Scarlett O'Hara
Protagonist of 'Gone with the Wind,' symbol of Southern resilience
Scarlett O'Hara is the central character of Margaret Mitchell's 1936 novel 'Gone with the Wind' and its famous 1939 film adaptation. Born into Southern aristocracy on a Georgia plantation, Scarlett is portrayed as a complex, headstrong young woman whose priorities shift dramatically following the American Civil War. Initially a vain, flirtatious belle concerned with social status and romance, she transforms into a resilient survivor driven by fierce determination and ambition. Her famous declaration 'I'll think about it tomorrow' and ultimate assertion 'Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn' have become iconic in American popular culture. Scarlett's character arc takes her from the safety of her family home through war, loss, and rebuilding, showcasing both her capacity for cunning and selfishness as well as unexpected depths of resilience. The character's name itself—vivid, melodic, and unconventional for its era—has become synonymous with Southern belle femininity and willful determination. Scarlett remains one of the most recognizable fictional characters in American literature and cinema, influencing cultural perceptions of female strength and ambition.
Fictional Character
American
Gone with the Wind
Thinking about the name
Scarlette
French origin
“An ornate variation of Scarlet with a French '-ette' diminutive suffix, suggesting something small, delicate, or precious. Scarlette softens the boldness of Scarlet while adding Continental sophistication, appealing to parents who want the drama of the color name with refined elegance.”