The three books the movies are based on).
She's sweet, interesting, and insightful. However, Lara Jean has also done some bad things in the three movies. When combined with her other generous and wonderful moments, it makes her into a more interesting and dynamic character who has a handful of flaws.
Worst: Lashes Out at Margot
Lara Jean loves her family, and she usually treats them very well. However, there are times where she's been tough on Margot. When Lara Jean doesn't get into Stanford, she spirals. Her little sister Kitty calls Margot on video chat, and Margot tries to calm Lara Jean by mentioning NYU as a potential opportunity.
Lara Jean lashes out at Margot, stating, "Well, I'm not like you, Margot. I don't want to be far away from my family." The hurt s on Margot's face as she uses an excuse to hang up, and Kitty even looks hurt for her big sis--choosing to leave Lara Jean's room.
Best: Won't Try for Josh Because of Margot
On the other hand, Lara Jean has moments when she takes Margot's feelings to heart. In the first movie, she has a big crush on Josh, Margot's ex. While Margot broke up with him in order to enjoy college in Scotland with no strings attached, Margot still has love and affection for him. Lara Jean knows this.
Even if Josh had wanted to start a new relationship with Lara Jean, she could never do it because of Margot. Lara Jean understood that he was Margot's first love, and being with him would cause strife between the sisters. Even a great kiss (if she and Josh did kiss) wouldn't be worth the pain she would cause her sister. That relationship is more important to her than a potential romance with Josh.
Worst: Didn't Immediately Tell John Ambrose About Peter
When she begins to be friends with John Ambrose again in the second movie, she doesn't start that friendship/relationship very honestly. She takes a long time to tell him that she's with Peter.
Had she told him that she was with Peter earlier, then John Ambrose may not have gotten so emotionally attached. It was like she wanted both possibilities open, and she enjoyed being wooed by a former crush Not telling John Ambrose her relationship status may have made a shift (from Peter to John Ambrose) seem like a real and easy possibility.
Best: Organizes a Dance for the Retirement Home
In the second movie, Lara Jean volunteers with the Belleview Retirement Home. She is excited about volunteering with them. Quickly, she connects with Stormy, a retiree with a big heart and sense of adventure. Stormy has had a lively life and her vivacious nature.
Lara Jean decides to bring back the dance for them all, giving them an activity that they'll love. Always the decorating guru, she fashions an enchanting evening and dance for the retirees with John Ambrose, who also volunteered.
Worst: Hides Her Fake Relationship From Margot
In the first movie, Lara Jean is sad that her big sister, Margot, has moved far away for college in Scotland. Margot is the maternal big sister. Lara Jean misses her but also worries that she won't live up to her big sister. When Margot calls her from Scotland, Lara Jean briefly speaks to her and does a mad dash (often with an excuse) to get off the phone or video chat.
She doesn't want Margot to know about Peter and their fake relationship. While she can lie to others, she knows that she can't lie to Margot. With Margot, she would have to it the truth--she's falling for Peter. Margot doesn't know why Lara Jean avoids her, and she's hurt.
Best: s Dad's New Relationship
While Kitty was the one to help instigate her dad and Trina's connection and is on board, it takes the other Covey girls longer to come around. It could be because the older sisters their mother more, but both eventually are behind it.
Lara Jean realizes that her father will always love their mother, but that he deserves present-day love and happiness. One of the ways that she s her dad and Trina is by deg their wedding cake. Always the perfectionist, Lara Jean spends evenings trying to make the perfect cake.
Worst: Breaks Up With Peter Because of Her Insecurities
Lara Jean struggles with how to be in a real relationship with Peter. She has no contract, no rules to follow, and she's worried that Peter will never be over Gen. She's constantly worried that they aren't meant to be together. Part of her thinks (and is somewhat confirmed) that Peter and Gen would've stayed together if a couple of events had ended up differently.
For Peter, Gen has become just a friend whom he's helping through a rough patch. For Lara Jean, Gen is more of a threat, and she doubts Peter's love as well as her ability to fulfill the girlfriend role. In her mind, Gen knew what to do (i.e. dress up in the school colors for his games), and she doesn't.
Best: Apologizes to Those She Loves
One of Lara Jean's best qualities is that she is self-reflective. She's willing to acknowledge that she may have said the wrong thing or compromise. Lara Jean may not always be the best communicator, but she's willing to have difficult conversations and acknowledge her shortcomings.
Fans see her do this with many of the people she cares about, such as Margot, Josh, and Peter. It may not be comfortable for her, but she's willing to be uncomfortable for those she loves.
Worst: Treatment and Insecurity about Gen
In the first movie, the way she treats Gen seems completely justified. Gen comes across as a classic mean girl, as someone that the viewers automatically don't like. However, Gen challenges Lara Jean's and the audience's view of her when she says to Lara Jean, "I am not as tough as I pretend to be." Later on, in the second movie, this line has more weight when it's found out that Gen's parents are going through a divorce. Gen's struggling and talks to Peter, who understands. Lara Jean tells Gen that she worries that she won't be good enough for Peter and that he won't ever be over Gen, but that, "The person who couldn't get over you is me."
Gen and Lara Jean had once been best friends. Lara Jean realizes that they have jung--a Korean word that her grandma taught her, that means a connection and tenderness in the heart you have for another person even if you are no longer that close. She states that she and Gen have jung, and Peter and Gen also have jung. This realization helps her move on from her insecurity.
Best: Tries New Things For Herself and For Loved Ones
When fans first meet Lara Jean, she's closed off and lives mostly in her head. It's only when Kitty forces her out of her bubble (mailing the love letters) that Lara Jean begins to open up. In her "false" relationship with Peter, she starts to go to events and meet more people. Both her father and her best friend, Chris, like seeing this side of her. Her dad says that it's not that she's changing, but she's just allowing more people to see and experience who she really is.
By the third movie, Lara Jean has a set of good friends. She's more at home in the school. Also, by the end of the third movie, she realizes that she can try new things for herself (grow), but still stay connected to those she loves.
