn strength.
Shirley, on the other hand, is strong BECAUSE she's lost so much, but it's because she gives those up knowing how that impacts others around her. She's not weak because she let herself get killed. She's strong because she leaned into that theatrical death, giving Caid a firm hold on the people. Likewise, she's not weak because she's letting the princess get away with things, she's strong because she's willingly giving up her own freedom and her love to make sure that Caid doesn't get himself hurt for her sake (which he undoubtedly will anyways, but regardless).
Honestly, Shirley is the strongest written female lead I've seen in a long time, especially because she actively works beyond the 'sassy OP bullied girl' stereotype. Most people only perceive strength as not letting yourself get beaten down, or fighting against things just because they don't benefit you personally. While that may be one facet of strength, that's still only ONE definition, and a shallow one at that because it's usually a particularly selfish type of revenge porn strength.
Shirley, on the other hand, is strong BECAUSE she's lost so much, but it's because she gives those up knowing how that impacts others around her. She's not weak because she let herself get killed. She's strong because she leaned into that theatrical death, giving Caid a firm hold on the people. Likewise, she's not weak because she's letting the princess get away with things, she's strong because she's willingly giving up her own freedom and her love to make sure that Caid doesn't get himself hurt for her sake (which he undoubtedly will anyways, but regardless).