Is Frank Underwood a Good Person?

Frank Underwood, the central character in the series House of Cards, is often portrayed as an antihero. His actions throughout the series are frequently described as ruthless, manipulative, and morally ambiguous. He engages in deceit, betrayal, and even murder to achieve his political ambitions. Despite his charisma and intelligence, his willingness to harm others for personal gain suggests a lack of moral integrity. But is he truly a villain, or are there any redeeming qualities that make him more complex?

The Dark Side of Frank Underwood

Frank Underwood's actions are often reprehensible, and the severity of his deeds paints a picture of a morally bankrupt character. One of the most critical instances is his involvement in the murders of at least two individuals. Such an act strongly suggests a narcissistic personality, driven by self-interest. His relentless pursuit of power often involves crossing ethical lines and harming innocent lives.

Does the Concept of Two Wrongs Don't Make a Right Apply to Frank Underwood?

Frank Underwood’s rise to power was initiated by a betrayal. President Walker, who promised Underwood a cabinet position in exchange for political influence, reneged on his deal. Walker's and Vasquez's malicious actions were indeed wrong, but do they justify Underwood's subsequent actions? His violent and morally dubious schemes to regain his rightful position in government include:

Killing innocent people for political gain
Blackmailing and harassing those who oppose him
Staging a fake war to maintain power
Using the NSA to spy on the electorate and influence the election

These actions are not justifiable, and they do not align with the concept that “two wrongs don't make a right.” Instead, they demonstrate a selfish and amoral character.

Clare Underwood: A Glimmer of Redemption?

While Frank Underwood is undoubtedly a villain, his wife, Claire Underwood, does exhibit some redeeming qualities. In one instance, Claire shows genuine emotion after learning about a young private she had forced to become the face of her sexual reform bill who tried to commit suicide. This moment reveals a spark of empathy that is absent in Frank's character. However, Claire's character also has her share of flaws and does not come close to being a paragon of morality.

Frank’s Inner Monologue

Frank's character is also defined by his inner monologues, often expressing his disdain for the political process. His statement, "One heartbeat away from the presidency and not a single vote cast in my name. Democracy is so overrated," underscores his deeply cynical view of the political system and his reliance on underhanded tactics to achieve his goals. This narrative reinforces his antihero status, painting him as a manipulation-driven figure who sees power as more important than moral integrity.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Frank Underwood is not a good person. His actions and inner monologues demonstrate a lack of moral compass, and his ruthlessness is evident in his willingness to harm others for personal gain. While his wife, Claire, exhibits some moments of empathy, she is far from being a good person herself. Frank Underwood’s character highlights the often hypocritical and morally ambiguous nature of political ambitions, thus making him a compelling and complex antihero in the series House of Cards.