I feel like either C or D works, but in that context I'd choose D.
<span>The author characterize Mrs. Tilley as a strong female character living most of her life alone on her farm/ Though she was left alone to fend herself, this did not make her a feeble character. It even make her character intensified by being self-sufficient and empowering.</span>
Based on this excerpt she was “determined to reach her goals”