User:Miss X-Factor/Mona Vanderwaal

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Mona Vanderwaal
Pretty Little Liars character
First appearanceNovel:
Pretty Little Liars (2006)
Television:
"Pilot"
(episode 1.01)
Last appearanceNovel:
Unbelievable (2008)
Created bySara Shepard
Portrayed byJanel Parrish
In-universe information
NicknameMon
(by Hanna)
Loser Mona
(by Alison)
Mona Monster
(by Caleb)
GenderFemale
OccupationHigh school student
(at Rosewood High School)
FamilyLeona Vanderwaal
(Mother)
Ned
(Uncle)
ResidenceRosewood, Pennsylvania

Mona Vanderwaal is a fictional character and one of main antagonist's (currently a protagonist) in the Pretty Little Liars series by Sara Shepard. She is portrayed by Janel Parrish in the ABC Family television adaptation. Mona was murdered by "A" in the episode "Taking This One To The Grave" after the shocking discovery: Alison knew about her mom's affair and lured Bethany to Rosewood. “She was jealous and wanted Bethany dead,” Mona says. “Alison is A and now I can prove it.”[1]

Development[edit]

Characterization[edit]

Mona was introduced as the former unpopular girl at Rosewood who longed to be accepted into Alison DiLaurentis's group and was continuously mocked by Alison. Deep down inside, Mona never forgot the way Alison had previously treated her; as an outsider and dork. After Alison's disappearance, Mona befriended Hanna Marin and they underwent an "extreme makeover" together; as a result, they both became popular students, she ironically, begins acting like Alison by adopting her personality as well as bulling people who Alison, herself, has bullied.

Mona is a very self-consciousness person. Due to the bullying and rejection she faced when Alison was around, Mona developed a complex in which she is not happy with her life. Although she does not show this side of her in public, this is why Mona felt such a need to remain popular, beautiful, and best friends with Hanna. This is also why she started tormenting the girls as "A," because she was afraid that the Liars would steal Hanna from her, who was her only friend. She and Hanna became best friends when Alison's crowd was disbanded. Mona figures that Hanna would not give up the chance to become popular. Their friendship stays strong until the ever so infamous "A" begins torturing the girls, forcing Hanna to become closer to her old friends. The other Liars, besides Hanna, don't care much for Mona, and this is a source of conflict in certain episodes, but it ends up being much more severe then a simple annoyance when it is revealed that this is the very reason she became A; she was angry at the Liars for taking Hanna away from her after Ali's body was found.

Mona can also speak French, hack computers, and do voice impressions. Mona was revealed to be "A" in the Season 2 finale. She considers herself a genius, but also has a has a borderline personality disorder (according to Dr. Sullivan).[2]

Friendships and Rivalries[edit]

Mona is known for her rivalries with Alison DiLaurentis, Aria Montgomery, Emily Fields, Hanna Marin, Spencer Hastings and Caleb Rivers.

Mona is most know for her feud with Alison, she originally longed to be accepted into Alison DiLaurentis's group and was continuously mocked by Alison. Mona was revealed to behind Alison's disappearance in "'A' Is for Answers" when she tricked Alison into giving Mona her secret to becoming popular by getting rid of Alison by making her disappear.[3][4] Their bitter rivalry continues, when Mona forms an army which consists of Lucas, Melissa Hastings, Jenna Marshall, Sydney Driscoll, twins Cindy and Mindy, and various other people treated bad by Alison. When Alison returns to school, Mona stages a run in with Alison to prove that she hasn't changed, which succeeds when Alison threats to make her "Loser Mona" again.

