Episode 147: Trading Capes - When Villains become Heroes

 

Characters changing their allegiances is a staple of all types of fiction, especially those of the speculative stripe. A popular trope expressing this is when a character discovers that they are the villain and has some kind of moral epiphany, resulting in them changing sides in a conflict.  This week the dragons take a look at this very specific kind of redemption arc. Why is it such a satisfying trope? What insight does it give a reader or viewer into the character? And why is this type of protagonist much easier to engage with than a more typical 'chosen one' or 'hero'? On the slab this week; She-ra, The DC and Marvel universes, Buffy the Vampire Slayer and many more.

 

Title Music: Ecstasy by Smiling Cynic