Negative Traits:
* Cruel and malicious: She is driven by jealousy and spite, constantly finding ways to make Cinderella's life miserable.
* Self-centered and narcissistic: She prioritizes her own beauty and pleasure, often at the expense of others.
* Manipulative and controlling: She uses her daughters to further her own agenda, often using threats and intimidation.
* Superficial and materialistic: She places a high value on appearances and wealth, often belittling Cinderella for her lack of these things.
* Vain and envious: She is consumed by jealousy of Cinderella's youth and beauty, leading to her cruel actions.
Motivations:
* Fear of losing power and influence: She may fear Cinderella's beauty and grace eclipsing her own daughters, threatening her position in the household.
* Desire for control: She wants to maintain control over Cinderella and ensure she remains subservient.
* Desire for wealth and status: She may see Cinderella as a threat to her own daughters' chances of marrying wealthy men.
The Evil Stepmother is not always portrayed as a one-dimensional villain. Some interpretations suggest she is driven by past traumas, insecurity, or a desire to protect her own daughters from a perceived threat.
Ultimately, the Evil Stepmother serves as a powerful symbol of jealousy, envy, and the destructive consequences of these emotions.