Amid her rivalries with the girls and Caleb, she is close with one of the show's core character Hanna Marin. After Alison's disappearance, Mona befriended Hanna Marin and they underwent an "extreme makeover" together; as a result, they both became popular students. When "A" appears, Mona becomes jealous of Hanna rekindling her friendships with the other Liars. In early season two, Hanna discovers that Mona destroyed the letter that Caleb wrote for her and as a result stops speaking to her.[5] They later reconcile and decide not to discuss their romantic lives with each other.[6] She spends the rest of the season trying to maintain her friendship with Hanna.[7] Mona had stated Hanna was her only friend. Throughout season three, Mona was in the Radley Sanitarium where she receives visits from Hanna, who is trying to come to terms with Mona's actions. She remains in a catatonic state during the first few episodes, but slow becomes more responsive and active, which has been attributed to Hanna's visits and eventually attempts to help Hanna by giving her code words.[8] She attempts to prove to Hanna her loyalty when she decides to lie to the police, saying that she killed Detective Wilden after she was originally enlisted by Hanna to help her lie to the police.[9]

Mona becomes some-what friends with Emily Fields when Emily confronts her about overhearing a conversation with the Principle, as well as apologizing for being a bystander during Alison's verbal assaults. Mona tells her about the bribes Tamborelli accepts to allow other player back on Rosewood High School's sports teams. She later helps Emily get back on the swim team by finding evidence of the bribes he accepted.[10]

Relationships[edit]

Mona was originally romantically linked to Noel Khan. However, when Mona later tries to confide in Hanna about Noel, but she does not pay attention leading to Noel dumping her, leaving her heartbroken and in need of comfort, which she at first refuses from Hanna.[11][12]

Most Recently, Mona has been romantically linked with Aria's brother Mike Montgomery. Their relationship has been praised by Jessica Goldstein of Vulture.[13] Mona breaks up with Mike in "Cover For Me" following the events of "Free Fall" after being involved in Ezra's backup plan when he requires her to abandon Mike in the name of “protection” — because Ezra is running out of options and uses her past against her.[13] Mona and Mike resume their relationship in the season five episode "No One Here Can Love or Understand Me", when they are seen in his house when Aria returns home, they are later seen in a movie themed date with Aria and Mike's father.

Storylines[edit]

Season One[edit]

Mona is introduced in the series as Hanna new best friends, with whom she engages in activities such as shoplifting. Since her days of being a social reject, she and Hanna reinvented themselves to become Rosewood High's "it girls".[14] After Alison's body has been found, Hanna reconnects with Emily, Spencer, and Aria. While this happens, she becomes more distant from Mona and continues to rebuff her snide remarks towards her friends, including Lucas.[15] She later gets chastised by Hanna for bullying Lucas the way she was bullied by Alison.[16] Mona tries to make nice with Hanna and the other Liars by inviting them to her birthday party. Hanna's personal problems get in the way of Mona's party celebrations, forcing her to cut her out. Mona is further angered by a rumor she heard that Hanna had liposuction to remove the excess weight and un-invites Hanna from her party.[17]

After Hanna gets hit by a car at her party, Mona visits her in the hospital and apologizes, blaming herself for what happened.[18] She later throws a surprise welcome home party for Hanna after her release from the hospital.[19] Mona helps Hanna grieve over her breakup with Caleb, putting herself at blame for letting Caleb get close to her. When he is about to leave town, Caleb hands Mona a letter for Hanna to read. She reads it and destroys it to protect Hanna.[20] Hanna later asks her if she received anything from Caleb, which she denies. After the Liars leave the lunch room, Hanna's phone rings with Caleb on the other end of the line. She answers and tells him that Hanna read to letter and threw it away. Lucas witnesses this and Mona tries to get him to forget what he saw, to no avail.[21]

Season Two[edit]

Hanna discovers that Mona destroyed the letter that Caleb wrote for her and as a result stops speaking to her.[5] They later reconcile and decide not to discuss their romantic lives with each other.[6] She spends the rest of the season trying to maintain her friendship with Hanna. Mona tries to help Hanna forge a relationship with Kate, but ultimately alienates her and later fails to help the friendship.[7] Mona tries to become friend with Caleb, who is now dating Hanna, by attending his surprise birthday party.[22] She later tries to confide in her about Noel, but she does not pay attention.[11] Noel dumps her, leaving her heartbroken and in need of comfort, which she at first refuses from Hanna.[12]

