In Defense of Nancy Wheeler

It seems that female characters can never catch a break. If they're too perfect than they're Mary Sues. If they make too many mistakes that they're not role models. If they're not relatable then they're useless characters. If they're shy and quiet than they're boring. If they are bold and independent then they're feminist trash. And my personal favorite...If they're the middle of a love triangle than they're reduced to the role of a pawn, with no value except only what she can give to the male character.

It's no secret that I love Stranger Things. Everything about the show is just spot on perfection from the nostalgia 80s theme, the music, the overall storyline and of course, the characters. When it comes to stories I'm most definitely a character reader. Regardless of how good or bad the plot might be, if you can write a good, solid character, then the story had a 95% chance of being saved. And Stranger Things has no shortage of characters that spans two generations, come from varying backgrounds and all with their own flaws and virtues. 

Nancy Wheeler started out as the shy, insecure girl next door and transitioned into an independent women who will fight to the death to protect those that she loves. Beautiful, bold and brainy, Nancy also tends to be reckless, short-tempered and a rule breaker. As an aspiring journalist, Nancy will go to any extreme to get the job done, but more often that not it isn't for the newspaper, but rather the lives for the people in Hawkins. Nancy is an excellent example of good character development that is still growing and changing with each new season.

However, Nancy is also a victim of a love triangle. And unfortunately most fans only see Nancy's value as a character based solely on whichever guy she's with. Fans have disregarded Nancy, her gifts and talents and what she has brought to the story all because she broke up with Steve or she doesn't know who she wants to date.  

That seems a little...old fashioned...sexist...maybe even patriarchal?

To base the value of a woman not on her intelligence and all around character, but rather on who she's dating at the moment??

Throughout the show Nancy's love life has revolved around two very different men, once popular king of Hawkins High School Steve Harrington and quiet, artistic Jonathan Byers. As Stranger Things fans know, Steve Harrington started out in the show as Nancy's first real boyfriend, but was also an arrogant and antagonistic bully, especially toward Jonathan Byers, who had obvious feelings towards Nancy. Eventually Steve and Nancy had an amicable break up and Nancy dated Jonathan, allowing Steve to grow and mature during his time of singleness. 

Steve and Jonathan, for all their polar differences are amazing guys. It's understandable why Nancy would have a hard time choosing who to be with, because she was a good match for both of them. Nancy fell for Jonathan because he understood her pain and loss and her desire for truth. Something that would take Steve a little longer to figure out. However, after establishing a relationship with Nancy in season 2, Jonathan has kind of succumbed to just being 'the good guy' who is more of a follower than a leader. 

It seems like the writers have come at a standstill with Jonathan's character. He doesn't have the extraordinary character development like Steve Harrington, the downfall and redemption of Billy Hardgrove or the unexpected heroism of Eddie Munson. He's now just stuck being Nancy's side guy; not a good place for a male character. It's even more difficult for a female whose at a crossroads in her life due to a long distance relationship and circumstances that put her back with her ex. 

By season 4, Nancy has gained what I call a safety character role. Meaning, that when things get real rough, real hard and utterly impossible, there are always those characters that while just being there you know you're going to be alright. Eomer, Aragorn, Spock, Lando Calrissian, Obi-Wan Kenobi, John Bates (Downton Abbey), Tina Goldstein, even the Weasley twins are examples of safety character roles. And Nancy definitely fits into this role as well. She is utterly trustworthy and unfaltering. She has gone from just being Mike Wheeler's older sister to a protective big sister for Dustin, Max, Lucas, Will, Mike and El. Not once does she demean them or put them down, she's always on their side, willing to listen, put herself out there regardless of what the outcome for herself might be.

And I think this maternal like role in Nancy may be what has been a continual attraction for Steve, Hawkins favorite babysitter. Nancy and Steve's obvious love and protection of the kids is forever bringing the two of them together. To be honest I never really cared who Nancy was with, but after seeing her and Steve in season 4, I'm beginning to root for them. Now that Steve has matured greatly due to his hard hits with both reality and otherworldly, and of course his care and friendship with the younger teens.

Regardless of who Nancy may end up with she is so much more than just a love interest for the males in the story. She has gone through some great character development and knows her value and strength, whole still working on her weaknesses and flaws. Nancy Wheeler or any female character shouldn't be written off solely based off the men they choose (or don't choose) to be with. To be honest most female characters are better off without men in their lives seeing as they're too busy actually getting the job done.