Velma is a highly intelligent young woman with an interest in the sciences. She is very well-read on obscure fields such as Norse writing, Chinese calligraphy, and Mesopotamian pottery. Due to her intelligence and problem-solving abilities, Velma is typically the first one to solve a mystery and often keeps her conclusions secret till the end of the story. Unfortunately, she is also somewhat clumsy, often tripping over objects and losing her glasses. She is extremely nearsighted without them.