Warning: This article contains spoilers from season 4, volume one of Stranger Things.
Nancy Wheeler has carved out a memorable place for herself on Netflix's Stranger Things. While Mike's older sister is often involved in a love triangle with Steve Harrington and Jonathan Byers, Nancy stands tall on her own two feet and never backs down from a challenge.
Whether figuring out what happened to her best friend Barb Holland or sharing her thoughts on the main mystery, Nancy always seems intelligent and strong. Nancy has many clever quotes that stick with viewers throughout every season of the show so far as Nancy is never far from the action and loves helping people out.
Nancy Has A Life Motto
"Ask for forgiveness, not permission."
Nancy's season 3 arc involves working closely with Jonathan and meeting Murray Bauman, who they ask many questions about the mystery in Hawkins. Nancy and Jonathan bond even more, which is moving to watch.
Nancy's belief about forgiveness and not permission is a classic and memorable saying. Nancy knows that looking into what has been going on won't make many people happy, but she doesn't care because she wants to help out.
Nancy Thinks About The Upside Down
"Every time I close my eyes, I keep seeing that thing. Wherever I was... that place... I think it lives there."
Stranger Things fans have questions about The Upside Down and Nancy seems to understand it better than most of the other characters. From the moment that Nancy sees it in season 1, she's terrified but determined to figure out as much as she can.
Nancy proves her intelligence when telling Jonathan that she can't stop picturing this horrifying world. This is an important scene as she realizes that a creature took Barb and that no one is going to be safe. Nancy trusts her instincts and knows that she saw something truly awful and dangerous.
Nancy Has A Great Work Ethic
"I've been here ten years, right? Have I ever called in sick or missed a shift once? I've worked Christmas Eve and Thanksgiving."
In season 1, Nancy talks to her boss Donald Melvald, who runs the general store in Hawkins, about how she has always been a model employee.
Nancy has some compelling and important character development throughout the series. When she's first introduced, she's studious, loyal to her friends and family, and cares about following rules. While Nancy gets deeper into the mystery, she maintains her desire to do the right thing and her great work ethic but knows that sometimes, she has to break the rules.
Nancy Tells Sam Owens That He's Wrong
Sam Owens: 'Men of science have made abundant mistakes of every kind.' George Sarton said that. You guys know who George Sarton is? Doesn't really matter. The point is, mistakes have been made, yes.
Nancy: "Mistakes?! You killed Barbara!"
Nancy doesn't believe what people tell her, even if they're older than her or, in the case of Sam Owens, scientists who are supposed to know the truth about the world. Nancy can't believe that Dr. Owens is telling her that Barb's death was a "mistake."
Instead of sitting back and listening to what Dr. Owens has to say, Nancy can tell that he's lying and covering things up, and she isn't going to entertain this.
Nancy Responds To Robin's Outfit Complaints
“It’s not all about comfort, OK? We’re academics.”
Season 4 of Stranger Things has great outfits, including when Nancy teams up with Robin Buckley to pretend to be students who hope to interview Victor Creel. Robin complains about the itchy fabric and Nancy is all business and has a no nonsense response for her new friend.
Nancy wisely realizes that people who are passionate about academia don't care about outfits and that if she and Robin are going to play this part properly, they can't look like they're interested in fashion.
Nancy Asks Fred To Help Investigate
"Would you be up for a field trip?"
Nancy works on the school newspaper with Fred Benson in season 4, who can be blunt and who knows that there's trouble between Nancy and Jonathan. Nancy wants to know what happened to the head cheerleader, Chrissy Cunningham, and she wants to go to the scene of the crime.
Nancy's decision to be part of the action is always smart and even though she has put herself in harm's way a few times, Nancy knows that getting to the truth is more important.
Nancy Appeals To Eddie's Uncle's Emotions
"Let me tell your side of the story."
Eddie Munson is one of the best new Stranger Things characters, and Nancy talks to his uncle Wayne in the season 4 episode "Vecna's Curse." Wayde tells Nancy that he thinks that Victor Creel murdered Chrissy, not Eddie.
Nancy knows that Wayde is skeptical of reporters as he tells her that he doesn't want to talk to her, and she lets him know that she wants to hear his thoughts, feelings, and gut instincts about what really happened. Nancy can tell that this is the right thing to say and Wayde shares some key information with her.
Nancy Is Tough And Brave
"I think we can beat them. To the car."
When Nancy and Robin make a mistake when talking about the school that they're supposed to attend, an employee at Pennhurst Mental Hospital realizes that they're lying about who they are. Nancy tells Robin that they can rush to the car and get away from the security who are following them.
Nancy has proven herself to be a character who always thinks about others, and she knows that this is the worst time to get into trouble. Nancy's belief in herself, compassion for others, and quick thinking make her a beloved character.
Nancy Tells Steve She Has To Study
"I have to study. For Kaminsky's Chem test... His tests are impossible."
Steve and Nancy are a favorite couple on Stranger Things, and it can be tough to decide whether Steve or Jonathan is a better love interest. It's possible to say that both characters are good for Nancy in different ways.
Steve helps Nancy leave her comfort zone, as when they're dating in season 1, Nancy is focused on doing well in school and making other people happy. Nancy shows her strong desire to make good grades when she tells Steve that she has to focus on an upcoming test. It's clear that Nancy is book smart at first, and she shows that she can figure things out outside of the classroom as well.
Nancy Shares Her Sadness About Jonathan
"I'm annoyed he's not here. Okay? Is that what you want to hear?"
In the season 4 episode "Vecna's Curse," Nancy finally admits that she's upset about her relationship with Jonathan. Fred pushes her to be vulnerable about how they aren't communicating much anymore, and Nancy shows that she's smart enough to talk about emotions.
Jonathan was supposed to go home to Hawkins for spring break, and Nancy misses him and wishes that their love story could feel the way that it used to. No matter what happens between the characters, Nancy's ability to be genuine and say what she's really feeling will get her far in life.