A good villain is created to be feared; an even greater one is associated with a sense of sympathy or pity. Darth Vader, in particular, has established himself as one of the Star Wars galaxy’s most unrelenting threats, projecting a chilling sense of dread with every breath that echoes through his helmet. Prior to the cinematic recount of his origins, there were few reasons to sympathize with the ruthless Sith Lord. The prequel trilogy following Anakin Skywalker’s decadence consequently granted a greater understanding of why his fall from grace is poetically heartbreaking.

Darth Vader’s inescapable ending — his turning to the Dark Side and succumbing to the way of the Sith — was seemingly inevitable. The overarching themes of self-demise chipped away at the Chosen One as he was crushed by the weight of the galaxy. It's no wonder, then, that the merciless pressures of expectation and the clashing of opposing beliefs tore away at his mentality. The tragedy of Anakin's unraveling gives way to one of the most sympathetic villain origins across film and television. Even with the character's anticipated return in the Ahsoka series, the pinnacle of Anakin's descent still remains as an incredibly haunting display within the franchise. Here’s what makes Darth Vader’s story so tragic.

Updated August 18, 2022: If you love Star Wars, you'll be happy to know we've updated this article with additional info surrounding Darth Vader's character.

Anakin Skywalker is Considered to be a “Tragic Hero”

Hayden Christensen as Anakin Skywalker in Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith
20th Century Fox

Aristotle has broken down the requirements of what truly makes a "tragic hero" so "tragic." Much like Othello in William Shakespeare's Othello, Anakin Skywalker (played by Hayden Christensen) is presented to be noble in his ranking. Anakin solidified himself as a respected member of his intergalactic society that tied him to high-powered government officials. As per his upbringing, he finds himself working his way from living in poverty to pursuing his ranking as a Jedi Knight. His close affiliation with Chancellor Palpatine provides young Anakin with the ability to join the Jedi Council as one of the youngest members of the ruling body. The expedition of Anakin's success contributes to why his once-bright future ambitions constitute a part of his tragedy. There is potential for Anakin to authorize himself as an outstanding member of the Jedi Council, knowing that there were different fates available for him that could have resulted in the prosperity that he was once destined for. The awareness that there was the opportunity for Skywalker to face a future of celebratory achievement serves as a stark reminder that his fate with worth feeling sorrow over.

In addition to hosting a noble stature that is generally respected, Aristotle notes that a "tragic hero" must be burdened with a fatal flaw. In direct comparison to Othello's feeling of lacked superiority, Anakin views himself above the others. His pride and arrogance consume him as they blind him from the realization that his actions aren't immune to consequence. His self-image of supremacy is instrumental to his crumbling; he cannot tear himself away from believing that there are other points of view besides his own. Ultimately, Anakin's ignorance of reality is at the crux of his self-destruction.

Related: How Obi-Wan Kenobi Gave Darth Vader the Character Arc He Deserved

He Loses Control Over Himself

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20th Century Studios

Emotions can become ungovernable, so much so that they cloud the rationale around thoughts that lead to actions. Fear is the first emotion to truly hold a dictating grip over Anakin. Aside from his sensitivity to the Force, the Jedi are keen to note the overpowering sense of fear that controls him. The lack of coping or direction given to him by the Jedi Order allowed Anakin to become more susceptible to the threats of allowing his fear to win. While the Jedi inform Anakin that "there is no Emotion, there is Peace," it doesn't provide him with the guidance of tackling his emotional instability head-on.

It's in Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones where Anakin's fear transitions into a form of hatred, elevating his anxiety into something beyond unshakable angst. There's a greater external emotional reaction that leads to the escalation of his actions. He falls out of touch with wanting to understand where his psychological unraveling begins. From an alternative point of view, Anakin (voiced by Matt Lanter) in Star Wars: The Clone Wars is presented as a calm, cool, and collected Jedi war general. The animated series presents a glimpse of how composed Anakin once was when keeping himself under his own control. He was revered as a powerful, respected leader before the Clone War once again instigates the anger that he had once buried away.

Palpatine uses Anakin's slipping self-control as a tool of manipulation, per CBR. It's as if Anakin's becoming of Darth Vader is a transitional arc in his life that he fails to take charge of. A sense of helplessness overcomes him as he succumbs to Palpatine's false promises and sweet serenades of untapped power. The hatred that Palpatine encouraged to take over Anakin's entire being was a direct pipeline to his suffering. His suffering was rooted internally as he battled his own morality against external forces that controlled how he perceived the world around him. The misinterpretation of the binaries between "good" and "evil" directly affected Anakin's understanding of self, and the intentions of whom he surrounds himself. The tragedy is found in the fact that Skywalker's transformation into Darth Vader is involuntary due to the shortcomings in being able to control himself, and his emotions.

Related: Star Wars: 8 Actors Who Almost Played Anakin Skywalker

The Identity of Darth Vader is a Result of Betrayal

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Disney/Lucasfilm

Anakin was no stranger to betrayal, whether it be to himself or to those around him. The momentous final battle between himself and Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor) on Mustafar during the concluding act of Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith is the precise moment where Anakin gives in and accepts his fate of becoming Darth Vader. Not only does Anakin turn against Obi-Wan after accusing him of influencing Padmé Amidala Naberrie (Natalie Portman) to also turn against him, but betrays their comradery in a moment of absolute weakness. In a fit of his own rage, Anakin inadvertently contributes to killing his own wife through her heartbreak during childbirth. His consent to becoming Darth Vader was in exchange for Padmé's guaranteed survival. He is deceived by what seems to be a transactional exchange, and he is misled by unfulfilled affirmations that his self-sacrifice will result in the well-being of his wife and twin children.

Anakin is under the impression that his actions will honor the greater good of his loved ones, despite facing Obi-Wan in direct combat. He betrays his closest friend in hopes that, somehow, he can save others. Ultimately, the tragedy found in Anakin's willingness to rebrand himself as Darth Vader is that he betrayed himself. His forfeit of himself surrendered the capability of becoming great without having to concede to the Dark Side.

Star Wars Will Continue to Flesh Out Darth Vader's Character

Darth Vader and Obi-Wan Kenobi
Disney Platform Distribution

It was a thrill ride watching Anakin/Vader return to action in this year's Obi-Wan Kenobi series on Disney+. And we can't wait to see Christensen continue his hot streak in Rosario Dawson's upcoming Ahsoka series. It will be exciting to see Rogue One: A Star Wars Story hit the big screen again, as it features a killer Vader cameo, as we count down the days until the Andor series arrives on Disney+. It's clear, then, that there plenty of opportunities down the line for Lucasfilm to continue to flesh out Anakin's complicated persona.