This thesis takes up an investigation of women in ancient Greek literature, focusing on how literary works, in contrast to ancient Greek Philosophy, Medicine, and History, portray women as active, powerful, and virtuous figures. Through careful reading and analysis of the primary texts, this thesis’ literary investigation demonstrates the ways in which Euripides’ Medea and Homer’s Odyssey, in comparison to the thought of various ancient Greek philosophers and physicians, show their prominent female characters as challenging the bounds of their expected gender roles.