In the quote from Zoë Heller's book "What Was She Thinking? [Notes on a Scandal]," the speaker suggests that being female might limit Sheba's opportunities to embody true villainy. The implication is that societal perceptions of women could prevent her from achieving the same level of grandeur or villainous reputation as a male character might.

The statement highlights how gender can influence the way individuals are perceived in morally complex situations. It hints at underlying biases that might diminish a woman's capacity for villainy or impact her reputation within a narrative or social context.