Noelle Lange

Noelle Lange is a main character in the Private series. She is the original leader of the Billings Girls.

Biography
Noelle is introduced at the beginning of Private as one of the four core Billings Girls, and is presented as their leader. She first encounters Reed after they catch her staring at them through the window, and is immediately derisive towards her, nicknaming her 'Glass-licker'. However, Reed grows on her throughout the novel, and she eventually permits her to join Billings after a hazing process.

In the second novel, Noelle sets Reed up with Walt Whittaker in order to gain her access to the infamous Legacy party. She also blackmails Natasha Crenshaw into blackmailing Reed to further test her loyalty. Reed passes the test, and becomes a full-fledged Billings Girl.

Meanwhile, Noelle and the other Billings Girls (Ariana, Kiran and Taylor) become increasingly nervous about the disappearance of Thomas Pearson, Reed's ex-boyfriend. Noelle attempts to convince Reed that Josh Hollis was responsible for his murder, and even has him arrested. Eventually, Noelle explains to Reed the truth about their involvement in Thomas's disappearance. She reveals that they wanted to take revenge on Thomas after he humiliated her at a party, and that they tied him up and blindfolded him when he was drunk, leaving him alone in a field. She insists, however, that they loosened the ropes, and that he should have been able to escape. She remains adamant that they did not kill him.

Reed is horrified by this, and refuses to speak to them. Later on, Reed is cornered by Ariana on the roof of Billings, and it is revealed that she killed Thomas, as she had been in a relationship with him before Reed's arrival at Easton. As Ariana declares that she is going to kill Reed, Noelle appears on the roof behind them and knocks her down with her lacrosse stick. Noelle states that she had suspected Ariana for a while but had been covering for her. As the police arrive to take Ariana away, Noelle tells them to arrest her as well, and confesses her involvement in the crime. She is taken to a rehabilitation centre, from where she calls Reed over winter break and convinces her to return to Easton after the traumatic events of the term.

Physical appearance
Noelle is beautiful and tall, with thick, dark brown hair and brown eyes. She has an athletic physique, similar to Reed. She also has a mysterious long, red scar just above her hipbone.

Personality
Noelle is charismatic and confident, with undisputed leadership skills. However, she also has an intimidating demeanour, and can sometimes be overly harsh and blunt. Noelle seems to know everything that happens at Easton, and enjoys being in control at all times. She has a tendency to be manipulative. She is often mocking towards those she considers beneath her, but is extremely loyal to her friends.