Contradiction

Danielle intrigues me. She is very strong-willed and a little bit of a feminist, but she is not rebellious. She is somewhat contradictory. She defies the prince and almost seems to scold him, but lets her stepmother walk all over her. She even comments on how she stays up late and tries to think of ways to please her stepmother. This seems contradictory to a strong-willed, self-confident woman who would know if she was doing more work than her keep. I suppose Danielle doesn't mind the work, respects the position of a servant, and is very loyal to her family, but she doesn't seem to recognize the injustice she endures. Yet she always recognizes the injustice that inhibits others.

It seems to me that Danielle has two characters: the one who stands up for what she believes in, tricks the court (even royalty), and gets what she wants; and the one who allows herself to be pushed down and walked upon without even crying out. Then again, I suppose she does become a little more defiant with her stepmother once she starts seeing the prince. Perhaps the prince brings out what is best in her.