Brandon Sanderson Mistborn Series constructs a world filled with a complex magic system and an equally strong cast of complex characters. Among the characters is Vienna, the street thief who became a powerful revolutionary. Vin has one of the most exciting arcs in the Mistborn World, however, is often criticized by fans for falling into the so-called “Not like other girls“Stereotype.
Throughout the series, Wayne’s ambivalence towards femininity is a core theme. Vienna is usually antisocial, has short hair, and takes a negative attitude towards dresses and the accepted standards and practices of beauty. Vienna eventually became comfortable with her femininity, rationalizing that it was only a disguise to hide behind. The frequent mentions and criticisms led fans to believe that Vienna became one more victim of the “Not like other girls“trope, distancing the strong female lead from anything associated with femininity. However, the more Wayne’s character develops over the Mistborn Books, the more this criticism does not feel deserved.
Mistborn’s biggest win complaint doesn’t work after reading the later books
Vin’s Character Growth in the Mistborn Series
Although Vienna displays some “Not like other girls” Characteristics in The Last EmpireThis trait is strategically disassembled in The Well of Ascension And The hero of ages. The female characters, Allrianne and Tindwyl, provide positive examples and perspectives of power and femininity that influence and complete Vienna.
Alrian is a young and attractive noblewoman, assumed to be naive; She is graceful and up-to-date on the latest fashions of the ultimate empire. On their first meeting, Wayne refers to Allrianne as, “The pink thing I just passed in the hallway.” It is later revealed that Allrianne is a powerful Allomancer who is able to manipulate the emotions of others with more talent than the accomplished male character Breeze. Allrianne does not hide her interest in the female while wielding incredible power.
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If Allrianne begins to break down the “Not like other girls“Trope, Tyndvil immediately destroys it. Tindwyl is a keeper of Teris who moves with elegance and poise. Tindville’s efforts in The Well of Ascension Are often focused on training Elend to behave in a kingly manner. Tyndvil also spends some time with Vienna, helping her bring out and embrace both femininity and power.
Vienna mentions that she is afraid that she enjoyed the beautiful clothes and noble gatherings too much. Tyndvil, in hopes of helping to consolidate the many parts of Vienna, had a dress crafted for her, colored a beautiful royal blue, but modified to store weapons and allow ease of movement in battle. This sequence of events helps show that Vienna can both wield power and embrace what she loves about her femininity.
Allrianne’s example and Tindwyl’s words come alongside Wynne’s character to show that she can relate to the feminine while displaying commanding power. Elend, in a conversation with Tindwyl, tries to stop the “Not like other girls” trope by directly commenting on Vienna’s differences. Tindwyl’s telling response is, “The more women you get to know, Your Majesty, the more you will find that this statement applies to them all.”
How Brandon Sanderson addresses Wayne’s biggest issues in Mistborn’s sequels
Vin’s Evolution: From Thief to Heroine
Brandon Sanderson’s Mistborn Era 2, consisting of The leave of law, The shadows of themselvesAnd The bands of grief Continue to the common criticism of Vienna. The shadow of himself References a past speech by Allrianne in which she reinforces the idea that women should maintain their femininity while doing their job. Marasi Colms is such a woman, a constable in Mistborns second era that enjoys dresses and hairstyles while wielding an allomantic ability and gun. She also internally debates the double standard for women to act feminine while men are not told how to behave at work.
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Marasi’s half-sister, Steris Harms, also plays a major role in upending the “not like other girls” trope. Steris chooses to maintain an adherence to social norms and current fashion. She has a gift for planning that often comes to the aid of those around her. Sanderson deliberately wrote Steris with autism, trying to not only emphasize a strong female character, but also to represent those on the spectrum. Through Sanderson’s introduction of some strong female characters in Mistborns second period, he progressively appends the most prominent issue associated with Vienna.
Vin’s initial flaws make her character arc even better
Relatable Flaws: Make Vienna More Human
Winn witnessed the murder of her younger sister, survived the streets with her brother (whom she assumed abandoned her), and was beaten by her gang leader. Wayne’s tendency to distrust, withdraw and disguise himself from others are mannerisms anyone would adopt if placed in the same situation. With all her energy being poured into shielding herself from others, it would make sense that she would also deny the parts of herself she associates with weakness.
…Throughout Vince’s character development, she realizes that the feminine qualities she strives to deny are not weaknesses but complementary parts of her character that can and should sit comfortably beside her power.
However, throughout Vin’s character development, she realizes that the feminine qualities she strives to deny are not weaknesses but complementary parts of her character that can and should sit comfortably next to her power. All exciting characters develop over time, and MistbornVienna is no exception – with its exciting arc growing out of the “Not like other girls“Stereotype.