In Stranger Things, we consider so many characters as heroes of Hawkins. From making daring sacrifices to intense face-offs with Vecna and Demogorgons, most of the hero work comes from action-packed moments.
However, heroes can also come from those who have quietly existed in the background and have used their wits. Holly Wheeler represents what Hawkins is truly fighting to protect and has rightfully done so. This article breaks down the four key reasons why Holly Wheeler is the biggest hero in Stranger Things.
Holly Takes Second-Guesses on the Seemingly Innocent World Around Her
In a town like Hawkins, danger rarely announces itself when it happens. It hides behind familiar streets, trusted adults, and everyday routines. We’re all too familiar with grown-ups dismissing strange occurrences in Hawkins, but Holly gets to hone her perception skills when she instinctively senses when something is wrong.
While she may not fully understand the Upside Down, unlike the rest of the main Hawkins gang, she does feel its presence. Her ability to distinguish what’s true and sincere, such as with Vecna / Henry and Max‘s roles and motives, helped the entire team.
Holly Leads the Kidnapped Hawkins Kids to Safety
When chaos erupts and the children are placed in danger, Holly plays a crucial role in moments wherein her group needs guidance rather than force. After all the kids learn of Vecna / Henry’s true intentions to use them as vessels, Holly leads the kids to safety, especially when Max disappears from Vecna / Henry’s mind.
Holly would use her knowledge from what she learned from Max, think smartly, and act as a leader who protected and ensured the survival of every member in her group. This led to the kids not having any casualties.
Holly Protects the Generation that Comes After the Fight
Every major sacrifice in Stranger Things is usually made for someone else. Holly also seems to represent that “someone.” When the older kids, such as Eleven and the gang, lose their innocence to trauma, violence, and fear, Holly is protected from that same fate. Her continued safety alongside the kids symbolizes the future Hawkins is fighting for.
The entire Hawkins team is battling against Vecna / Henry and the entire Upside Down to let the next generation grow up without much of the weight of Hawkins’ tragedies and trauma.
Holly Becomes a Moral Compass for Survival, Instead of Revenge
As Stranger Things grows darker with every season, especially this last one, a lot of its characters are driven by loss, anger, and the desire for revenge. Holly’s presence quietly redirects the focus on survival and moving toward a brighter future for all the characters.
While there’s a form of revenge, especially when Joyce has her moment with dealing with Vecna / Henry, Holly becomes a moral boundary for the fight against the Upside Down. She redefines what it means to be a hero, setting limits on how battles can be dealt with, especially when protecting those who are weaker, such as her friends.