* Jealousy and insecurity: The stepmother may be jealous of Cinderella's beauty and youth, feeling threatened by her own aging and lack of attention from her husband.
* Desire for power and control: The stepmother may want to exert control over Cinderella and the household, and mistreatment serves as a way to keep her subordinate.
* Selfishness and greed: The stepmother may be driven by her own selfish desires and wants to keep all the wealth and privileges for herself and her daughters.
* Vengeful nature: In some versions, the stepmother may have a personal grudge against Cinderella's mother, carrying this animosity towards her daughter.
It's important to remember that the stepmother is a complex character. While she is often portrayed as cruel and malicious, she may also have her own internal struggles and reasons for her actions. Some versions explore the possibility that the stepmother is unhappy in her marriage or that she feels pressured by societal expectations.
Ultimately, the stepmother's motivations are often a reflection of the specific story's themes and the author's intentions.