There are many themes in traditional hard-boiled American crime fiction 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. More specifically, the role of women within novels can be carefully examined to better understand the power they wield over other characters, their own lives, and the direction of the story. Dashiell Hammett's The Maltese Falcon exemplifies the various ways female characters attempt to gain and use power in hopes of influencing, manipulating, and succeeding. The novel's most prominent female character, Brigid O'Shaughnessy, employs her sexuality, secrecy, and mysterious nature when trying to gain more power and control throughout the novel. This can be easily seen in his description at the beginning of the novel. “She was tall and flexible and slender, with no sharp edges anywhere. Her body was erect and high-breasted, with long legs, narrow hands and feet… The hair that curled from under the blue hat was a dark red, her full lips were a brighter red” (Hammett, 4). Her physical description gives her an air of sexuality and intrigue that one can immediately assume will serve her well throughout the story. However, it is only later that the use of her sexuality can be interpreted as a desperate attempt to take power back from the male protagonist. “'I have entrusted myself to your mercy, I told you that without your help I am completely lost. What else is there?" She suddenly approached him on the sofa and shouted angrily, 'Can I buy you with my body?'" (Hammett, 57). Desperation, which is a common characteristic that can be seen between hard-boiled female characters, pushed her... to the center of the paper...r is much more difficult and requires in-depth analysis Female characters in American crime novels, stereotypically, exude the same overt sexuality, helplessness and naivety and are therefore forced to exploit the only strengths they have in order not to be overwhelmed by the more powerful male characters. As can be seen in The Maltese Falcon, the three female characters strive to maintain their power by any means necessary. Paradoxically, the character who displays the most masculine qualities and is least sexual is most successful. This shows that masculinity equals power and therefore women are powerless on many levels. The role of women is quite constant in hard-boiled novels, e.g the struggle for power and control is an ever-present theme. Hammett, Dashiell. The Maltese Falcon. New York: Vintage Crime / Black Lizard Vintage Books, 1929.