Monday, April 23, 2012

All About Anastasia Steele

Anastasia Steele is the female protagonist in the erotic trilogy beginning with Fifty Shades of Grey. We are introduced to her character as a soon to be university graduate who is awkward, lacking in style and somewhat insecure. She has a taste for books, lots of books, and her life consists of school, friends and a future in publishing. Anastasia Steele has a chance meeting with Christian Grey, our male protagonist, and it changes her world completely. He falls (pun intended) for her the moment she trips into his office and eventually wins her heart as well.

Anastasia transforms from a shy, clumsy girl into what some readers may consider a sex-crazed woman. Although when we meet her she has only been to second base, she is a quick study under Christian's teaching and is soon an adventurous vixen. Anastasia discovers a world that she never knew existed and as she does, her confidence grows. With the help of Christian's practically overflowing bank account (and at first to her disapproval) Anastasia evolves into a high-fashion wearing, powerful business owner. Anastasia Steele moves fairly smoothly from one world to another as she uncovers Christian's dark secrets and tries to mend his scarred and tender heart. Her love is often overwhelming and her persistence hovers on nagging, yet she is still a perfect opponent for Christian's character.

Anastasia's upbringing virtually prepared her for such an opponent. Her mother has been married several times and she was raised primarily by her stepfather, Ray. Ray is ex-military and is somewhat closed-off when it comes to conversation. Despite this, his love for Ana is undeniable and she learned priceless lessons from him throughout their relationship, including how to shoot which comes in handy in the trilogy's third book.

This not-so-traditional childhood and adolescence affords Anastasia with a different kind of confidence and strength that isn't readily apparent. Christian's desire for a submissive in Ana is quickly set aside when he discovers what a surprisingly feisty girl she is. Anastasia Steele is unpredictable in many situations but as readers get to know her, her emotions become transparent and we want desperately for her to get through Christian's thick walls so that she can heal his heart.

Anastasia Steele is a traditional female romantic-protagonist in that she is the regular girl swept off her feet by a rich, attractive man... but she is different if only for the simple fact that she has A LOT of work to do to truly "get the guy" heart and soul.

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