The Fall of the House of Usher: Who is Madeline Usher and what did she do?

Madeline Usher, a central character in the episode "The Raven" of The Fall of the House of Usher, is depicted as a complex and morally ambiguous character. Initially, viewers suspected Madeline of committing heinous acts, including torturing Lenore in the basement of their family home. However, as the episode unfolds, it becomes clear that Madeline was actually trying to escape the clutches of death and seek revenge against those who had wronged her, much like her own mother had done years before.In this final episode, the series explores the events that led to the downfall of the Usher family. It reveals a supernatural deal made by Roderick, Madeline, and Verna, the jester-like figure seen by Roderick after his children's funeral. The deal involves their rise to power through murder, deception, and alliances with otherworldly entities. By the end of the episode, all the members of the Usher family, including Madeline, meet their demise, except for those who had no blood relation to the Ushers.Madeline's involvement in the destruction of her family is unveiled through a flashback to a New Year's Eve party. At the party, Madeline offers a toast to Roderick and Rufus Griswold, who unknowingly drinks poisoned sherry. Madeline then leads an unsuspecting Griswold to the basement of the Fortunato building, where workers have been dismissed for the week. Madeline and Roderick proceed to wall Griswold alive, emulating the events of Edgar Allan Poe's "The Cask of Amontillado." This act serves as a way for the Ushers to eliminate Griswold discreetly and maintain their reputation.After committing this heinous act, Madeline and Roderick need an alibi, so they visit Verna's bar. Here, Verna offers them a deal for power and wealth, but at the cost of their bloodline dying with them. They accept the offer and toast with fine cognac before leaving the bar, which promptly disappears. This deal sets in motion the events that ultimately lead to the Usher family's demise.Although Lenore, Madeline's grandniece, dies peacefully at home, Madeline's lingering rage and desire to avoid her fate lead her to escape her sarcophagus. She confronts Roderick in the living room and chokes him to death before meeting her own demise at her brother's hands. With Madeline's death, the Usher family dynasty comes to an end.In the aftermath of the Usher family's demise, the epilogue reveals the fate of various characters. Juno inherits Fortunato Pharmaceutical and dissolves the company, using the funds to start a foundation for addiction treatment. Arthur Pym is eventually arrested due to evidence collected by Camille. Auguste Dupin retires and leads a peaceful life with his family. As a final tribute to the Usher family, Verna visits their grave and returns objects symbolic of their lives and deaths.In conclusion, Madeline Usher plays a complex role in "The Raven" episode of The Fall of the House of Usher. While capable of murder, she is driven by a desire to escape her own fate and seek retribution against those who wronged her. Ultimately, her actions contribute to the downfall of the Usher family, leading to their complete annihilation.