The witches in Red as Blood are completely stereotypical, but for good reason; the writer is teaching the reader multiple lessons about good and evil, using fairytale-like stereotypes.
Bianca was quickly established as an evil witch from the way she spread her plague: "The wasting sickness suddenly began again, and there was no cure." She was dangerous to everyone around her. Descriptions of Bianca were stereotypical throughout; skin white as snow, mouth red as blood, and skin smoking as fire does.
In contrast, the Witch Queen's innocent offerings were seen as hurtful to young Bianca. The Witch Queen stereotypically offered a "crucifix of golden filigree", yet Bianca would not even touch it. During these interactions, the stereotype that good is in touch with God and evil is in touch with Lucifer shines through. The Witch Queen would often refer to her holy bible, "bound in rosy silk".
This writer depicts women as strong and cunning. It's even emphasized by contrasting with the male intelligence (or lack of) depicted. For example, while the Witch Queen was offering young Bianca holy and christened items, the father was clueless in why Bianca would never touch holy items. It was right in front of his face, and he never realized how in-touch with evil she was. Bianca even lied multiple times to manipulate her father into thinking her reasoning was for something other than her connection with darkness, "I do not like to think of Our Lord dying in agony on His cross. She means to frighten me. Tell her to take it away."
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