Everybody loves a good character—and some of the best ones are those who undergo redemption. It doesn’t matter if they’re a hero or villain, all that matters are the choices that lead them to do so.
There are a ton of characters in film and literature that undergo a massive change. Some become hated for it, while others are celebrated. Here is a list of the latter.
Characters With The Best Redemption Arcs
Whether it’s a villain becoming good or a hero finding their way again, these stories stay with us. Here are some of the best redemption arcs you’ll find in film and literature.
1. Severus Snape (Harry Potter series by J. K. Rowling)
For almost the entire series, fans see Snape as an overly bitter and cruel professor. And then we learn that he has been protecting Harry all along, even losing his life for it.
It is, perhaps, one of the best twists in modern fantasy. It shows that he is not merely a villain, but a character shaped by love, regret, and sacrifice.
2. Reiko (Parasyte by Hitoshi Iwaaki)
Like all parasites, Reiko shows a complete lack of humanity. The only difference is her scientific curiosity about humans. That doesn’t mean she won’t eat them though.
It’s only after giving birth to a human that she changes. In the end, she chooses to protect her baby at the cost of her life.
3. Zuko (Avatar: The Last Airbender)
The exiled prince of the Fire Nation begins as an angry, spoiled brat obsessed with capturing the Avatar. As time passes, his perspective shifts, and he embraces the lessons of honor taught by his uncle.
From being one of Aang’s greatest foes, he evolves into one of his most loyal friends, ultimately gaining his greatest honor.
4. Darth Vader (Star Wars)
From Jedi star pupil to the Sith’s second-in-command, Anakin Skywalker had one of the greatest falls in TV history. It’s all worth it though, when he sacrifices himself and brings balance to the Force. Just as the prophecy said.
5. Walter White (Breaking Bad)
Walt’s transformation into the ruthless Heisenberg is a slow, satisfying burn. At times, it seems like he’s beyond redemption.
His last moments tell otherwise. While he never fully redeems himself, saving Jesse shows he’s still capable of selflessness. Besides, it led to an absolute banger of a movie.
6. Sydney Carton (A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens)
Sydney Carton is a drunken, disillusioned lawyer with a talent for self-loathing. But in the end, he finds purpose.
He sacrifices himself for the woman he loves and takes her husband’s place on the guillotine. In doing so, he gives meaning to his wasted life.
7. Boromir (The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien)
Boromir, the noble son of Gondor that he is, was still susceptible to the One Ring’s corruption. As the Fellowship travels, his desire for it grows stronger.
This culminates in him attacking Frodo, who runs away to continue the journey by himself. Orcs attack shortly after, with Boromir dying to protect the other hobbits. He broke free from the Ring’s influence, and his dying words were for the hobbits, not for himself.
8. The Rose Family (Schitt’s Creek)
What do you get when you drop a previously wealthy, privileged family down to mediocrity? Six seasons of comedy.
At first, the Rose family is so insufferable that the early episodes are hard to watch. But as the series progresses, each of them undergoes meaningful growth. Alexis, in particular, has the most impressive transformation—earning her degree, starting a business, and repairing her relationships.
All that from a character who began as a clueless, self-centered brat with no idea how to navigate normal life.
9. Jean Valjean (Les Miserables by Victor Hugo)
Jean Valjean finally walks out of prison but struggles to fit in with society. He is resentful and angry with a world that seems to have permanently labeled him a criminal.
In desperation, he steals from a bishop, who forgives him and tells him to become an honest man. It leads to him changing his ways and dedicating his life to helping others, including Fantine and her daughter, Cosette. There are many struggles along the way, but he always stays true to his new path.
10. Werner Pfennig (All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr)
Werner Pfennig is a member of a Wehrmacht squad that tracks down illegal signals and executes those who make them. His work leads him to Marie-Laure LeBlanc, a blind French girl carrying a diamond the Nazis seek.
Increasingly disillusioned, he begins to seek forgiveness for the wrongs he has participated in. In the end, he chooses to save Marie-Laurie, breaking free from Nazi ideology.
Why Do People Love Redemption Arcs?
At its core, a redemption arc is a sign of forgiveness and the possibility for second chances. We’ve all done things we regret though they may not be on the scale made by the characters above. But we all understand the desire for a fresh start; a chance to do better.
Of course, you can’t simply make a character change. The audience hates sudden, unrealistic shifts in behavior. Real growth comes from struggle, setbacks, and self-reflection. The outcome is often only noteworthy because of the journey.
Which character’s redemption arc do you like best? Share your thoughts below!
If you enjoyed this post, then you might also like:
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- 8 of the Worst Character Types in Fiction
- 13 of the Best Anti-heroes in Literature, Video Games, and Cinema
Cole is a blog writer and aspiring novelist. He has a degree in Communications and is an advocate of media and information literacy and responsible media practices. Aside from his interest in technology, crafts, and food, he’s also your typical science fiction and fantasy junkie, spending most of his free time reading through an ever-growing to-be-read list. It’s either that or procrastinating over actually writing his book. Wish him luck!
