The only excusable ones actions in the novel is Kallisto and I guess maybe the Mage (iirc the mage overall didnt end up doing much to her, but he probably still did something to make me dislike him). While Kallistos actions in the beginning were extremely harsh, there ARE reasons for it, like genuine reasons (have to remember hes a prince and doesnt know a damn thing about her in the beginning). Although he doesnt directly apologize for it, his attitude towards her changes over time as he gets to know her. F*ck the brothers, f*ck the dad, f*ck everyone else.

If you're looking for them to die, sadly, as of the end of the novel before extras, they don't. I truly wished they did, but alas we can't all get what we want. HOWEVER! However, none of them get "redeemed" besides maybe Kallisto. They're all still dickheads in Penelopes mind and heart, and that's what they'll forever be. Do not worry.

Some if you may disagree with my take on Kallisto, and that's ok, I understand that. But I just think given the context I know from reading the novel, his actions were the most reasonable, and the "most forgivable" of the bunch.

All this simping for Eclise needs to stop, it really does. Out of all the characters, she treated him the best for the most part. If he really wanted freedom, he could've gotten it from her pretty fast, and she wouldve just continued on her way to find a different path. She already showed that. Eclise had the best treatment possible for a sl*ve, and had a chance early on to get away, and he didnt. So for him to turn around and betray her, is inexcusable. It's not like she abused him at all, besides not loving him back. But the way he loved her was a crazy psycho way anyways? There really is no excuse for his behavior. That betrayal was just, way too much. Hes the one I wish died the most.

the way the FL (Pennelope) treated Eclise (one of the ML, who is supposed to be bought from the s*ave)... Oh, man! I got sooo frustrated while reading the parts when Eclise brought Yvonne to the Dukes. I got that Penny got mad that she was betrayed and who wouldn't be pissed after getting stabbed in the back, but the fact that she was acting like a victim the whole time made my blood boil!!! OMG!! seriously! I was hoping that there would be a point where she would reflect, but she just kept on calling him a crazy bastard, when in fact she is the one who made him that way!!!! Take some responsibility young lady!! After using him like a dog and now that he wasn't of any use for her, how dare she acts like a victim!!

Eclise

mother that died when she was young?

Callisto and Penelope go well with each other because amongst all the mls they resonate with each other most, like they know and could feel about each other's pain. Both of them had their mothers died when they were young, both were hated and neglected by their family. Obviously they never really receive love from anyone so they are a perfect pair to heal each other's wound.

despite his mean nature, he was actually a very nice guy (mostly towards Penelope) and you might even find his personality endearing. I legit cried for a solid 5 mins at chapter 230 when he was dying lol.

All the abuse she had to go through from everyone around her and developing trust issues made me cry my heart out for her. She honestly deserves a better environment and better people around her. Her f'n "brothers" and "father" deserve to rot in hell. For one, the reason why I say this to her brothers is because: 1) they abused her emotionally and manipulate other people into bullying her. 2) they caused the deaths of the original Penelope (it doesn't matter if it was direct or non direct, they still were the cause of it). 3) they treat her worst than a servant, even though she's suppose to be there adopted sister! Her dad: 1) neglected Penelope to the point that she had no one to turn to for emotional support since she was little. 2) was also one of the causes to allowing servants to bully her (he basically turned a blind eye and only started taking actions because Penelope, the current one, voiced it or spoke about it to them while it was happening) 3) He only took her in because of her "pink hair", but was IRRESPONSIBLE for the after math. He doesn't deserve to be a parent. This family doesn't deserve love. They're a toxic and dysfunctional family.

I honestly liked that she had not fully trusted the people who caused a lot of emotional trauma towards her and that she didn't forgive them. She's an emotionally strong female lead. Of course there are times where she'll break and that's because she's only human. AND THAT IS NORMAL! So don't go in putting too much expectations on her. She's been through a lot and I for one, want to see a happy ending for her. So that's why I'm invested in reading this. I also found out through some spoilers who the male lead is and for anyone pissed at the adopted brothers, be happy! They aren't the male leads! I won't spoil it anymore, since you might want to find out for yourselves. 😅

But yep... Penelope is a complexed character who's been through emotional and physical abuse. Although she's toughen up because of all of this, I still feel like no one (including her) should have to go through this. And the sad reality is, that there are still people who go through this in real life. I really hope and wish everyone who's going through this, that they will find happiness and joy in life. Please do get help if you are currently experiencing abuse! You don't need toxic people in your lives! You deserve better! Gah, I'm getting emotional again! 😭