Exploring Morally Ambiguous Characters in Literature

Morally ambiguous characters populate the rich and varied landscape of literature, challenging readers to grapple with complex ethical dilemmas and the nuances of human nature. These characters blur the lines between good and evil, and their actions and motivations often lead to moral ambiguity, making them both fascinating and thought-provoking for readers.

Character Examples

Several notable examples of morally ambiguous characters include Raskolnikov from Fyodor Dostoevsky's Crimson Cross, Jay Gatsby from F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby, Humbert Humbert from Vladimir Nabokov's Lolita, Kurtz from Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness, and Walter White from the TV series .

One character with a morally ambiguous morality is Rupert of Hentzau from the novel The Prisoner of Zenda. Rupert helps the evil prince Black Michael to kidnap the rightful king of Ruritania. When the plot starts to unravel, Rupert kills Black Michael and flees, restoring the rightful king to power. In the sequel, Rupert tries to regain favor with the king by stealing a letter that proves the Queen is in love with someone else. His loyalties always seem to be for himself, but he makes alliances and gets people to trust him for the sake of his advancement.

The Invisible Man's Journey

One of the most compelling examples of a morally ambiguous character is Brother Jack in Ralph Ellison's Invisible Man. Brother Jack is a white man who offers the novel's unnamed protagonist, Invisible Man, an opportunity to work for a political organization called "The Brotherhood," a group modeled on the American Communist Party. However, as the protagonist investigates the organization's true nature, he finds that Brother Jack's motives may not be as noble as they initially appeared. Brother Jack has a glass eye, representing a deep, hidden side of his character, known as a "one-eyed Jack." This symbolism underscores the idea that there is always a side of a person that remains unseen and unexplored.

The Complexity of Moral Ambiguity

Many of the best-written fictional characters are morally ambiguous, blurring the lines between right and wrong. Characters such as Nora from Henrik Ibsen's A Doll's House, Petruchio from William Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew, and Kristine from Anton Chekhov's The Seagull struggle with the conflicts between societal expectations and their own conscience and heart. These characters, along with the Prozorov sisters from Anton Chekhov, face the challenges of adapting to societal changes while struggling with their own sense of morality and identity.

Morally ambiguous characters are compelling because they reflect our own struggles with moral dilemmas. They bring home our own internal conflicts in a way that literature's distancing effect often clarifies and illuminates. When we see characters struggling with questions of duty, duty versus love, interdependence versus independence, and pride, it leads us to introspect on our own struggles. This reflection and connection with the characters' experiences can be both dramatically exciting and emotionally satisfying.

Conclusion

Morally ambiguous characters are vital to the richness of literature. They challenge readers to question their understanding of right and wrong, and they add depth and complexity to narratives. By engaging with these characters, readers can gain a deeper understanding of their own moral struggles and the complexities of human nature. Whether through the nuanced portrayals of Raskolnikov, Gatsby, or Brother Jack, such characters continue to captivate and inspire us in the realm of literature.