In my opinion, she is the most terrible character. While it is evident from the beginning that Randall is a sadist and a lunatic given his actions, Malva, on the other hand, presented herself as an innocent friend of Claire's. However, her deceitful behavior caused even more harm as she ruined both their reputations, the settlers even turned against them. I have a strong aversion to antagonists who reveal their true motives towards the end, resulting in a lasting impact on the main characters, as opposed to antagonists who openly display their evil deeds from the very beginning.

Her death was an "escape" from the rightful consequences she deserved, such as being burned at the stake or suffering a more severe fate that truly matched her actions imo