Can the Protagonist Be a Morally Bad Person? When and Why This Could Be a Good Idea?

Can the Protagonist Be a Morally Bad Person? When and Why This Could Be a Good Idea?

The role of the protagonist in literature, film, and other forms of storytelling has traditionally been associated with moral virtue, heroism, and righteousness. This figure often serves as the moral compass of the narrative, guiding the audience through challenges and adversities with their ethical convictions intact. However, the notion that a protagonist must inherently be a “good” person is not only limiting but also fails to capture the complexity of human nature and the breadth of narrative possibilities. In fact, a morally bad protagonist—often referred to as an antihero or a villain protagonist—can be a powerful narrative choice.

The decision to center a story around such a character can deepen thematic exploration, create compelling tension, and reflect the ambiguity of the real world. This essay explores the circumstances under which a morally bad protagonist can be a beneficial narrative choice and examines the reasons behind this trend.

The Allure of Moral Complexity

One of the primary reasons to feature a morally bad protagonist is the allure of moral complexity. Traditional protagonists often operate within a clear moral framework, where the distinction between right and wrong is well-defined. In contrast, a morally ambiguous or outright bad protagonist challenges this dichotomy, compelling the audience to grapple with the complexities of morality. Such characters can embody the darker aspects of human nature—greed, envy, vengeance, and the thirst for power—offering a more nuanced exploration of what it means to be human.

For example, Shakespeare’s Macbeth is a protagonist who is morally corrupt, driven by ambition to commit regicide and multiple murders. Yet, Macbeth’s descent into darkness provides profound insight into the psychological and moral consequences of unchecked ambition. The audience is forced to confront uncomfortable questions: What are the limits of human ambition? How does power corrupt? By following Macbeth’s journey, the narrative delves into the complexities of moral degradation, something that would not be as effectively conveyed through a traditionally virtuous character.

The Role of the Antihero and the Villain Protagonist

In modern literature and film, the antihero and villain protagonist have become increasingly popular. Unlike the classic hero, who embodies idealism, honor, and courage, the antihero often displays traits such as cynicism, selfishness, and moral ambiguity. Yet, despite—or perhaps because of—these flaws, antiheroes can be deeply relatable. Characters like Walter White from Breaking Bad or Tony Soprano from The Sopranos are not conventionally “good” people; they lie, cheat, manipulate, and kill. However, they are compelling because they reflect the struggles, contradictions, and imperfections that are part of the human condition.

The villain protagonist takes this a step further. In stories centered around characters who are overtly malevolent, the narrative may explore the motivations behind their actions, often revealing the pain, trauma, or societal conditions that have shaped them. This can evoke a sense of empathy or understanding in the audience, even when they do not condone the character’s actions. By positioning a villain as the protagonist, the story can invert traditional moral expectations and force the audience to reconsider their own assumptions about right and wrong.

Subverting Expectations and Creating Tension

Another advantage of a morally bad protagonist is the ability to subvert audience expectations. Storytelling often relies on the element of surprise to maintain engagement, and a protagonist who does not adhere to moral norms can create unexpected twists and turns. When the audience cannot predict what the protagonist will do next, the narrative gains an edge of unpredictability, keeping readers or viewers on their toes.

This unpredictability is particularly effective in genres like noir, psychological thrillers, or dark comedy, where the tension often arises from the protagonist’s moral choices. In such narratives, the protagonist’s bad decisions, manipulations, or outright evil actions drive the plot forward, creating a sense of suspense and intrigue. The audience may find themselves simultaneously repelled by and attracted to the protagonist, creating a complex emotional experience that enhances the depth and engagement of the story.

Reflecting the Real World

Finally, featuring a morally bad protagonist can be a way to reflect the complexities of the real world. Human beings are not paragons of virtue; they are flawed, contradictory, and capable of both great good and great evil. By portraying protagonists who embody these contradictions, storytellers can offer a more realistic and honest portrayal of life.

In a world where ethical boundaries are often blurred, where individuals are frequently forced to make morally dubious choices, and where power can corrupt even the most well-intentioned, a morally bad protagonist can serve as a mirror to society. Such characters can provoke critical thought about the nature of morality, the consequences of actions, and the impact of societal forces on individual behavior.

Consider the character of Patrick Bateman in Bret Easton Ellis’s American Psycho. Bateman is a Wall Street banker by day and a sadistic murderer by night. He is the epitome of a morally depraved protagonist, yet the novel serves as a scathing critique of the emptiness and moral bankruptcy of consumerist culture. Through Bateman’s grotesque actions, Ellis forces the reader to confront the darker side of the American Dream and the alienation inherent in a society driven by superficial success.

Which Means That …

The choice to feature a morally bad protagonist can be a powerful narrative tool. Such characters allow for a richer exploration of moral complexity, offer opportunities to subvert expectations, create narrative tension, and reflect the ambiguities of the real world. While traditional heroes will always have their place in storytelling, morally bad protagonists offer an alternative lens through which to explore the human condition.

They challenge the audience to look beyond conventional morality and to consider the broader implications of human behavior, making for stories that are not only engaging but also thought-provoking. Ultimately, the morally bad protagonist can illuminate the shadowy corners of the human psyche, providing a deeper understanding of both the self and society.