Calanthe might just be one of the most badass characters in Netflix's The Witcher and considering the impressive cast of characters in this show, that's saying something.
Like all well-written characters, she's very nuanced and although she has many awesome moments, she also has moments where she does the wrong thing and fans feel frustrated by her. She's human, after all, and a privileged queen — not all of her decisions are on the money. But that's what makes her great and understandable, and what makes her arc very satisfying.
Felt Bad: When Nilfgaard Are Coming
At the beginning of the show, Calanthe is told that Nilfgaard are coming. The viewers don't quite understand the weight of Nilfgaard at this point, and only know from the horror on the queen's face that this is not good. Yet she has to keep on a happy face for Ciri, who she clearly is determined won't benefit from knowing that Cintra is about to be invaded by strange and potentially evil forces.
Hated Her: Not Acting Sooner
In a way though, it's frustrating that she sits there and continues the party. She should pool all her resources to act immediately, but she claims that it's best for Ciri to have this night and that everyone should pretend everything is fine. Although it's obvious she's trying to do the best by her family, it's perhaps not the best thing to do as queen and that should take precedent in that moment.
Felt Bad: When King Eist Dies
For all the negative things that could be said about Calanthe, she loves her husband Eist.
The two of them enter the battlefield against Nilfgaard — Calanthe seems to be a very hands-on queen — and he's struck by an arrow that kills him in front of her. Her devastation and sobs are horrible to watch, since she's just watched the love of her life die, and she charges after the murderer with blind rage and a broken heart that would bring a tear to anyone's eye.
Hated Her: Rejecting Duny
Calanthe's daughter Pavetta is in love with a cursed man named Duny, and Calanthe's unwillingness to accept this union despite her daughter's obvious love is pretty unforgivable. She even tries to stab him, and Pavetta is forced to use her magic to save Duny's life. Although Calanthe eventually accepts him, trying to stab the love of her daughter's life in front of her is one of the coldest, most callous moves in the show. What was she thinking this would achieve, except a heartbroken daughter who'd never want to speak to her again?
Felt Bad: When She Comes Back Wounded
After Eist dies on the battlefield and Calanthe chases after the murderer, she returns to her home very wounded. She's clearly in agony but trying to put on a brave face for her granddaughter and anyone else who might see them. The strength this takes is hard to imagine, and it's obvious Calanthe cares a lot for Ciri and has one heck of a lot of inner strength.
Hated Her: Rejecting Geralt's Help
Geralt tries to dodge the responsibility of the Law of Surprise for a long time. It's frustrating.
Eventually, he comes around and offers to protect Ciri, even insists on it, but Calanthe refuses his offers and even imprisons him to stop him from taking Ciri. It's a thoughtless move, since Geralt is actually one of the most skilled people on the Continent and probably best placed to protect Ciri.
Felt Bad: When Ciri Didn't Want To Leave
It's a heartbreaking scene when Calanthe is trying to persuade Ciri to leave and she doesn't want to go. Even though Calanthe has no chance of survival at this point, Ciri is loyal, brave, and wants to stay with her grandmother. Calanthe manages to stay strong long enough to persuade her to leave, but this surely hurt.
Hated Her: Trying To Manipulate People
She definitely has a bad habit of trying to manipulate people. One notable example is when she tries to persuade Geralt to interfere and protect her should anything kick off at her party. Rather than outright ask for his help — probably because she knew he'd refuse — she tries to gently persuade him into it, and it's all very underhanded. Not really an admirable quality.
Felt Bad: When She Jumps
At her end, Calanthe decides she doesn't want to be taken by Nilfgaard, and she allows herself to fall from the window and die by her own hand. It's both an admirable move and a terrible one that her end has come to this, but she knows it's what best and she decides it's a good call to make. That doesn't mean it was easy, though.
Hated Her: Passing Off Another Girl As Ciri
When Geralt comes for Ciri, Calanthe actually pretends to agree, but she passes another girl off as Ciri. Not only is she ripping this girl from her family for the sake of her own, but she's putting her in immense danger because if a Nilfgaardian soldier ever mistook her for the real Ciri, she'd be in serious danger.
Calanthe is always willing — perhaps too willing — to sacrifice others for the sake of her family.