Rank 7: Sophie’s stepmother is even worse
What happens in the series? Alongside Sophie, we also meet her stepmother, Lady Araminta Penwood, in season 4. She is extremely strict and forces Sophie to work in her household as a servant. There is no sign of a loving mother role. Araminta is the classic “evil stepmother,” making Sophie’s life a living hell.
What happens in the book? As unsympathetic as Lady Penwood is in the series, it is hard to believe. But in the book, she is even worse. While Benedict visits the Penwoods to find his mysterious lover, Araminta locks Sophie in the cupboard. Unlike in the series, Sophie has no opportunity here to show herself to Benedict.
Moreover, Lady Penwood punishes her stepdaughter in the book not only with hard work but also with physical violence. When it is revealed that Sophie was at the masquerade ball, she hits Sophie so hard that she falls to the floor. This makes Sophie’s situation even more dreadful than it already is.
