Why is Cinder Evil?
Cinder Fall, the enigmatic antagonist from RWBY, is undeniably evil. Her actions are driven by a lust for power, a profound lack of empathy, and a willingness to inflict suffering on a massive scale to achieve her goals. Her evil stems not merely from a disagreement or misunderstanding, but from a deep-seated ambition fueled by a desire for control and destruction, making her one of the most compelling villains in the series. She meticulously manipulates and betrays those around her, showing no remorse for the devastation she leaves in her wake.
Cinder’s Core Motivations and Actions
Cinder’s evil is not a simple case of being misguided. It’s a deliberate choice rooted in her past. Having experienced a life of abuse and powerlessness, she developed a burning desire to never be vulnerable again. This leads her to seek unbridled power through any means necessary, ultimately aligning herself with Salem and becoming a key player in her destructive plans.
Here’s a breakdown of key factors contributing to Cinder’s villainy:
- Power Obsession: Cinder’s primary driver is the acquisition of power. She views power as the ultimate safeguard against vulnerability and utilizes it to dominate and control others. This obsession blinds her to the consequences of her actions.
- Lack of Empathy: Perhaps her most defining trait is her complete lack of empathy. Cinder is incapable of understanding or caring about the suffering of others. This allows her to commit horrific acts without hesitation or remorse.
- Manipulation and Betrayal: Cinder is a master manipulator, skillfully weaving webs of deceit to exploit those around her. She readily betrays her allies when they no longer serve her purposes, demonstrating a complete disregard for loyalty and trust.
- Destructive Intent: Cinder’s association with Salem underscores her willingness to participate in large-scale destruction. Her actions contribute to the overall chaos and devastation that Salem seeks to unleash upon Remnant.
- Grimm Arm: Her integration with the Grimm arm further amplifies her capacity for evil. It provides her with incredible power but also seems to warp her personality, making her even more ruthless and devoid of compassion.
Specific Acts of Evil
To illustrate the depth of Cinder’s evil, consider these specific actions:
- Destruction of Beacon Academy: Cinder orchestrated the fall of Beacon Academy, resulting in widespread death and destruction. This event shook the world of Remnant and significantly advanced Salem’s agenda.
- Murder of Pyrrha Nikos: Cinder’s cold-blooded murder of Pyrrha Nikos, a beloved and respected student, shocked and horrified viewers. This act cemented her status as a truly irredeemable villain.
- Manipulation of Emerald and Mercury: Cinder manipulated Emerald Sustrai and Mercury Black, exploiting their vulnerabilities and turning them into her loyal followers. She treated them as mere tools, discarding them when they were no longer useful.
- Attempted Murder of Ruby Rose: Cinder relentlessly pursues Ruby Rose, viewing her as a threat to her power. She has repeatedly attempted to kill Ruby and shows no hesitation in endangering her life.
- Alliance with Salem: Cinder’s allegiance with Salem, the ultimate antagonist of RWBY, demonstrates her commitment to evil. She willingly serves a being who seeks to destroy humanity and plunge the world into darkness.
The Complexity of Cinder’s Character
Despite her undeniable evil, Cinder is a complex character. Her past trauma and insecurities contribute to her present actions, offering a glimpse into the origins of her villainy. While this doesn’t excuse her behavior, it does make her a more compelling and nuanced character. Understanding the root of her evil allows viewers to engage with her on a deeper level, even as they condemn her actions. This complexity helps explain why Cinder remains a fascinating and enduring character within the RWBY universe. Her unwavering ambition and ruthless determination are a testament to her villainy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Cinder Fall
Here are some common questions and answers about Cinder Fall and her role in RWBY:
Is Cinder irredeemable?
Whether Cinder is irredeemable is a subject of debate among RWBY fans. While her actions are undeniably evil, her troubled past and the potential for growth leave a small window open for redemption. However, her consistent choices and commitment to Salem’s cause make redemption a difficult prospect.
What is Cinder’s Semblance?
Cinder’s Semblance is “Scorching Caress.” It allows her to superheat objects, even turning them into glass. This ability is integral to her fighting style and adds to her overall power.
How did Cinder get her Grimm arm?
Cinder received her Grimm arm after being severely injured by Ruby Rose at the end of Volume 3. Salem then grafted a Grimm arm onto her, granting her immense power but also further corrupting her.
What are Cinder’s goals?
Cinder’s primary goal is to obtain power and eliminate anyone who stands in her way. She initially sought to become the Fall Maiden but later shifted her focus to serving Salem and fulfilling her destructive plans.
Why is Cinder so obsessed with Ruby Rose?
Cinder is obsessed with Ruby Rose because Ruby’s Silver Eyes powers pose a significant threat to her. Cinder fears Ruby and sees her as an obstacle to achieving her goals. Ruby caused Cinder to lose her Maiden powers.
Is Cinder stronger than other Maidens?
Cinder, as the Fall Maiden, is incredibly powerful. However, the strength of a Maiden can vary depending on their skill and experience. Cinder’s integration with the Grimm arm further enhances her power, potentially making her stronger than other Maidens.
What is Cinder’s relationship with Salem?
Cinder is one of Salem’s most trusted and powerful followers. She serves as a key agent in Salem’s plans and is entrusted with important missions. However, Salem views Cinder as a means to an end and is willing to discard her if necessary.
What are Cinder’s weaknesses?
Cinder’s weaknesses include her arrogance, her fear of vulnerability, and her susceptibility to the Silver Eyes. These weaknesses have been exploited by her enemies, leading to setbacks and defeats.
How does Cinder feel about Emerald and Mercury?
Cinder views Emerald and Mercury as tools to be used. She manipulates them and shows little genuine concern for their well-being. She is willing to betray them if it suits her purposes.
Did Cinder plan the attack on Beacon?
Yes, Cinder was the mastermind behind the attack on Beacon Academy. She meticulously planned and executed the operation, using her manipulative skills to orchestrate the chaos and destruction.
Why does Cinder wear a dress?
Cinder’s dress is part of her signature look and reflects her desire for elegance and sophistication. It also serves to create a contrast between her refined appearance and her ruthless nature.
What happened to Cinder’s eye?
Cinder lost her left eye during her fight with Ruby Rose at the end of Volume 5. This injury serves as a constant reminder of her defeat and fuels her desire for revenge.
Is Cinder related to Summer Rose?
There is no confirmed connection between Cinder Fall and Summer Rose in the RWBY canon. This is purely fan speculation.
Does Cinder ever show remorse for her actions?
Cinder rarely shows any signs of remorse for her actions. She is driven by her own ambition and is willing to do whatever it takes to achieve her goals, regardless of the consequences.
What is Cinder’s fighting style?
Cinder’s fighting style is characterized by her agility, her mastery of fire, and her cunning. She uses a combination of melee combat and ranged attacks to overwhelm her opponents. She uses Dust woven into her clothes.