They are often the main source of headache for the protagonist. The Snooty Girl often plays the role of the bully; particularly if the main character is a lower class. There are some Snooty Guys to be fair, but they are less common in general.
The Snooty Girl may have money and looks, but she is often lonely. Her hangers on appear to be friends because of her influence or simply out of fear. She also has a hard time relating to others, particularly guys. Because of her looks and money, the supporting male cast either resents her or lusts for her.
The Snooty Girl is a sweet girl under the prickly exterior in most anime. She holds up the facade out of fear. Because of this, she is a target for a coming-of-age side story. Where she becomes a nicer, more open person.
The Snooty Girl wrestles with family expectations the lower class characters don’t have. Her family is either ungodly rich or down on their luck; in either case she is expected to behave in ways that befit her perceived station. Arranged marriages are something she has to face as well.
A few examples of Snooty Girls: Eri from School Rumble, Mio from The World Only God Knows, and Ayaka Yukihiro from Negima!
The blonde hair is a shorthand for the Western origins of most of these characters. The stereotype doesn’t reflect very well on us eh? The hair color also denotes how different and even untouchable these characters appear to be for the other cast members. They are exotic and from a different world.
The Snooty Girl is another shorthand for characterization. These characters can become likable and even endearing as they develop. In story telling, there is limited time to establish a connection with the audience. That is why stereotypes are used. Most personality types can become a stereotype with enough tellings: like the hot headed hero or the stoic logical professor, or even the quiet football player who likes to knit.
