Penelope Shafai

Penelope Shafai is a recurring character of Gossip Girl that first appeared on screen in the episode called "The Wild Brunch" on September 26, 2007.

A member of Blair Waldorf's clique until she was dethroned as Queen Bee; constantly shifts her allegiance between Blair and Jenny Humphrey. She makes no secret of her crush on Nate Archibald when she aids in Blair's dethroning and Jenny's ascent as Queen with Jenny earning her and Hazel Williams favour when Jenny salvages herself after Blair attempted to sabotage her birthday. She helps host Jenny's party with Asher Hornsby and gives the freshman the benefit of the doubt when she lied about having sex with Asher, eventually ending her friendship with her when Jenny reveals the truth. She is also a national Merit Scholar. Chuck Bass persuades her to ruin Amanda Lasher's hair which ends up in a fight between Dan Humphrey and Serena van der Woodsen. Isabel Coates and Penelope contribute to the new rift between Blair and Serena when the position of Queen shifts from Blair to Serena. Penelope attempts to get Nate as her date to the Snowflake Ball, planning with the girls and a reluctant Jenny to humiliate Vanessa Abrams. Isabel, Penelope and Hazel are all present when they plan on declaring Emma Boardman as the new Queen, which went to Jenny. Penelope refuses to have a girl from Brooklyn carry out their legacy but Blair convinces them otherwise.

Penelope returns in season 4 as she attends Columbia University. She is currently a member of an exclusive club, the Hamilton House with Juliet Sharp, and continues her rivalry with Blair and Serena.