When Good and Evil Become Blurred by Lauren

When Good and Evil Become Blurred by Lauren - October 2021 Scholarship Essay

The line between heroes and villains blurs easily, especially in Leigh Bardugo’s Six of Crows in which the character Kaz Brekker, one of the most unlikely of protagonists, comes closer to the label of “morally gray” than “hero.” A morally gray character is defined as someone who holds both heroic and villainous qualities—usually by committing crimes or evil acts but redeeming themselves through acts of kindness. The portrayal of heroes within literature cannot be as clearly translated into real life because very few people in actuality would prioritize the “greater good” over their own self-interest.

Six of Crows holds many anti-heros and morally gray characters, leaving no person or group as the definitive villain or hero. Sides change, betrayals occur, and everyone holds their best interests at heart. Kaz’s strict moral code differs from a hero’s or a villain’s, making Kaz and other morally gray characters dangerous forces in literature. Fewer characters fall under the labels of “hero” and “villain”—if those terms can even accurately be used anymore.

The best characters possess incredible dimension and complexity, regardless of their moral alignment; however, in young adult fiction and fantasy, many true heroes or villains fall flat as characters. Motives, weaknesses, backgrounds, and difficult decisions must be included for each character to add depth. Bardugo writes Kaz with each one of these values in mind; however, his strict adherence to his moral code, such as staying away from human trafficking and offering respect as long as he receives it in return, sets him apart from stereotypical heroes or villains. He will betray certain people as soon as an investment turns sour but would never betray his close companions. Kaz's close alignment with his intriguing morals and where he places his unusual priorities define him as a morally gray character.

While most people in real life would not go as far as Kaz or many other morally gray characters, many people still walk the line of what would be considered “good” and “evil,” simply because not everyone’s interests align with the “common good.” No one can truly be considered a stereotypical hero or villain due to diverse goals, motivations, and self-interests. People hold depth and internal conflict, unlike many two-dimensional heroes and villains presented in the media.
Nothing should be taken at face value, including people. Humans are inherently flawed and cannot match all of the stereotypes and characteristics of heroes and villains. While the terms “hero” and “villain” may be falling out of use, “morally gray” better defines the complex intricacies of people’s motives and morals.