During the "Truth Up Day" Seminar, Mona overhears Vice Prinipal Tamborelli criticize Emily for her actions during the program's activity as well as those that got her arrested. Emily confronts her about it, as well as apologizing for being a bystander during Alison's verbal assaults. Mona tells her about the bribes Tamborelli accepts to allow other player back on Rosewood High School's sports teams. She later helps Emily get back on the swim team by finding evidence of the bribes he accepted.[10]

Mona begins receiving text messages from the same person that informed her about Hanna's liposuction. She later tells Hanna about it as well as the picture showing her mother Ashley and Detective Wilden having sex. Hanna denies it at first, but later confesses after Mona shows her the police file Wilden had expunged sent to her by "A". Mona also learns that "A" has been targeting Hanna and the other liars for a while. "A" forces her to come clean about her shoplifting or Hanna's secret; she later comes clean on her own shoplifting and is forced to do community service as a result.[23] She later becomes involved in the liars' dealings with "A" to some extent, helping create a lie to turn Ashley's attention away from "A"[24] and engaging in a ruse to find out if Spencer's sister, Melissa, is "A".[25]

At the "Rosewood Masquerade Ball", Mona surprises Hanna by having Caleb there and helping him out with his costume. Her act of kindness surprises Spencer, which leads to a conversation about Alison dressed as "Vivian Darkbloom". They then go to the Lostwoods Resort, where Spencer concurs that "A" rented the room next to Alison's. They find a collection of photos and drawings, many of the girls and the "Black Swan".[2] After looking around the room, Spencer concludes that Mona is "A". Mona knocks her out, stuffs her in her car and drives her to Lookout Point. During the drive, she asks her to join the "A" team, an offer that she extends again in season 3.[26] When they reach their destination, Spencer pulls the emergency brake and runs off of the car. Mona chases after her, before nearly being rammed by Hanna, who is aware that she is "A". Spencer and Mona struggle on the ledge; Spencer breaks free while Mona falls off the ledge. She survived and is detained by police to be sent to Radley Sanitarium. She is diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, causing her to experience a sense of hyperreality and omnipresence. Before the season's end, it is revealed that Mona is taking orders from another member of the "A" team.[2]

Season Three[edit]

Mona is in the Radley Sanitarium for the time being, and despite being locked away and under strict supervision she manages to find ways to carry on her work as "A". She receives visits from Hanna, who is trying to come to terms with Mona's actions. She remains in a catatonic state during the first few episodes, but slow becomes more responsive and active, which has been attributed to Hanna's visits. Those visits become more strictly monitored after Caleb's visit, during which she fakes a mental breakdown. During Aria and Hanna's visit, she recites "Miss Aria, you're a killer, not Ezra's wife" and "Where were we? Maya's away sleeping sweet until Garrett's all rosy count on me", codes that Hanna later deciphers to read "MAYA KNEW" and "www.massugar.com".[8] She later resumes her work as "A", leaving the sanitarium to do so.[27]

Midway into the season, Mona has been released from Radley and, at her request, returns to Rosewood High School. However her return is met with criticism from her peers and pranks that threaten her life. She later uploaded a video explaining her actions to everyone, which helped get in good with most of the school.[28] She gets more involved in school affairs by joining the Academic Decathlon team and competing for the team captain position, a move that makes Spencer wary of her intentions. She wins the team captain position and, inadvertently, gets Spencer removed from the team. At the decathlon, after going through a row with Spencer, Spencer attacks her. Mona continues to goad Spencer until she finally cracks at the site of a lifeless body, presumably Toby's.[29] She visits Spencer at the sanitarium, offering her a spot on the "A" team for a second time and revealing that she has more answers to her questions.[26] By the season's end, it is revealed that Mona has been plotting with Toby to have the liars meet with "A" and for her to finally see who "A" is. When the plan, however, turns out to be a double cross by Spencer and Toby, "A" sets the Hastings's summer lodge on fire, leaving her, Emily, Aria, and Hanna trapped inside. They are later rescued from the burning building and witness Alison in a red coat hovering over them, leaving the question of whether Alison is alive up in the air.[30]

