All Peanuts Comics Highlighting the Single Character That Was Ever Killed Off

The Peanuts comic strip, created by Charles M. Schulz, features an ensemble of characters that have stood the test of time, including the iconic Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and Linus. Yet, among these beloved figures lies a lesser-known character who met an untimely fate: Charlotte Braun. While many characters from Peanuts have captured the hearts of fans globally, Charlotte’s presence has faded into obscurity, largely forgotten since her abrupt removal from the strip.

Charlotte Braun was envisioned as a female counterpart to the protagonist, Charlie Brown. Initially, Schulz envisioned her as a prominent figure within the Peanuts universe. However, the reception from audiences was less than favorable. A number of fans even reached out to Schulz, requesting her removal. In a rather shocking twist, Schulz obliged and “killed off” Charlotte in a manner that left a lasting impression.

The letter Charles Schulz wrote to a fan announcing Charlotte Braun's 'death'.

The image above captures a letter written by Charles M. Schulz to a fan who voiced concerns over Charlotte Braun’s character. Schulz noted that he appreciated the feedback and decided to eliminate her from the Peanuts universe. In a humorous yet macabre twist, Schulz included a drawing of Charlotte with an ax embedded in her head, symbolically illustrating her fate and providing a dark in-world reason for her absence from future strips.

This action makes Charlotte Braun a singular entry in the history of Peanuts, marking her as the only character that Schulz officially eliminated. Following her demise, the mere ten comic strips in which she appeared have taken on newfound interest. Below is a chronological exploration of these unique strips, showcasing the brief yet vibrant presence of Charlotte Braun!

1. Charlotte Braun Establishes Herself as the ‘Female Charlie Brown’ Right from the Start

Peanuts – November 30, 1954

Charlotte Braun meeting Charlie Brown in Peanuts.

Charlotte Braun made her debut in this Peanuts strip, introduced by none other than Charlie Brown himself. Unlike typical character introductions, this moment felt significant as Charlotte immediately claimed her identity, proudly stating that her friends call her “Good Ol’ Charlotte Braun.”This title, closely associated with Charlie Brown, signaled her intended role as his female counterpart right from the outset.

2. Charlotte Braun May Be the ‘Female Charlie Brown,’ but She is NOT Related to Him

Peanuts – December 1, 1954

Charlotte Braun telling Violet she's not related to Charlie Brown.

In this comic strip, when Violet becomes friends with Charlotte Braun, she aptly notes the similarity of their names. Curious about any potential relation, Violet inquires if Charlotte is connected to Charlie Brown, to which Charlotte passionately responds, “Good grief, no!”Her fervent denial serves as a clever meta-commentary, further highlighting the ongoing narrative that Charlotte was intended to be the ‘female Charlie Brown.’

3. Peanuts Establishes Charlotte Braun’s Main Character Trait

Peanuts – December 2, 1954

Charlie Brown introducing Charlotte Braun to Patty.

During her interaction with Patty, Charlotte’s boisterous nature is highlighted when Patty comments on her volume. Instead of feeling bashful, Charlotte boldly embraces her loudness, declaring it a means to emphasize her points. This establishes her defining characteristic, which carries through the remainder of her limited appearances.

4. Charlotte Braun Isn’t the Same as Charlie Brown; She’s the Exact Opposite

Peanuts – December 3, 1954

Charlie Brown asking Charlotte Braun why she's so loud.

In a humorous exchange on a curbside, Charlie Brown questions Charlotte’s tendency to speak loudly. With unwavering confidence, she insists this volume is her natural state, proving her point by cranking up her volume even more. The exaggerated reactions from both Charlie Brown and Snoopy reflect the stark contrast between the two characters, further emphasizing Charlotte’s role as the dichotomous counterpart to Charlie Brown.

5. Peanuts Points Out How Charlotte Braun Could Legitimately Take Charlie Brown’s Name

Peanuts – December 4, 1954

Violet telling Charlotte Braun she should marry Charlie Brown.

When Charlotte is seated alone, Violet approaches her with a playful suggestion: if she were to marry Charlie Brown, she would become ‘Charlotte Brown.’ The mere thought horrifies Charlotte, prompting her to storm off and shout at Charlie Brown to vacate her life. This moment cleverly critiques the similarity in their names and highlights the absurdity of the situation.

6. Charlie Brown Tries His Best to Be Charlotte Braun’s Friend (to No Avail)

Peanuts – December 7, 1954

Charlie Brown accidentally making Charlotte Braun angry.

In this strip, Charlie Brown attempts to compliment Charlotte in hopes of solidifying their budding friendship. However, his gesture backfires spectacularly as she misconstrues his well-meaning compliment as sarcasm. The comedic irony illustrates Charlie Brown’s struggles to connect with his loud counterpart.

7. Charlie Brown Hilariously Calls Out Charlotte Braun’s Signature Trait

Peanuts – December 8, 1954

Charlotte Braun asking Charlie Brown if she's too loud.

When Charlotte questions Charlie Brown about her volume, he cleverly sidesteps her by distancing himself physically to answer. This action serves as an unspoken confirmation of her loudness, underscoring the ongoing comedic tension created by Charlotte’s character traits.

8. Charlie Brown Cannot Stand Charlotte Braun (Literally)

Peanuts – January 17, 1955

Charlotte Braun asking Charlie Brown if she's loud.

In another interaction, Charlotte pesters Charlie Brown with her loudness, claiming it reflects her exuberant personality. As each loud proclamation escapes her lips, Charlie Brown visibly slouches in exasperation, showcasing how her character is both tiring and amusing to those around her.

9. Linus’ Blanket Really Comes in Handy Around Charlotte Braun

Peanuts – January 31, 1955

Linus hiding from Charlotte Braun under his blanket.

As Charlotte’s reputation spreads, even young Linus, who hasn’t yet met her, anticipates her loud arrival. When Charlotte greets him enthusiastically, Linus resorts to pulling his blanket over his head rather than engage. This reaction highlights the profound impact Charlotte’s loud nature has on her peers.

10. Charlie Brown is the Last Member of the Peanuts Gang to See Charlotte Braun Alive

Peanuts – February 1, 1955

Charlotte Braun saying goodbye to Charlie Brown.

In Charlotte’s last appearance, she bids farewell to Charlie Brown, making him the final member of the Peanuts gang to see her before her gruesome fate. As she leaves, Charlie Brown humorously remarks on her loudness one last time. This farewell not only serves as her final comic strip appearance but suggests a world where Charlotte could have remained a quirky background figure, ironically enjoying a quiet life.

In conclusion, despite the absurdity surrounding her demise, Charlotte Braun’s legacy persists as a macabre reminder of her brief but impactful journey in the Peanuts storyline, marking her as the only character Schulz ever truly killed off.

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