Fictional Protagonists Who Deserve a Second Chance

While we often celebrate heroes in literature, TV, and film, some of the most intriguing characters turn out to be the ones who actually deserve a second look. This article delves into three such characters who, despite their questionable actions, endear themselves to us in their own narrative ways.

Jack McCoy: The Prosecutor with a Priceless Callousness

My name is Jack McCoy, and I like to see my name on a lot of indictments.

Sam Waterston, the renowned actor, brings this character to life in the long-running series Law and Order. Jack McCoy is undeniably brilliant but utterly without compassion. His dedication to the law often comes at the expense of justice. He orders his detectives to arrest anyone who might fit the bill, regardless of their alibi. His rationale? If they have someone to convict, the case is a win, no matter the circumstances. McCoy’s heartless plea bargains exacerbate his lack of humanitarian concern.

Here is an example of one of his notorious deals:

“If you confess and take down the elderly lady with you I will reduce your sentence. ‘Instead of 40 years, you will get out in 30, you will only be 87 then.’”

McCoy’s calls for justice dissect the ethical dilemmas of the legal system and provoke discussions about the morality of expediency versus integrity in law enforcement.

Willow Rosenberg: A Demoness with a Heart of Pure Evil

As one of the Core Four, Willow Rosenberg has her moments of doing good in Buffy the Vampire Slayer. However, her character is riddled with immorality. She is a manipulative witch who thinks she is superior to her friends due to her technological and magical prowess. Willow’s emotional abuse towards Xander, a fellow slayer, is both subtle and deliberate, breaking his will with passive-aggressive drabbles. Her actions towards Faith and Cordelia are blatant, even in the context of being “good.” However, her most reprehensible act is mind-raping her friend Tara.

While some might argue that “good guys” can do bad things under certain circumstances, Willow’s actions stand out. Unlike other characters who commit evil acts but have redeeming qualities, Willow’s villainy is most visible when she acts as a protector against evil forces. Her manipulation and abuse are merciless and unforgivable.

God: The Architect of Suffering

God, in many religious texts and narratives, is a character who imposes suffering and imposes arbitrary rules. The biblical creation story sets the stage for a universe where the first act of disobedience by Adam and Eve sets man against themselves. God's punishment for this act is harsh, leading to a life of hardship and the inheritance of sin for all of man's descendants.

God’s actions in the Bible are often morally ambiguous. From turning Lot’s wife into salt for looking back, to destroying the city of Sodom with the promise of saving its people, to the numerous instances of divine intervention that result in harm, God’s character is filled with pettiness. His judgment is often arbitrary, and he turns a blind eye to human suffering, choosing instead to focus on trivial matters.

Moreover, God's approval of slavery and undermining human rights is unsettling. The Old Testament often praised those who mistreated others, using their actions as justification for God’s favor. These actions cast God in an unfavorable light, revealing a character who is more authoritative and less compassionate.

Conclusion

Jack McCoy, Willow Rosenberg, and God are just a few examples of fictional characters who question our idea of a hero. Their actions challenge our perception of morality and the nature of justice. Whether it's a law enforcement officer willing to throw a suspected criminal under the bus or a deity who creates suffering, these characters force us to reevaluate what we consider ethical and just. It is through these flawed protagonists that we can explore complex moral dilemmas and gain a deeper understanding of the human condition.