My husband and I got the Star Wars bluray for Christmas, and we've been watching all six of them. I've seen them all before, but never really analyzed the characters from a writer's perspective. Now I have become somewhat obsessed with Darth Vadar as a villain. He's such a complicated character.
I told my husband I've been thinking about Anikin and Padme. Their love story is one of tragedy. He replied that you wouldn't know to feel sympathetic for Darth Vadar just by watching the last three films. But George Lucas didn't write six films for nothing. I think it's imperative to see all six films to really grasp Darth Vadar's character and motivation.
Anikin goes to the Dark Side out of his love for Padme. Padme dies from a broken heart because Anikin turns to the Dark Side. How much more tragic can you get? How can you really blame someone who turns bad out of love?
If you haven't watched all six films, I highly encourage you to do so.
Who are some of your favorite villains? What draws you to a "bad guy"?
Courtney, you're right. The best part about a villain is that there is something to sympathize with. Something to make you understand why they've gone bad. In some cases I cheer on the villain. The best example I can think of is in the book A WHISPER TO A SCREAM by Lauren Hammond. The MC is the bad guy, but you can help cheering him on.
ReplyDeleteI'll have to check that out, Kelly. I love villains I can connect with. People aren't typically born bad, they are turned that way because of a circumstance.
ReplyDeleteCharm, intelligence, a shameful flaw or damaged past. In other words, a three-dimensional "bad guy" who has one or more redeeming qualities, not so different from an antihero, actually.
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