... from the part of me that's capable of saying mean and sarcasic things... -Schulz

A cynic might call Lucy Van Pelt the “smug embodiment of female superiority,” foreshadowing the “acerbic ‘feminists’ of the seventies.” Beyond social commentary, Lucy is more of a friend and foil to Charlie Brown. She is selfish and loud, and like her creator, “crabby.” She encourages Charlie Brown one minute, and knocks him down the next. She is always at odds with her brother Linus, and is desperate for him to give up his childish behavior, tired of being known as the sister of the boy with the blanket.

Lucy has the extremes of what personality traits Charlie Brown lacks. This might be why he goes to her booth for psychiatric advice. Every year she goads Charlie Brown to kick the football, and every year he fails. Schulz loved the football gag because the girl always “one-upped” the boy.

Lucy’s only foil is Schroeder, her one true love, who seems more impressed by Beethoven.