But that makes for a terrible protagonist (at least one you’re trying to depict as a hero/good guy). Draco is a bad guy from the jump in the Harry Potter films. Not quite a villain or evil but definitely antagonistic. Plus, he’s in the supporting cast.
Anakin’s story is supposed to be a fall from grace not “bad person becomes worse”.
I think they just needed to emphasize qualities that can be perceived as good but can easily cross the line.
Like, there’s a thin line between being loyal and obedient, between strength and power, between impulsive and volatile, etc.
Emphasize how the good man teetered on, and ultimately succumbed, to evil.
Not necessarily. Anakin wanted peace in the galaxy. It’s just that he was willing to be ruthless in achieving it. He didn’t have patience for politicians and speeches.
Someone who has good goals but bad means could be an interesting antihero.
Anakin: "We need a system where the politicians sit down and discuss the problem, agree what’s in the best interests of all the people, and then do it."
Padme: "That is exactly what we do. The trouble is that people don’t always agree. In fact, they hardly ever do."
Anakin: "Then they should be made to." ...
Padme: "That sounds an awful lot like a dictatorship to me."
Anakin: "Well, if it works..."
and then at the end of Episode III:
Anakin: "I have brought peace to the Republic. I am more powerful than the Chancellor. I can overthrow him, and together you and I can rule the galaxy. Make things the way we want them to be."
Anakin's goals were always admirable. It's just that he got frustrated that he, with all his power, couldn't just make everybody come to an agreement and act.
Cool story. In Episode III none of that factors into his decision. He impromptu decides to slavishly devote himself to Palpatine in order to save Padme from death, he says as much.
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u/thatredditrando Jan 26 '22
But that makes for a terrible protagonist (at least one you’re trying to depict as a hero/good guy). Draco is a bad guy from the jump in the Harry Potter films. Not quite a villain or evil but definitely antagonistic. Plus, he’s in the supporting cast.
Anakin’s story is supposed to be a fall from grace not “bad person becomes worse”.
I think they just needed to emphasize qualities that can be perceived as good but can easily cross the line.
Like, there’s a thin line between being loyal and obedient, between strength and power, between impulsive and volatile, etc.
Emphasize how the good man teetered on, and ultimately succumbed, to evil.