Citizens of the Eastern Commonwealth fall into one of three categories: human, cyborg, or android. Each category possesses a perceived level of social value, with humans at the top of the social hierarchy. Cinder is a cyborg, and although the majority of her body structure is human, the presence of synthetic aspects of her being means she is undervalued and in fact shunned for who she is. A step below cyborgs on the social hierarchy are androids. Void of human qualities, such as emotion, androids exist in society for the sole purpose of serving humans.

As a cyborg, Cinder receives continual reminders of her place in society. At home, Adri views Cinder as a burden pushed upon her by her deceased husband. Cinder’s place in the home is not one of family member; rather, she’s property Adri owns and controls. Being a cyborg makes Cinder a talented mechanic. It is Cinder’s work as a mechanic that financially supports Adri, who herself does not earn income. For Adri, Cinder is disposable; at one point, Adri threatens to deconstruct both Cinder and Iko, selling them off for parts. Adri also offers up Cinder for

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