Lila Fowler

Lila Fowler is a character in the book series Sweet Valley High and the majority of its spin-offs. She was played by Bridget Flanery (1994-1996) and Shirlee Elliot (1996-1998) in the TV series of the same name.

Character

Lila was one of the wealthiest students at Sweet Valley High, matched only by Bruce Patman, who often taunted her for being 'new money'. Fowler Memorial Hospital was named after one of Lila's ancestors. In "Sweet Valley High" Lila drove a lime green Triumph.

Despite Lila's snobbery, she was often a sympathetic character. Her mother, Grace, had abandoned her at a young age and her workaholic father, computer magnate George Fowler, was very rarely home. The Fowler's housekeepers, most notably Eva, were the closest thing Lila had to a parental figure.

Lila was Jessica Wakefield's best friend and, quite often, her biggest rival. The pair were frequently competing for the same thing, be it an outfit or a love interest.

In a plea for her father's attention, Lila began shoplifting at one stage. Strangely, she found herself turning to Elizabeth during this period. Elizabeth at first, only tolerated Lila for her sister's sake.

One event that served to mature Lila was her near date-rape at the hands of classmate John Pfeifer. This situation also earned her Elizabeth's support, even though John was a friend and co-worker of hers at the Oracle. The trauma she suffered as a result caused her father to search for her mother, whom she needed at a time like that. George and Grace ended up remarrying, pleasing Lila greatly.

Much later, after Lila had recovered from the incident, John tried to burn down her house in revenge. He died when he accidentally detonated his own bomb.

After the earthquake in Sweet Valley, Lila and her family housed Jessica, Elizabeth and their parents. This helped to solidify the friendship between the two families. This also allowed Elizabeth to eventually relent in her feelings toward Lila; and the two somewhat become friends.

In Sweet Valley University, Lila dates Bruce Patman. Although they had been rivals since childhood, Lila and Bruce fall in love and later move in together. They briefly get engaged, but remain a steady couple throughout the series.

weet Valley University

In the early Sweet Valley University books, we see Lila form a relationship, and quickly marry, the Italian Count Tisiano, leaving university and her best friend Jessica Wakefield behind. Tisiano, however, is killed in a tragic accident, causing Lila to return to Sweet Valley University. Jessica and Lila go on to become members of the prestigious sorority Theta Alpha Theta together, and earn a very well-respected name for themselves.