Characters Gone Rogue
When Your Characters Don’t Care About Your Vision
About this Article
Do you ever root for the rogue characters in fiction? It's a common phenomenon - we're all drawn to the characters that challenge the norms and find themselves on the wrong side of the law. But what makes characters to go rogue? This article dives into the complex psychology behind rogue characters in fiction, looking closely at their motivations and desires, character flaws, and external factors. Let’s explore why fictional rogues are so fascinating and get to know some of our most beloved rogue characters.
Definition of a Rogue Character
In literature and popular culture, a rogue character is a type of antihero who is rebellious and disregards the law or social norms to support their own interests or values. Authors often portray them as charming, resourceful, and underhanded, with a disregard for authority. Traits that are often considered either admirable or deplorable.
The rogue character is usually a loner, with a long history of law-breaking and a troubled past. They have a certain cultural stature, a swashbuckling, daring attitude that makes them attractive to readers and viewers. They often find themselves in morally questionable situations and will operate outside of the law to achieve an end.
We often consider rogue characters to be immoral, unprincipled, and unreliable. They may do anything to get what they want, even if it goes against the interests of the people they supposedly care about. And yes, even if it goes against the author’s original vision of their role. These characters often have hidden agendas, agendas that can be dangerous and unpredictable.
In literature, examples of rogue characters include the symbolic character from Alexandre Dumas’s The Count of Monte Cristo, whose quest for revenge leads him to break all the laws of God and men, as well as Harry Potter’s Sirius Black, who will do whatever it takes to protect Harry, even if it means going against the rules. In film, the most iconic examples of rogue characters are Han Solo from Star Wars and Indiana Jones.
Ultimately, rogue characters are individuals who exist outside the bounds of society, who often have a passionate sense of justice or purpose. They may be capable of great good or great harm, depending on their motivations and the choices they make.
Reasons for a Character Going Rogue
One of the most exciting aspects of any story is when a main character acts against the accepted norms of their society or culture. This can transform the course of the plot line, as well as add tension and suspense to the narrative. But what are the reasons for a character behaving in this way?
01 | Maybe the character is simply following their own instincts and desires. If they have a strong sense of right and wrong, the author may change the original plot line in order to have the character stand up for their beliefs and principles. Similarly, if during a re-read or edit, it feels as if they have been wronged or mistreated, it may be justifiable to seek justice or retribution.
02 | Another plausible reason is that outside forces have influenced or manipulated the character. If a prominent figure offers them a “better” option, or if the character is facing a difficult or traumatic situation, they may feel compelled to act differently than what the author expected of them. This could result from a traumatic experience, peer pressure, or even simply a lack of understanding.
03 | A character could go rogue if they sense that there is something greater at stake. If they feel that the current systems of authority are not working or are corrupt, they may try to take matters into their own hands in order to protect those who cannot protect themselves. Either idealism or revenge could motivate this.
In conclusion, there are many reasons for a character to go rogue, including overriding instincts and desires, external influences, and a sense of something greater at stake. These developments can make for exciting stories, adding tension and suspense as we watch the character grapple with the consequences of their actions.
The Psychology Behind Rogue Characters
Character flaws - Character flaws are an important part of any story or character arc. They are the weaknesses that a protagonist must face and overcome in order to reach their goal. Character flaws can range from a moral failure to a personality trait, or even a physical or mental disability. By exploring and developing these flaws, authors can create an authentic and relatable story. These flaws help to create a sense of growth and transformation for the protagonist throughout the story. By facing their weaknesses and embracing the strength within them, the protagonist can become an even more three-dimensional character.
Motivations and Desires - It is human nature to be driven by our desires, which can take the form of ambitions, dreams, and aspirations. Different things motivate people, ranging from personal rewards to recognition from peers or from society. Whatever the motivation may be, the destination is usually the same — the fulfillment of our desires. Having a clear understanding of our motivations and desires can provide us with the motivation we need to motivate our characters. Understanding their motivations and desires can help determine the best strategies to help them move forward.
