10 Underrated Pixar Characters Who Were Feminist Heroines

The hard-edged educator of Monsters University holds heroes Mike and Sully to high standards during their freshman year. She wants all of her Scare students to be "properly inspired" in their individual college careers. Because of this, she informs the undergraduates that anyone who fails the final exam will be expelled. It may seem like the roughest school orientation in cinematic history but it's also a challenge designed to produce the best students possible.

A legendary Scarer, Dean Hardscrabble broke the All-Time Scare Record and earned the respect of the monsters who came after her. Mike and Sully break her beloved scream canister which comes with a steep price. Hardscrabble fails them immediately and the then frenemies enter the Scare Games to reestablish themselves.

As pleasant as they are, the monstrous duo needed the wake-up call. Complacent Sully rests on his furry laurels though he has undeniable raw talent. In contrast, a boastful Mike has to practice constantly to keep up with his terrifying classmates. Hardscrabble's punishment pushes them to triumph over their shortcomings no matter the outcome.

Hardscrabble grapples with expelling them until the final minutes of the film. The expulsion turns out to be inevitable after the shady circumstances of the Scare Games. However, her faith in their potential remains until they have one foot out the door. Her wise words motivate the boys to pursue another path at Monster's Incorporated. Their orientation into the real world is a direct result of her lasting lessons.