Before anything else, I’d like to remind everyone that opinions and criticisms are subjective, and I’m not trying to offend anyone in any way!
That said, I understand that many readers found Theodora’s character annoying, immature, and ungrateful. However, have we ever paused to consider the story behind her behavior? What experiences shaped her into the person she became by the end?
Can we truly blame her? It’s important to remember that while Craig was undeniably a victim, Theodora was just as much a victim as her older brother. When Craig was drafted into the military, who was left behind to endure the abuse in his absence? It was her. As the youngest and most vulnerable, she bore the brunt of their father’s anger and cruelty. Being left alone at such a critical point in her life—even if only for a short time—could profoundly alter her personality and development.
On top of that, as a young girl, she could’ve been placed in dangerous situations, even being targeted to repay their father’s debts.
Is it entirely her fault that she treated Craig poorly? No, because she was still a child trying to navigate unimaginable trauma. However, does that mean her behavior toward Craig should be excused without acknowledgment? Not entirely. Still, it’s worth taking a moment to reflect on Theodora’s circumstances and why she acted the way she did.
Ultimately, Theodora deserves the same empathy and compassion from readers as Craig does. Let’s try to understand her before dismissing her outright.
Before anything else, I’d like to remind everyone that opinions and criticisms are subjective, and I’m not trying to offend anyone in any way!
That said, I understand that many readers found Theodora’s character annoying, immature, and ungrateful. However, have we ever paused to consider the story behind her behavior? What experiences shaped her into the person she became by the end?
Can we truly blame her? It’s important to remember that while Craig was undeniably a victim, Theodora was just as much a victim as her older brother. When Craig was drafted into the military, who was left behind to endure the abuse in his absence? It was her. As the youngest and most vulnerable, she bore the brunt of their father’s anger and cruelty. Being left alone at such a critical point in her life—even if only for a short time—could profoundly alter her personality and development.
On top of that, as a young girl, she could’ve been placed in dangerous situations, even being targeted to repay their father’s debts.
Is it entirely her fault that she treated Craig poorly? No, because she was still a child trying to navigate unimaginable trauma. However, does that mean her behavior toward Craig should be excused without acknowledgment? Not entirely. Still, it’s worth taking a moment to reflect on Theodora’s circumstances and why she acted the way she did.
Ultimately, Theodora deserves the same empathy and compassion from readers as Craig does. Let’s try to understand her before dismissing her outright.