DP159

2022

Disney

Lady Tremaine, often referred to as the Wicked Stepmother, is a fictional character in Disney's animated film Cinderella (1950). She is the primary antagonist, embodying cruelty and envy.

Following the death of Cinderella's father, Lady Tremaine inherited guardianship and effectively enslaved Cinderella, forcing her into servitude while favoring her own daughters, Drizella and Anastasia. Her motivations stem from a deep-seated jealousy of Cinderella's beauty and grace, characteristics Lady Tremaine believes overshadow her own daughters.

Lady Tremaine is characterized by her composed demeanor, which masks a calculating and manipulative nature. She employs psychological torment, constantly reminding Cinderella of her inferior status and sabotaging any chance of happiness. Her actions are driven by a desire to elevate her daughters' social standing, even at Cinderella's expense.

Ultimately, Lady Tremaine's machinations are foiled when Cinderella is revealed as the prince's chosen bride. The film concludes with Lady Tremaine witnessing Cinderella's triumph and her own daughters' disappointment, solidifying her role as a memorable Disney villain.