That's interesting MamaMary - my reading of the books was different in terms of how Anne Boleyn was treated. My interpretation is that TC knows this is probably nonsense (which IMO it was - I mean the allegations against her); but does it anyway because it's what Henry VIII wants and he sees an opportunity for himself. The reader is left to make a judgement on that for themselves.
TC himself - I can't say I like him and I'm not sure we are meant to think of him in that way?
My personal thoughts on AB (not that I know her at all, apart from what I've read) - am inclined to suspect that she was extremely intelligent and shrewd, if not particularly likeable. The way she treated Mary (as in Mary Tudor) was particularly cruel.
I do think sex and the way women were treated/perceived was certainly central to BUTB - how could it not be.
Another thing I like about WH and BUTB is that the focus is away where it usually is - the royals and nobles. TC came from nowhere and got where he did on his own skills and intelligence.
Henry VIII is the real villain of the piece though, isn't he? Getting others to do his dirty work. It was ever thus...