What I think most people don’t realize is “Cinderella” is not the name of the character.

Snow White – is – a name.  It’s based upon circumstances of the weather rather than have any historical or societal reason.  Regardless, it is a name.

Sleeping Beauty’s name is Aurora.  Like Snow White, Aurora’s name is based upon her environment.  Aurora is the Roman goddess of sunrise.  This princess’s name is really a foreshadow.  When Aurora wakes from her slumber, the kingdom starts a new age.  She literally wakes everyone up.

Like the other two, Cinderella is based upon the environment – a girl who would take comfort in the cinders.  Literally, “cinder” = small sparks.  “Ella” = girl.  However, Cindy’s unknown father did not name her Cinderella.   Her step-mother certainly could not have named her.

The difference is pretty obvious.  Snow and Aurora are of traceable noble birth.  They lived in castles.  They had “superior” pets like birds and deer.  Never did they wear rags, worry about when and where dinner would be, and always had some sort of man around.

Cinderella’s father was reputed to have some money, but married because he was nearly broke.  He had the best intentions to provide a mother for his only daughter – perhaps so much so that it was hinted that he lied about his wealth to attract a mate.  —  Not that an aging widower with two daughters would have been a hot social commodity by any stretch back then.

Once Cinderella’s father died, Cinderella lost the ability for individual thought.  She did as she was told – much like Snow – but without the benefits of a good bed or warm meals.  Any action she took was a reaction.  Cindy wanted, yearned, and hoped – she was human, but failed to act upon her desires.
—  She obeyed every whim of those who where more financially better – her step-sisters and step-mother.
—  She obeyed the fairy godmother – easily a substitute for an earth goddess and one of wisdom (but maybe not intelligence).  Even the fairy godmother “convinced” i.e. forced – her to go to the ball.

The prince – asked – her to dance.  Cinderella lacked the confidence and independence to stay past curfew – that would defy authority – and was quite happy to return to her ashy fireplace for the rest of her life.  The touch and release of her dream was – enough  It probably didn’t satisfy her, but was more than she thought she would ever want or receive.

Cindy just – responds.    She goes with the flow, rides the waves, does not cause harm, but accepts harm that comes upon her without question.  —  All because she doesn’t have a father or is financially stable.  Why would a prince be interested in her when there’s an entire kingdom – world – for his pick and choosing?

Cindy is the 99% not-quite-ever-a princess.
She’s disposable.
She’s obedient.
She can be bullied and possibly beaten.
—  What does that say about the prince?