Abandoned Lives Olivia Character Analysis

Olivia is close to reaching her post traumatic self, but must confront her greatest fear to break the final obstacle on her journey to her post traumatic self. Olivia decides to go back to see her therapist and tells him she has gotten better with her ability to control her emotions. She practices her talk with ADA Barba for the impending trial and is having some difficulty getting the story settled in her mind. When she walks into the elevator after her practice, she meets the one person she was not ready to see, William, who walks into the elevator (“Imprisoned Lives”). This triggers Olivia’s trauma as the perpetrator of her trauma is standing in front of her so nonchalantly. Olivia has moved into the ego state of integration vs disintegration

She does not confront William, failing to reclaim her identity as a woman of justice. She is aware of her trauma and is trapped in stasis where she can not move on because she cannot admit her trauma. She is in shock that William is right in front of her, rendering her speechless and reminding her of her trauma. This sets Olivia back to her trauma because she is reminded of the horrible experience she had of being physically abused by a serial rapist. Olivia makes a breakthrough in overcoming her trauma by facing William in trial, proving that she is a strong woman who will not shy away from her duty because the cause of her trauma is a few feet away from her. In the episode titled “Psycho/Therapist” Olivia will testify against Lewis. When given an opportunity for a new deal, Olivia does not accept the terms because she does not want to lose to William. “He wants to stand up in open court and give

In “Beast’s Obsession” Olivia faces off with Lewis again when she exchanges herself for the girl’s safety. She is kidnapped once again by William, but this time was willing to get captured by William. Once again she is almost raped but doesn 't because she did not show any fear, so Lewis wanted to play Russian Roulette with Olivia. With only one bullet inserted into one of the seven chambers, it is a game of luck and chance to not choose the chamber with the bullet in Russian Roulette. William makes the first shot at himself, but has no wound. There was no bullet, but the action enough scares Olivia. When Olivia makes the second shot at herself,she is hesitant and is shaking. When she fires the gun, she naturally flinches and is continuously shaking. This moment provides insight into Olivia’s trauma as she is scared of dying and allowing William to win. Olivia is scared for her life. With each shot fired, Olivia gets more paranoid. With two chambers left, William makes the second to last shot. The result leaves him unscathed. This moment Olivia knows she will die since it is her turn, but William shoots himself to traumatise Olivia more (“Beast’s Obsession”). This resurfaces her trauma as she sees the person who has caused her suffering, die right in front of her. Olivia’s encounter with Lewis