I think Carolyn was the most vicious character on the show in its first year, even when she was well-intentioned. She was deliberately cruel to her mother, to Joe, and to Jason McGuire, especially during the wedding fiasco. And Carolyn would have her revenge against her mother through her rebellious efforts. Her actions led Elizabeth to total despair. Furthermore, Carolyn vowed to get even with Jason McGuire and ultimately pulled a gun on him. Her whole rebellion was an act of revenge, revenge against her mother for betraying her and the memory of her father, and for selling out to Jason McGuire.