[...Emma, that was a lot of words. But she does seem to be following, at least.]

Taking either role depends on how you relate to the others in the situation. Does it not? Your role as victim, as criminal, depends on how others see it. There is no middle ground in the eyes of others. Even absolution has nothing to do with your own stance and everything to do with others'. It's a construct, in that way. And something those like you have agreed to.

I am not one of yours; I am not anything that requires your understanding or your absolution. I have not absolved myself of anything, any more than you need to absolve yourself for existing in the first place.