The damsel in distress (far left): These characters are almost always extremely beautiful, but their personalities are extremely bland. They are dependent on a man, who is almost always extremely handsome. Although these characters are usually princesses or maidens in fairy tales, characters like Bella Swan from Twilight may fall into this category.
Why this is harmful: It sends the message that a woman's worth is based entirely on her outward beauty. Although everyone needs help at some point (or even throughout their entire lives), this sends the message that Prince Charming is the only important thing in a woman's life.
The "average" girl (center left): Often found in chick flicks, these characters are extremely average (read: boring), except for the fact that they are far more attractive than the average person, and that they always end up with the guy they like. These characters are often stuck in love triangles. Bella from Twilight could also fall into this category.
Why this is harmful: This archetype isn't exactly harmful as it is boring. Movies need to have interesting female characters that audiences can relate to. And do these characters always have to be really gorgeous and end up with the guy they like all the time? Seriously.
The popular or "sexy" girl (center): These characters often take the role as the antagonist or "mean girl" in chick flicks. Often they're depicted as "mean" because they like the same guy as the "average" girl. Despite being attractive, the guy usually likes the "average" girl better.
Why this is harmful: It sends the message that if two girls like the same guy, and if one of the girls is more "attractive", then the more "attractive" girl must be "mean."
The "sexy" superheroine (center right): These characters are typically found in action/sci-fi movies. They are extremely talented at fighting, but they always strut around in skimpy outfits. However, they seem to lack personality because the main focus is on their body.
Why this is harmful: These characters are made mostly so that men can see sexy women fighting, and they are usually not created to be interesting.
The typical "strong" female character (far right): These characters usually take the supporting female role in CGI animated adventures made for kids. They are tough and "tomboyish," but they tend to lack in emotion. The only cases in which they do feel emotion is when something happens to their love interest (who is usually the main character). Examples of the characters I am thinking of include Astrid from How To Train Your Dragon and Wyldstyle from The Lego Movie.
Why this is harmful: It sends the message that the only way that a girl can be strong is to be masculine, that emotion is a feminine trait, and therefore emotion is a bad thing, unless it's over a guy because that apparently makes the story more interesting and is enough to make the character more interesting.
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