Season Four[edit]

Mona has been ousted from the "A" team and is now forced to rely on Hanna, Aria, Spencer and Emily to find out who "A" really is. To earn some trust with the girls, she reveals to them secrets about "A" team as well as other bits of knowledge that may help clear up some confusion. She then shows them the RV that contains all of the secrets that the girls and their families have, but all her information on her computer is destroyed by a virus. Mona also tries to rekindle her friendship with Hanna, but to no avail.[28] Her RV is later stolen by Toby,[31] which she finds out after searching for it.[32] She is later enlisted by Hanna to help her lie to the police. She, however, decides to lie to the police, saying that she killed Detective Wilden.[9] In "Now you see me, now you don't", the liars thought Mona was kidnapped but was in hiding

Season 5[edit]

In season five, Mona forms a army which consists of Lucas, Melissa Hastings, Jenna Marshall, Sydney Driscoll, twins Cindy and Mindy, and various other people treated bad by Alison. When Alison returns to school, Mona stages a run in with Alison to prove that she hasn't changed, which succeeds when Alison threats to make her "Loser Mona" again.

Mona was murdered by "A" after having found proof the Alison is "A" in the summer finale episode "Taking This One to the Grave".[1]

Reception[edit]

Jessica Goldstein of Vulture highlighted Mona's fashion choices as well as praising her relationship with Mike Montgomery, saying "I like her little Breakfast at Tiffany’s look, her winged eyeliner, and even her overdone updo, because such devotion to hairspray seems very Mona-esque to me. Plus, I approve of anyone who rhymes-with-gloves Magic Mike Montgomery."[13]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b Butler, Bethonie. "'Pretty Little Liars' Season 5 summer finale recap: 'Taking this one to the grave'". The Washington Post. Retrieved 27 August 2014.
  2. ^ a b c "unmAsked". Lesli Linka Glatter (director), I. Marlene King (writer). Pretty Little Liars. ABC Family. March 19, 2012. Season 2, no. 25.
  3. ^ Goldstein, Jessica (March 19, 2014). "Pretty Little Liars Season Four Finale Recap: Bring Up the Bodies". Vulture. New York Media, LLC. Retrieved May 14, 2014.
  4. ^ Helmer, Steve (March 21, 2014). "Review of the "Pretty Little Liars" Episode "'A' Is for Answers"". Yahoo! Voices. Yahoo!. Retrieved May 14, 2014.
  5. ^ a b "It's Alive". Ron Lagomarsino (director), I. Marlene King (writer). Pretty Little Liars. ABC Family. June 14, 2011. Season 2, no. 1.
  6. ^ a b "The Goodbye Look". Norman Buckley (director), Joseph Dougherty (writer). Pretty Little Liars. ABC Family. June 21, 2011. Season 2, no. 2.
  7. ^ a b "Touched by an A-ngel". Chad Lowe (director), Charlie Craig (writer), Maya Goldsmith (director). Pretty Little Liars. ABC Family. August 16, 2011. Season 2, no. 10.
  8. ^ a b "Crazy". Patrick Norris (director), Andy Reaser (writer). Pretty Little Liars. ABC Family. July 24, 2012. Season 3, no. 7.
  9. ^ a b "The Guilty Girl's Handbook". Janice Cooke (director), Jan Oxenberg (writer). Pretty Little Liars. ABC Family. July 30, 2013. Season 4, no. 8.
  10. ^ a b "The Naked Truth". Elodie Keene (director), Oliver Goldstick (writer), Francesca Rollins. Pretty Little Liars. ABC Family. February 6, 2012. Season 2, no. 19.
