Female friendships

Women's relationships are underrepresented in SF generally, in part as a consequence of the underrepresentation of female characters and female lives. (need more discussion)

Types of Female Relationships

Female Friendships

• Cordelia Vorkosigan / Alys Vorpatril
• Bujold / Ista & her messenger girl
• women of Cetaganda
• Vonda McIntyre's work
• Darkover

Female Buddies / Compañeras

Female buddies are the female counterparts to classic male buddy relationships such as Frodo and Sam. The relationship involves more than casual or even close friendship; it involves deep love, trust, and affection. There may be mythic elements to it. Sexuality, while often present as a subtext, is not the defining element of the relationship--this distinguishes the mythic buddy relationship from a love relationship.

• Xena / Gabrielle

About This Entry

History of Inquiry

Netmouse on 2006/9/15 raised the question: Where are all the women friends in SF?, citing as male friendships the examples of Frodo and Sam, Gandalf and Sam, Han Solo and Chewbacca, Yoda and Obi-wan, Spock and Kirk.

Links & References

• http://netmouse.livejournal.com/237254.html Netmouse, 2006/9/15