#so uuuhhh if this needs tagging reply or send an ask and i'll have it done

[strqyr]

I think Cinder is geniuely paranoid to an extent at the least.

The Madame explicitly comments on Cinders 'Jumpiness' back in Volume 6 and like others I think Cinder dosent form legitmate connections because she's scared of something like Rhodes happening again.

Another thing is that Volume 7s end said how she's motivated by Fear, not only that, but a 'Fear of Failure'. That indicates she isn't certain or assured of her Destiny, because at the possibility she might Fail is very much on her mind.

I think if it's something like you said(Initially certain before growing doubtful) then that was already back in Volume 3. Alternatively, her equivalent was actually Rhodes Trying to arrest her and giving the 'That's all you'll ever do' line. It was someone the King seemed to Trust that gave him the Crown that showed him a Dark future, and Cinder loved and Trusted Rhodes before he basically told her there was no chance for her anymore.

If that's the route they go down, one can Interpret that her entire motive is Paranoia, as Salem gives her an 'Alternative' that she sees as her only chance left.

so i went and read more on paranoia because my definition of paranoia is definitely mostly based on what i assume to be a very stereotypical depiction of it in media, and i can kinda see, like you said, cinder to be paranoid to an certain extent. like, some of the symptoms fit, but i’m not 100% certain she fits the “persistent state of constant, irrational, and unfounded distrust” part of paranoia.

obviously i’m no expert, i’m as armchair as one can get, but based on what i’ve now read, cinder has paranoid thoughts like most people do from time to time, but she isn’t like, fully paranoid? if that makes sense?? and even then, those thoughts are still somewhat rational, i.e. she has reasons for those thoughts, like learning to distrust others thanks to what happened with rhodes.

anyway, that’s an another interesting take on the story, and one i could see being the case. of course, the story could also have multiple meanings, and it just depends on the readers interpretation of it. which is something, if i remember correctly, that was also brought up in fairy tales of remnant: that these stories have different meanings to everyone, and what you take away from them isn’t inherently wrong or right, it’s just your take.

which is great, because think of aaaall the possibilities!!