Darth Vader: A Tragic Hero

“Luke I am your father” (Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back). This is one of if not the most iconic scene in the Star Wars movie franchise. At the time when episodes four, five, and six were the only Star Wars movies out, nobody knew that Darth Vader was Luke Skywalker’s father. Darth Vader was originally Anakin Skywalker. Anakin Skywalker is considered to be one of the most controversial characters because of how he was originally a Jedi who was supposed to bring balance to the force, but turned to the dark side because of his emotions. The reason why he turned to the dark side was that he wanted to protect those who were closest to him, especially the ones that he loved. This was a flaw that Anakin had which many considered him
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Originally born on Tatooine, Ani originally lived in a poor family and worked when he was very young. Little did he know that he will grow up to become a Jedi. According to “Aristotle’s Traits of a Tragic Hero”, Aristotle’s first trait of a tragic hero is that, “The tragic hero must be essentially admirable and good – usually a noble birth”. While Anakin may not have had a noble birth, he later finds out that, “[He] was the chosen one” (Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith), sworn to defeat the sith and bring balance to the force. This makes Anakin seem admirable and good because of the fact that he’s the chosen one. The second trait of a tragic hero is that, “The tragic hero must have a flaw” (Aristotle’s Traits of a Tragic Hero). This flaw that Anakin had was love. A jedi knight is prohibited to marry or be in love because it would cause greed, leading them to make actions based on love and not common sense. Love is a very powerful emotion and can create or destroy life. According to Aaron Nusz, “Conversely, Lucas places a great deal of importance on the “Women as Temptress” and its importance to Anakin” (Nusz 24). The purpose of the Women as Temptress is to distract and pull the hero away from his quest. In this case, Padme is unintentionally pulling Anakin away from his quest of bringing balance to the force. This is shown in Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, when Anakin fears for the death of
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While Anakin’s transition from good to evil, and Anakin Skywalker to Darth Vader, he never forgot about his role when he found out that he was the chosen one. The last trait of a tragic hero is the hero having a, “tragic recognition or insight” (Aristotle’s Traits of a Tragic Hero). When Anakin first became a Sith Lord, little did he know that he had a son, Luke Skywalker, till later on. Anakin reveals to Luke that he is his father in the fifth episode. Luke not willing to believe that Death Vader is completely evil, he constantly tells himself that, “I know there is still good in him” (Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back). While Anakin, now Darth Vader, may appear evil, there is still something in him that will create a spark. This spark occured when Luke was fighting Emperor Palpatine. While Luke was getting electrocuted by Palpatine. Anakin watched as his son was slowly dying. However, his pleas for help, “Father, help me, please, help” (Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi), made Anakin grab Palpatine and throw him to his death. Because of this, Anakin had defeated the Sith Lord and brought balance to the force. Anakin had fulfilled the prophecy as the chosen one and redeemed himself. Luke 's peril of death caused Anakin to have an insight into what is most important, and that is saving Luke’s life and bringing balance back to the force. This can also