was anything but a pushover,If anyone thinks that Melanie was a pushover, they need to look harder at that character. Melanie was a tough fighter, looking reality square in the face, and forcing situations to bend to her will.
- She helped kill that Yankee looter (but I repeat myself).
- ,She got her man, in spite of him being a weak, lily-livered wimp who thought with his small head.
- She buckled down and did hard labor when necessary.
- Melanie refused to give in to her personal needs but took care of grossly-wounded soldiers. She was found once by Scarlett vomiting in a closet, quietly, while at the hospital.
- Melanie acted and embraced Scarlett as a sister, even though she knew Scarlett would steal Rhett given the chance.
- She did not give up her personal standards and moral values although everyone else had long since abandoned theirs. Her childhood friend (not Scarlett) became slovenly in appearance even to the point of dipping snuff. That was unheard of in that class of people.
I wish I was as much of a pushover as Melanie.
Correction to #5. Scarlett would steal Ashley.
Otherwise, you are right on. Melanie was the strong one. :-)