CHARACTER
Fallenby Lauren Kate

Mary Margaret "Molly" Zane

Mary Margaret "Molly" Zane

Quick Facts

Mary Margaret "Molly" Zane is a fallen angel disguised as a student at Sword & Cross, acting as a primary antagonist to Lucinda "Luce" Price. She first appears in Chapter 2, immediately establishing herself as a cruel bully. Molly is allied with Cameron "Cam" Briel in the ancient war between angels, making her animosity towards Luce more than just personal dislike.

Who She Is

Molly is the embodiment of overt aggression and hostility in Fallen. She is not subtle or seductive like other antagonists; instead, she uses intimidation, violence, and psychological manipulation to torment Luce and further the goals of her demonic allies. Her punk-rock aesthetic and abrasive personality serve as a constant visual and emotional threat, underscoring the immediate dangers Luce faces at Sword & Cross.

Personality & Traits

Molly's personality is defined by her aggressive and confrontational nature. She consistently displays cruelty and sarcasm, taking pleasure in intimidating others, especially Luce. While seemingly a simple bully, Molly possesses a keen awareness of the supernatural dynamics at play, making her a formidable adversary.

  • Aggressive and Violent: Molly resorts to physical intimidation and violence without hesitation. Her first encounter with Luce involves shoving, stepping on her foot, and culminating in a physical altercation with Arriane Alter, showcasing her readiness to use force.
  • Antagonistic: Molly actively seeks conflict and enjoys making others uncomfortable. Her constant taunts, such as calling Luce "Meat Loaf," are designed to humiliate and isolate her, highlighting her desire to inflict emotional pain.
  • Perceptive and Knowledgeable: Despite her brutish exterior, Molly is aware of the supernatural dynamics. She warns Luce to stay away from Daniel Grigori, hinting at a deeper understanding of their fated connection. Her knowledge of Luce's past trauma with Trevor reveals she is more than a simple bully; she is an informed adversary.
  • Loyal to Her Cause: As a fallen angel aligned with Lucifer, Molly's actions are driven by her allegiance. Her torment of Luce is not random but a strategic part of the larger war, aimed at disrupting the connection between Luce and Daniel.

Character Journey

Molly's character arc in Fallen is less about personal growth and more about revealing her true nature. Initially presented as a stereotypical bully, the revelation of her angelic identity recontextualizes her actions. Her cruelty is not mere teenage angst but a manifestation of an ancient, cosmic war. Molly remains a steadfast antagonist throughout the novel, her motivations becoming clearer as the story progresses, solidifying her role as a consistent and overt representation of the evil forces opposing Luce and Daniel.

Key Relationships

  • Lucinda "Luce" Price: Molly's primary target and rival. From their first encounter in the cafeteria, Molly relentlessly bullies Luce, using both physical intimidation and psychological manipulation to torment her. This antagonism is rooted in the angelic war, as Molly seeks to keep Luce away from Daniel, viewing her as a threat to her cause.

  • Daniel Grigori: Molly and Daniel are on opposite sides of the angelic conflict and share a mutual animosity. Molly's warning to Luce to "stay away from Daniel" suggests a complex awareness of the danger their relationship poses, indicating that her actions are driven by more than simple hatred. Their interactions are limited, but the underlying tension is palpable.

  • Arriane Alter: Molly and Arriane are clear rivals, representing the opposing factions at Sword & Cross. Their fight in the cafeteria is one of the first overt signs of the deep-seated conflict among the students, highlighting the divisions within the school and the larger angelic war.

  • Cameron "Cam" Briel: As a fellow fallen angel on the side of evil, Cam is Molly's ally. While they don't interact extensively, they are united in their opposition to Daniel and their desire to influence Luce, working together to undermine the forces of good.

Defining Moments

  • The Cafeteria Confrontation: Molly's introduction is marked by her violent encounter with Luce in the cafeteria.

    • She shoves Luce, causing her to be covered in borscht, steps on her foot, and then mashes meatloaf into her hair, mockingly taking a picture for her "blog." This scene immediately establishes her as a cruel and formidable antagonist, setting the tone for their future interactions.

  • The Cemetery Detention: During detention, Molly delivers a cryptic warning to Luce.

    • "Just trust me when I tell you that falling for Daniel would be a very, very bad idea." This is a pivotal moment that reveals Molly knows far more about the supernatural situation than a typical student would, adding a layer of mystery to her character and foreshadowing her true identity.

  • The Threat in the Lobby: After Luce and Penn sneak into the school archives, Molly confronts Luce in the main office.

    • She reveals her knowledge of Trevor's death, using Luce's deepest trauma as a weapon to threaten her away from Daniel. This act of psychological cruelty highlights her ruthlessness and willingness to exploit Luce's vulnerabilities.

  • The Final Battle: In the climactic scene in the cemetery, Molly's true identity as a fallen angel is revealed.

    • She stands with Cam and the demonic shadows, confirming her allegiance and solidifying her role as a key player in the theme of Good vs. Evil. This moment underscores her commitment to the dark side and her unwavering opposition to Luce and Daniel.

Essential Quotes

“If the sight of you hadn’t just ruined my appetite, I’d make you buy me another lunch.”

Molly's initial disdain for Luce is evident in this sarcastic remark. It establishes her as a bully who derives pleasure from making others feel inferior, setting the stage for their antagonistic relationship.

“Priceless. Say ... meat loaf. These will be great on my blog.”

This quote highlights Molly's cruelty and her desire to humiliate Luce publicly. By taking a picture of Luce covered in meatloaf and threatening to post it online, Molly demonstrates her willingness to use social media as a weapon to inflict emotional pain.

“Just trust me when I tell you that falling for Daniel would be a very, very bad idea.”

This cryptic warning is a pivotal moment that reveals Molly's deeper knowledge of the supernatural dynamics at play. It suggests that her animosity towards Luce is not just personal but rooted in a larger conflict, hinting at the dangers of Luce's connection with Daniel.

“Are you forgetting what a hellish disaster it was the last time you tried to force yourself on a guy who wasn’t interested? What was his name again? Taylor? Truman? ... So don’t do to dear old Daniel what you did to what’s-his-name. Capiche?”

Molly uses Luce's past trauma to manipulate and threaten her, revealing her ruthlessness and willingness to exploit Luce's vulnerabilities. This quote underscores Molly's understanding of Luce's past and her determination to keep her away from Daniel.

Luce ... Lucifer ... any relation?

This question, posed in an ominous tone, hints at the deeper connection between Luce and the fallen angel Lucifer. It foreshadows the revelations about Luce's true identity and her role in the ancient conflict between good and evil, adding a layer of mystery to Molly's character and her motivations.