Examples of Rogue Characters
In writing about rogue characters, many think of the iconic lone wolf, a solitary figure who lacks allies or close connections to others. However, this definition of a rogue character is too narrow and doesn't capture the full scope of what rogue characters can look like. In order to provide a better understanding of rogue characters, this section will explore some of the different famous rogue characters. Writing your first draft should be a creative process that gives you the opportunity to explore your ideas fully, to create something that will eventually become the final product. To help you get started, you want to make sure that you have all the tools you need to help you make the most of this process. It helps to have a plan in mind before you write, so that you know what you're trying to accomplish. There are a few things you'll need to consider so that your first draft is as effective as possible:
01 | The Antihero. The antihero is a character that is a protagonist or a supporting character who is vigilante or works outside of the law in order to achieve his or her goals. We can see examples of antiheroes in characters such as John Wick, from the action thriller film of the same name, or Batman from the DC Comics universe.
02 | The Scoundrel. Scoundrels are often either protagonists or supporting characters who lack a moral compass and instead make decisions based on their own personal gain. We can see examples of scoundrels in characters such as Lando Calrissian from Star Wars or Jafar from the Disney classic Aladdin.
03 | The Trickster. Unlike antiheroes and scoundrels, we often use tricksters in storylines to provide comedic relief and are not necessarily horrible characters. Tricksters may be protagonists or supporting characters and use lies, jokes, and mischief to achieve their objectives. We can see examples of tricksters in characters such as Bugs Bunny from Looney Tunes or Genie from Aladdin.
04 | The Outcast. Unlike the other rogue characters, outcasts are often not the protagonist or a supporting character, but a background character whose life the author filled with suffering. Though their stories may be tragic, outcasts are often used to highlight societal issues or moral values. We can see examples of outcasts in characters such as the official character of The Hunchback of Notre Dame or Quasimodo from the same film.
Famous Character Examples
The Joker from Batman
The Joker has long been one of the most popular villains in comic book history. First appearing in Batman #1, the Clown Prince of Crime is as recognizable as Batman himself. The Joker's scheme, crimes, and motivations have changed over the years, but his unique and twisted outlook on life remains a constant. He's always chaotic and unpredictable, willing to do whatever it takes to get a laugh, even if it means death. Despite his many attempts to defeat Batman, the Joker has only ever been successful in destroying the lives of the people around him. He is a character of unparalleled complexity and, without a doubt, one of the most fascinating villains of all time.
Arya Stark from Game of Thrones
Arya Stark is a fan favorite character from the HBO series Game of Thrones, played by British actress Maisie Williams. Arya is a fiercely independent and determined young woman, known for her fighting and survival skills. Despite her crusty exterior, she is a highly complex character with a strong moral code. She is incredibly brave, often putting herself in danger for the greater good. As the story unfolds, she continues to face her fears and forge her own path, growing in strength and experience as the seasons pass. Her continued journey is a testament to her strength of character and unwavering commitment. While she is not always the most conventional of heroes, Arya Stark is a beloved character who continues to inspire viewers and captivate fans.
Tyler Durden from Fight Club
Tyler Durden, played by Brad Pitt in Fight Club, is a character that has captivated audiences since the movie's release in 1999. Created by Chuck Palahniuk, Tyler is a mysterious figure who acts as a catalyst for change in the protagonist's life. They portray him as someone who is intelligent, powerful, intimidating and capable of inspiring those around him. His obscure nature has led to many interpretations about his motives and actions, making him a fascinating character to analyze. Tyler Durden's story is one that has captivated audiences for over two decades and continues to do so today.
Conclusion:
It is possible to create compelling and engaging characters by giving them a rogue quality. Whether it is born from character flaws, motivations and desires, or external forces beyond their control, the rogue character allows for a strong narrative. We saw this in the cases of The Joker, Arya Stark, and Tyler Durden, who exemplify the potential for a unique and powerful story when a character may go beyond the author’s original vision. With this in mind, a rogue character can bring a nuanced, entertaining, and exciting fresh voice to the narrative.