  11. ^ a b "Let the Water Hold Me Down". Chris Grismer (director), Bryan M.Holdman (writer). Pretty Little Liars. ABC Family. January 16, 2012. Season 2, no. 16.
  12. ^ a b "The Blond Leading the Blind". Arlene Sanford (director), Charlie Craig (writer). Pretty Little Liars. ABC Family. January 23, 2012. Season 2, no. 17.
  13. ^ a b c Goldstein, Jessica (February 19, 2014). "Pretty Little Liars Recap: Need for Speed". Vulture. New York Media, LLC. Retrieved March 18, 2014.
  14. ^ "Pilot". Lesli Linka Glatter (director), I. Marlene King (writer). Pretty Little Liars. ABC Family. June 8, 2010. Season 1, no. 1.
  15. ^ "There's No Place Like Homecoming". Ron Lagomarsino (director), I. Marlene King (writer). Pretty Little Liars. ABC Family. June 14, 2011. Season 2, no. 1.
  16. ^ "The Perfect Storm". Jamie Babbit (director), Oliver Goldstick (writer). Pretty Little Liars. ABC Family. August 3, 2010. Season 1, no. 9.
  17. ^ "Keep Your Friends Close". Ron Lagomarsino (director), I. Marlene King (writer). Pretty Little Liars. ABC Family. August 10, 2010. Season 1, no. 10.
  18. ^ "Moments Later". Norman Buckley (director), Joseph Dougherty (writer). Pretty Little Liars. ABC Family. January 3, 2011. Season 1, no. 11.
  19. ^ "Salt Meets Wound". Norman Buckley (director), Oliver Goldstick (writer). Pretty Little Liars. ABC Family. January 10, 2011. Season 1, no. 12.
  20. ^ "Monsters in the End". Chris Grismer (director), Oliver Goldstick (writer). Pretty Little Liars. ABC Family. March 14, 2011. Season 1, no. 21.
  21. ^ "For Whom the Bell Tolls". Lesli Linka Glatter (director), I. Marlene King (writer). Pretty Little Liars. ABC Family. March 21, 2011. Season 1, no. 22.
  22. ^ "A Hot Piece of 'A'". Norman Buckley (director), Joseph Dougherty (writer). Pretty Little Liars. ABC Family. January 9, 2012. Season 2, no. 15.
  23. ^ "Breaking the Code". Roger Kumble (director), Jonell Lennon (writer). Pretty Little Liars. ABC Family. February 20, 2012. Season 2, no. 21.
  24. ^ "Father Knows Best". Chad Lowe (director), Charlie Craig (writer), Bryan M. Holdman. Pretty Little Liars. ABC Family. February 27, 2012. Season 2, no. 22.
  25. ^ "If These Dolls Could Talk". Ron Lagomarsino (director), Oliver Goldstick (writer), Maya Goldsmith. Pretty Little Liars. ABC Family. March 19, 2012. Season 2, no. 24.
  26. ^ a b "Will the Circle Be Unbroken". Ron Lagomarsino (director), Joseph Dougherty (writer). Pretty Little Liars. ABC Family. March 5, 2013. Season 3, no. 22.
  27. ^ "The Lady Killer". Ron Lagomarsino (director), I. Marlene King (writer). Pretty Little Liars. ABC Family. August 28, 2012. Season 3, no. 12.
  28. ^ a b "'A' is for A-l-i-v-e". I. Marlene King (drector, writer). Pretty Little Liars. ABC Family. January 8, 2013. Season 3, no. 14.
  29. ^ "Out of Sight, Out of Mind". Melanie Mayron (director), Jonell Lennon (writer). Pretty Little Liars. ABC Family. February 26, 2013. Season 3, no. 21.
  30. ^ "A dAngerous gAme". Patrick Norris (director), I. Marlene King (writer). Pretty Little Liars. ABC Family. March 19, 2013. Season 3, no. 24.
  31. ^ ""A" is for A-l-i-v-e". I. Marlene King (director, writer). Pretty Little Liars. ABC Family. June 11, 2013. Season 4, no. 1.
  32. ^ "Under the Gun". Wendey Stanzler (director), Lijah J. Barasz (writer). Pretty Little Liars. ABC Family. June 11, 2013. Season 4, no. 1.

Vanderwaal, Mona

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