Then again, this is a very simple dynamic that becomes increasingly darker the more that you add layers on top of it. Which is a real shame because I think that these perspective flipped stories work best with grey morallity, not just making the villain sympathetic and the hero an asshole.
@MatthewJH I remember you mentioning a rare sort of story, a negetive flat arc, in which the main character’s misanthropy is proven right in the end. I find that more compelling than a spite driven hero vs the villain who is actually the good guy.
Also I am wiling to provide in-depth explanations for the examples
Oooh, I love the idea of a villain with a noble motive! I’ve never seen it before in any format: book, movie, anime, manga, video game, etc., but then, I’ve never seen a hero driven by spite either. Would definitely make an interesting dynamic. Do you have an idea for a story using either of these characters?
Nobility is…relative. It is possible for a motive to be noble and selfish, or for the greater good but ultimately destructive. It requires a different lens.
Some possible heroic / noble villain movies or series: Patlabor 2 Ghost in the Shell: 2nd GIG Hero (Jet Li film) War (Jet Li film, his character) Deadwood (Al Swearengen) Gunslinger Girl (Franca)