I think she is the key character in the series (after all, she was the one who later wrote the stories). She started out as a somewhat rambunctious tomboy (though basically a good girl) who learned important lessons throughout her years growing up. The series ran long enough for her to blossom into a young woman, marry, and become a teacher... then resigned from this position in the "New Beginning" episodes to settle down with Almanzo and raise their baby daughter Rose and neice Jenny.
I simply can't think of better female role models for girls today than the likes of Laura and Mary. Which is partly why I'm glad that "Little House on the Prairie" is still in reruns.
