I read every script from beginning to end, and I read every draft that I can. I like the show, I like the character, and I want to protect both of those things.
In terms of being a role model, I didn't start out to be one. I don't go to work every day with that in mind. But, I do get a lot of fan mail from young girls.
I've been working some really long hours for the last five or six years. Anybody who works on series television knows, and especially women because women spend probably two hours more than the guys with all their hair and makeup crap.
I think I'm a people person. I get very attached to people. And I've become so attached to all the people on my show, the cast, the crew and the producers.
I approach my character with the question: What would an animal think? How would an animal respond? A lot of times, it's quick action and no fear, and sometimes it's irrational fear. You don't always know.