I actually think broken is an exaggeration, and probably not what I *meant,* just the way I was thinking about it. I suspect I'm probably more accurate in the reply to Shanna that it's a change from two-dimensionality. That goes right along with your idea about arrested development--and I *hope* that what audiences are attracted to is the idea that she's growing, becoming a *deeper* person, rather than her cynicism.

The stepmother twist had not occurred to me--I love that idea, and I'm sure you're right that it was intentional. Thanks for pointing it out here!

And of course I don't mind your commenting--always glad to have another Athanarel person over here!