Sydelle Pulaski was considered a mistake by some characters in The Westing Game due to her tendency to seek attention and her somewhat self-serving nature. Throughout the story, she often appears to manipulate situations to her advantage, particularly by pretending to be more involved in the mystery than she truly is.
While Sydelle does play a role in the unfolding drama of the Westing game, her actions often come across as misguided or superficial. For instance, her use of a shorthand notebook, which she believes holds the key to the puzzle, is more about her desire to be noticed than an actual contribution to solving the mystery.
Moreover, her interactions with other characters highlight her flaws. Instead of fostering teamwork, she often creates tension and competition. This ultimately proves to be detrimental not only for her but for the overall dynamics of the groups involved in the game. Her decision to fake an injury and make a fuss over her notebook illustrates how her need for attention can disrupt the collaborative spirit necessary for the game.
In this context, Sydelle represents a cautionary tale about self-interest obscuring genuine intentions and connection. Her contributions to the plot are crucial, but her approach paints her as a mistake in the sense that she complicates rather than simplifies the path to solving the Westing mystery.