Children/Teenagers:
* Innocent and Vulnerable: This is perhaps the type she is most known for, starting with her breakout role in *I Am Sam*. She often embodies young characters who are facing difficult circumstances and are often seen as innocent and fragile, like in *Man on Fire* and *War of the Worlds*.
* Strong and Determined: Even as a young actress, Fanning portrayed characters who display resilience and strength. Examples include her roles in *The Secret Life of Bees* and *Hounddog*, where she tackled challenging themes with maturity.
* Complex and Multifaceted: As she grew older, Fanning took on roles with more depth and complexity. Characters like the young Carrie in *The Runaways* and Jane in *The Twilight Saga* exhibited a range of emotions and motivations, showcasing Fanning's ability to portray nuanced characters.
Beyond Children/Teenagers:
* Adults: Fanning has transitioned seamlessly into adult roles, taking on diverse characters like the ambitious journalist in *Night Moves* and the morally ambiguous FBI agent in *Ocean's Eight*.
* Psychological Complexity: She has demonstrated an ability to portray characters with internal struggles and psychological depth, evident in her roles in films like *The Motel Life* and *The Alienist*.
* Historical Figures: Fanning has portrayed historical figures like the young Queen Elizabeth I in *The Virgin Queen* and the iconic actress, Jean Seberg, in *The Girl on the Train*.
Overall, Dakota Fanning has established herself as a talented and versatile actress, capable of embodying a wide range of characters with authenticity and depth. She has consistently impressed audiences and critics with her performances, proving her ability to adapt to various roles and genres.