How can Sula be considered a misunderstood hero when she is portrayed as a villain throughout the whole novel Sula? I'm having trouble considering...

Sula may be considered a misunderstood hero in the novel
Sula because she is continually trying to develop her identity in a
community that is not supportive or accepting of her as a person.  The members of the
Bottom see Sula as a community outcast and are not sad when she disappears for many
years.  Her actions towards her family and friends make her seem a villain:  Sula does
not lament the burning of her own mother and instead watches from the window in awe; she
also does not understand why Nel is so angry with her for sleeping with Jude.  However,
Sula does not have the same views on the responsibilities and obligations that people
have towards others so she does not follow these rules in her life.  Sula attempts to
posit her own sense of identity in the relationships that she has with others, and
therefore, she is a misunderstood hero.