Susie's environment contributes to her fascination with darker themes largely through the cold and unempathetic ambiance of her family life that stifled her self-expression and shaped her outsider status . Her family's insistence on her maintaining a bright and innocent facade pushed Susie to rebel and seek beauty in darkness, such as graveyards and violence, as an act of personal empowerment against imposed societal norms . The bullying and pranking she endured in school further isolated her, nurturing her preference for darker themes as a form of escapism and retort, acting out through secretive drawings and ultimately transitioning into petty crimes with Frank .

Susie's relationship with Julie began in middle school, forming a bond over shared interests in horror and the macabre, which gave Susie a sense of trust and friendship . When they met Joey, their trio expanded, with Joey bringing joy and comedy into Susie’s life, further solidifying her bond with her friends . This companionship helped Susie explore her identity safely, encouraging her to express her darker self, albeit still in secrecy, and together, they partook in petty crimes which enabled Susie to develop a sense of empowerment and belonging .

Susie's dual nature is illustrated by her simultaneous portrayal as both vulnerable due to familial and social pressures, and empowered through her rebellious activities and self-expression . Her vulnerability is evident in moments of silent suffering at home and during bullying, while empowerment surfaces in her dark artistic pursuits and acts of crime which defy societal norms . This duality is woven into her narrative through contrasting interactions—her secret loyalty to friends juxtaposed with societal deception, showing a complex interplay where weakness and strength coexist, ultimately enriching her psychological depth and evolving storyline .

Susie's response to bullying and pranks primarily manifests through internalized aggression and secretive self-expression, such as violently creating art with her own blood and embracing darker aesthetics . These actions reflect a coping mechanism driven by a need for control and self-soothing in the face of ridicule and isolation. The reliance on internal, often self-destructive outlets suggests potential long-term psychological effects, including an increased susceptibility to antisocial behavior, as evidenced by her eventual participation in petty crime and justified retaliation against her tormentors. It indicates a growing detachment from societal norms and a deepened embrace of a darker identity .

Susie's disconnect with her family primarily stems from their desire for her to conform to societal norms of being 'plain', 'cute', and 'cheerful', which starkly contrasts with her fascination with the darker side of life and her interest in ‘real beauty in the darkness’ as seen in graveyards and violence . This ongoing tension influences Susie to craft a hidden identity that explores the macabre, as she channels her repressed emotions into sneaking out with friends and creating art with a morbid twist, underscoring her rebellion against her family's expectations .

Susie's artistic expression through the use of her own blood is significant as it embodies both her rebellion against societal norms and a raw, visceral means of emotional release that regular art could not provide . This grisly medium enables her to channel feelings of anger, frustration, and a yearning for genuine expression, directly confronting the 'pretty and girly' artwork expected of her. It creates a space for Susie's authentic self to breathe, acting as a cathartic mechanism that validates her darker inclinations and affirms her unique identity, amid a life otherwise dictated by conformity .

The introduction of crime recasts Susie's perception of friendship and loyalty, binding her more tightly to her accomplices through shared secrets and the thrill of risk . Her initial skepticism of Frank and continued loyalty toward Julie suggest a nuanced view of trust, where friendship is fortified by shared misdeeds and a mutual dependence on each other's capability to not fold under pressure. This shift toward a new code of loyalty underscores a departure from conventional friendship norms, framing loyalty as not just about personal connection but also about reliability in their clandestine endeavors .

Deceit and manipulation become crucial elements in Susie's development, enabling her to navigate the restrictive and judgmental environments of her home and social circles . By mastering the use of her 'cute girl' charm, Susie manipulates the perceptions of those around her to commit crimes confidently, illustrating a calculated intertwining of identity and action. This duplicity allows her to maneuver through life unseen and unjudged, providing a sense of agency in an otherwise controlled existence. However, this reliance on deceit bears a psychological toll, likely entrenching feelings of isolation and a fractured sense of self, as her external interactions diverge increasingly from her internal reality .

Susie's ability to use her adorable appearance as a tool for manipulation serves as a pivotal point in her moral decisions. Despite hating the facade of the 'cute girl', she weaponizes it effectively to deceive and commit theft without suspicion, illustrating a complex psychological development where her internal rebellion morphs into practical exploitation . This dual identity—safeguarded by her appearance—allows Susie to push moral boundaries while protecting herself from scrutiny. The dichotomy suggests her psychological development embodies a conflict between true self-expression and societal perceptions, enabling her to navigate a life of secrecy and deceit while maintaining a facade of innocence .

Frank's influence significantly alters Susie's behavior and mindset by introducing a layer of criminality mixed with a sense of empowerment. Initially distrustful of Frank, Susie eventually warms up to the thrill of committing petty crimes with him, despite her underlying trust issues . Frank's presence in the group escalates their activities to more serious crimes, influencing Susie to adopt deceitful and manipulative tactics, such as using her 'cute girl' charm as a weapon . The experience culminates in a heightened sense of power following a violent robbery, solidifying her transformation from a misunderstood rebel to someone who thrives in chaos and criminality .