She is initially presented as an ally and a teacher, and acts a mentor from the start of the game. Alexander Gambotto-Burke of "Eurogamer" commented that she has a "genuine, albeit twisted maternal" love for the player, her student. In contrast to Darth Malak, the clear villain of the first game, Avellone called Kreia neither "necessarily good or evil"; instead, she merely wants the Exile to grow as a person. Kreia is deliberately complicated in her goals and motivations, giving the character a feel of mystery. IGN's Hilary Goldstein noted this mystery, commenting both on her seemingly dark motives and yet how she appears as the player's "staunchest defender and a true protector".