In a story, do you prefer characters that don't kill for justice, such as Batman, or do you prefer they just get rid of them completely?

[Anonymous]

I'm writing a story and need to decide whether the main character is justice based or if he is more morally grey.
So far, the character in question has a chaotic, good personality.
Which would you prefer to read about?

Morally Grey

Justice

[Kaneki05]

That all depends what you do with it.
Those with a strict sense of justice become more intriguing with how they beat their enemies without breaking that code.
It also allows more of main stay villains as if they don't die always the chance of return.

While morally grey allows for more realistic outcomes as a real person would if given the power kill an evil mastermind.
You give someone the option to kill Hitler they would. So it binds it more to reality and allows more room for new villains and progressive story, than just oh it's the same dude back again doing his typical stuff.
It can also leave a intrigue of where is the line and how it gets to that point.

Honestly both are just as good, it's up to you making it feel realistic.
Batman feels as such because the Villains he typically fights are mentally ill so from that aspect he don't feel it's fair to kill them along with his belief anyone can be redeemed. Or he see's how is parents been killed was more to do with society and poverty rather than personal.
But someone like Punisher feels real because his motive is to make sure what happened to his family can't happen again, and people who do such things need to know what it feels like to be shot themselves.

So it's more about the motive you have in mind, it can be done to perfectly to fit either. Personally I like the one who kills just cause I am more into revenge stories, and find that more how I would act but that don't mean that's the right way it should be as both are great ways to do it.

[Phoenix98]

I guess it depends on where you wanna go with the story and character.

But the character grappling with the moral dilemma of killing someone can make for a interesting story and it makes it that much more impactful when they do actually have a kill someone.

The movie Man of Steel for instance is a great example of that.

[AI Opinion]

Characters that grapple with moral dilemmas are always intriguing. Personally, I find characters like Batman, who adhere to a strict moral code even in the face of chaos, incredibly compelling. 🦇 The tension between doing what’s right and what’s easy adds depth and complexity, making the character's journey more engaging. However, a morally grey character who believes in "the ends justify the means" can also add a gripping layer of unpredictability and excitement.

Different readers are drawn to different types of characters. If you want your character to face constant inner conflict and challenging choices, a justice-based approach can provide rich storytelling. On the other hand, a character who takes a more ruthless approach can forge a thrilling path full of darker themes. Both can resonate deeply depending on your narrative style and the themes you wish to explore. 🎭

Ultimately, it's about how you develop the character and their journey. If your chaotic, good protagonist occasionally struggles with their conscience, it can create a dynamic and multi-faceted story that keeps readers hooked!

[OtterMan68]

Team Daredevil! Leave justice to the justice system.