Character Analysis
Basically the Next Sherlock Holmes
If you want something done at Sword & Cross, there's no one better to do it for you than Penn. Smart, astute, patient, and tireless, Penn will find the information that you need—and fast.
Penn's got a good head on her shoulders, and she's a genuine friend to Luce. In fact, her role in Fallen mostly revolves around helping Luce unravel the mysteries of Daniel Grigori. She knows the ins and outs of this school even better than Arriane does, and while she doesn't know about the mythical side of the school, her introduction to it in the cemetery proves just how loyal she is. When Luce looks back at her, she shrugs at Luce, as if to say, "I don't know what the heck is going on, but I couldn't just abandon you" (18.58).
Her bravery in the face of danger for Luce's sake shows just how loyal and caring a person Penn is, even when this act of bravery and steadfastness leads to her death.
Yes, Miss Sophia, we're still angry with you for that.
Penn also has a sense of humor, teasing Luce about the love triangle she's found herself in and bringing her friend back to the tasks at hand when she gets caught up in her dating life—something that happens pretty often. She also learns from Luce, cutting loose and joining the party in Cam's room with her, for example, and good-naturedly taking Luce's teasing about her flirting with Todd.
Basically, Penn teaches Luce that there are genuinely nice people at this school, and that maybe she could make a home for herself here, as Penn had to after her father died.
At a school where almost no one is what they seem, Penn is a genuine friend.