In traditional American hard-boiled detective fiction, there are many themes that seem to transcend all novels. One of these themes is the concept of power and the role it plays in character interaction and development. Specifically, the role of women in novels can be examined to better understand the power they exert over other characters, their own lives, and the direction of the story. Dashiell Hammett's The Maltese Falcon illustrates the different ways in which female characters attempt to obtain and use power in hopes of influencing, manipulating, and succeeding. The most important female character in the novel, Brigid O'Shaughnessy, uses her sexuality, secrecy, and mysterious nature. trying to gain more power and control throughout the novel. This is easily seen in his description at the beginning of the novel. “She was tall and lithely slim, without any angularity. His body was straight and high-chested, his legs long, his hands and feet narrow…The curly hair under his blue hat was a dark red, his full lips a brighter red” (Hammett, 4) . Her physical description gives her an air of sexuality and intrigue that can immediately be assumed to benefit her throughout the story. However, it is only later that her use of her sexuality can be interpreted as a desperate attempt to take power back from the main male character. “I threw myself at your mercy, I told you that without your help I was completely lost. What else is there? She suddenly moved closer to him on the sofa and shouted angrily: "Can I buy you with my body?" » » (Hammett, 57 years old). Desperation, which is a common characteristic that can be observed in tough female characters, pushed her...... middle of paper ......r is much more difficult and requires in-depth analysis . Female characters in American detective novels stereotypically exude the same blatant sexuality, helplessness, and naivety and are therefore forced to exploit the only strengths at their disposal in order not to be overwhelmed by the more male characters. energetic. As can be seen in The Maltese Falcon, all three female characters strive to maintain their power by any means necessary. Ironically, the character who exhibits the most masculine and least sexual qualities is the most successful. This proves that masculinity equals power and therefore women are powerless on many levels. The role of women is fairly consistent in hard-boiled fiction, and the struggle for power and control is a pervasive theme.Hammett, Dashiell. The Maltese Falcon. New York: Vintage Crime/Black Lizard Books, 1929.