Nancy Wheeler

Nancy Wheeler, portrayed by Natalia Dyer, is a main character in Stranger Things. She is also the protagonist of the novel Stranger Things: One Way or Another. Nancy is an aspiring journalist, and an ally to "the Party". She is the older sister of Mike and Holly Wheeler and the ex-girlfriend of both Jonathan Byers and Steve Harrington.

Nancy is hyper-intelligent and studious, having a high GPA and studying vigorously for tests. However, after entering a relationship with Steve she became more rebellious, lying and participating in activities she most likely wouldn't have done otherwise. While her actions were being influenced by her new "friends", she still remained kind, sympathetic, and studious. Her genius-level of intellect led to finding the truth behind Barb’s disappearance even though she still felt guilty.

She was also shown to have a tremendous amount of bravery, resolve, and conviction, going to great lengths for those she cared for. When she was looking for the missing Barb, she boldly entered a portal to another dimension in an attempt to save her friend. Later, determined to kill the Monster, she willingly used her and Jonathan's blood to lure it out.

When Nancy started working at The Hawkins Post, she strove to work hard and do her best. However, surrounded by misogynistic co-workers, Nancy was belittled and mocked despite her treating her co-workers kindly. Because of the ridicule she received from her co-workers, Nancy was determined to receive the approval and recognition from her co-workers by going through such lengths to be treated equally and respectfully. Nancy's determination to gain her co-workers' respect led her to making decisions without thinking thoroughly; this, in turn, resulted in her and Jonathan getting fired and their relationship becoming strained. After a talk with her mother, Nancy overcame the cruelty that she endured from the journalists at the Hawkins Post and reconciled with Jonathan.