Reply To: Was Emma's true self a sad one because Peter wanted it to be so?

[Slurpeez]

So why would Peter bring this up? Again, it’s part of his ploy, and it’s a multi-pronged attack. First, he’s forcing her to remember painful memories. Those feelings are also ones that will alienate her from her parents, destabilizing the group and her role as leader. Thirdly, by telling her the map would only reveal itself when she admitted who she really was, he forces the view that she “really is” just an orphan, when that is a viewpoint created just to break her down and destroy the personal growth she’s had since coming to Storybrooke.

Excellent analysis! PP’s weapon of choice isn’t a sword or even a magic fireball; it’s exploiting people’s weaknesses.