I have been reading Roman epics from Ennius onwards. I am trying to come up with a working definition of ‘epic heroine’ as I am aware that the presentation of female characters changes as Roman epic begins to distinguish itself from Greek. Women are more active and less accepting of traditional female roles. Some appear more like those from tragedy or elegy. Moreover, like the hero, the heroine has strengths and weaknesses, and she plays an integral part in the texts but cannot simply be equated with a positive role model. Is the term ‘epic heroine’ a bit of a misnomer? I would be grateful for clarification.