I think Pegs represents that "Normal" person in the End of the World story. Most people do not have awesome skills that translate into Survival skills. Also that, regardless of how tough people act/say, most people would have a hard time to adapt. It is easy to say "Shiiit. I would shot that mofo in the head and do a kung pow kick to a zombies head while eating catfood to live!" and really doing it. Most people would lock up and piss themselves when they got into real issues. Most would also have a tough time changing. Using a gun is admitting that the world has changed. People try very very hard to keep life steady. People do small things, try new food, go on vacations, try things while on vacations, but most people do not make major changes well. They kick and scream and wait until the have no choice. Just liks Pegs with the Gun.

In the story Pegs represents the innocence we all have. Regardless of if we admit it or not. That is her role in the story. She is the "Normal" person. Her changing really is what a normal person would so in this situation. She has gone from a person with no real skills or worth... to being very useful. She flew the Helicopter and saved people. She is making the colony's food sourse work. Michael is relying on her (Talking to CJ) now in some areas.

I don't think people give Pegs enough credit. People focus on the wrong things. Yes. She left Michael and went to Baulder where it was "Safe". That was a HUGE deal. It said she was making choices on her own. We may not agree with it, but she was willing to do what she thought was best. She didn't rely on anyone else. She stood up for herself. She traveled to help Michael find help (The Colony) when almost no one would.

I hated her at the begining, but her growth is a awesome thing. People latch on to characters like Burt because they are what they wish they were, or how they wish they would act. People hate Pegs because at the end of the day most of us would be her.