Early on, Mona was driven by:
* Revenge: She felt bullied and ostracized by the Liars, particularly by Alison DiLaurentis. She wanted to make them suffer for their perceived cruelty.
* Attention: Mona craved attention and recognition, even if it came in a negative form. Being "A" gave her power and control, fulfilling her desire to be noticed.
* A twisted sense of friendship: Mona saw herself as a friend to the Liars, even though her methods were warped. She believed they were all in a game together, and she was simply playing along.
As the series progresses, Mona's motives become more nuanced:
* Alison's manipulation: Mona was deeply affected by Alison's manipulation and gaslighting. Alison played on Mona's insecurities and vulnerabilities, leading her down a darker path.
* Mental instability: Mona struggles with mental health issues, including obsessive-compulsive disorder and borderline personality disorder. These conditions contribute to her erratic behavior and desire for control.
* A desire for a "better life": While initially fueled by revenge, Mona later seeks to create a better life for herself, believing that being "A" will help her achieve this.
Ultimately, Mona's motives are a combination of factors, making her a complex and compelling character:
* A desire for control: Mona feels powerless in her own life and seeks to control the lives of others.
* A need to belong: Mona craves connection and a sense of community, even if it's through manipulation and fear.
* A struggle with her own identity: Mona grapples with her own insecurities and struggles to define herself.
While initially a villain, Mona ultimately redeems herself, showing genuine remorse for her actions and becoming an ally to the Liars. Her story highlights the complex nature of human motivation and the destructive consequences of unchecked anger and insecurity.