A Look into the Complexity of Scar's Character
A Look Into The Complexity Of Scar's Character
Scar is one of the most complex and believably human characters in the Disney universe. A complex character is more engaging for an audience as we can relate to them on some level - from their struggles and redemption, to their flaws and even victories.
Light and Dark
The thing that makes Scar so believable is that his character is neither wholly "good" or "evil". He has his moments of nobility and selflessness, and his moments of pure villainy. For example, when Mufasa is about to die, Scar decides to stay with him, but when Simba asks for his help later, Scar is too cowardly and quickly abandons him.
Likewise, Scar has his moments of profound darkness which can make him sympathetic. He is the the product of a cruel world; the consequence of being born an outsider who is constantly undermined and underestimated by those around him. It's no surprise that someone with such a traumatic upbringing would lash out in destructive and malicious ways.
Redemption
Scar's character arc doesn't have a classic "happy ending". But, it's arguably one of the most satisfying arcs in the Disney universe. By the end, he is no longer the villain or the victim. He is an intriguingly middle-ground character who is struggling against his inner demons and attempting to make peace with his past.
At the climax of the film, he chooses to stand up against the hyenas and decides to save Simba from being killed. This is an unexpected twist that shows that despite all of the mistakes, pain, and darkness of Scar's past, he is still capable of redeeming himself and making a selfless choice.
Scar's Legacy
Scar's character leaves a lasting impression due to the complexity of his motivations. He is a flawed character who goes through a dramatic transformation from villain to Anti-hero. We root for and commiserate with him throughout the film.
The complexity and ambivalence of Scar's character is what makes him so compelling. His backstory, motivations, and actions provide us with an interesting glimpse into the depths of human nature and the power of a redemption story.