Nellie Olsen made the show fun to watch. She was spoiled and mean but she was believable and human. Her parents were the cause of her behaviour.

At first, she was Laura's biggest rival. Took after her mother in the big mouth department, and made fun of people's misfortunes. I like how Nellie fell in love with Percival Dalton, and changed from brat to nice young woman -- pretty much overnight! Percival worked a big miracle in her life.

She's the perfect example of how troubled individuals can actually change their lives for the better.

every show needs a villan and Little house would not have been the same without Nellie Olson. she was a product of her mother who spoiled her rotten. taught her to be the snob she was.  Nellie was more than a brat, she was a flat out little Bi***,{ Alison Arngrim used this word to describe Nellie herself} Alison did a fine job portraying this nasty little girl. did you ever notice that when she got married and AWAY from her mother she was nicer?  I wonder what happened to Nellie in real life { instead of the TV show} update i found a youtube with Alison Arngrim she does a stand up routine and came out in one segment dressed as Nellie pretty humorous.

I think the character Nellie Olsen was a very sad person.  However, Alison Arngrim did a fantastic job with her role.