Because you like Violet Crawley in Downton Abbey

Calling Alicia Florrick a "good wife" is damning this smart, capable, thoughtful woman with too-faint praise. See them in The Good Wife.

Claire Underwood is scary intimidating, and she knows it. See them in House of Cards.

On the football field, Tim Riggins has it together. But off the field, he sports bloodshot eyes and broken hearts. See them in Friday Night Lights (TV).

In charge of stocking the office's supply of cigarettes and liquor, Joan Holloway could run the whole company if they would let her. See them in Mad Men.

As the White House Press Secretary, C. J. Cregg is a master of verbal karate and the best damn basketball player in Ohio Valley history. See them in The West Wing.

Much more than just "Coach Taylor's wife," Tami Taylor is making herself known in town as a caring, persistent guidance counselor. See them in Friday Night Lights (TV).

The black sheep of his family, Rhett Butler grew up to have charm and to see things as they are. He just doesn't give a damn anymore. See them in Gone with the Wind.

With an incredible ability to fake a smile, Selina Meyer is a gifted politician serving as Vice President. And maybe one day the President will actually call her. See them in Veep.

Keren Walker is a socialite looking to avoid work, keep a constant buzz, and be as snarky as possible. See them in Will & Grace.

CIA operative Carrie Mathison is on a self-assigned mission to follow a lead, whether it be the truth or just her delusions playing tricks. See them in Homeland.

Kara "Starbuck" Thrace will beat you in cards, drink you under the table, then fly circles around you in her fighter plane. See them in Battlestar Galactica.