Mythopoet
Auror
Mythopoet,
Excuse my confusion. You wrote both this:
And this:
The statement of yours that I quoted was much less nuanced than the description you display here. I was simply pointing out that it isn't that simple.
My "it really is that simple" statement was about the definition of what a hero and villain are. It had nothing to do with how complex it is to judge the morality of acts. Of course, in fiction it is far simpler to judge the morality of acts than it is in real life (there are far fewer factors involved in any action in fiction than in real life). I'm not actually sure which we're talking about anymore.
However, there are situations that do not fit in your parameters, especially when considering characters & story, which we are.
I disagree. I believe the parameters I described (and keep in mind it was only a brief summary, not a comprehensive explanation of said parameters) would cover any situation that can be presented. And I would maintain, as I said above, that judging the morality of the acts of characters in fiction is far easier than judging the same in real life. In fact, it is almost impossible to do so in real life unless you can be sure that you have intimate knowledge of all the factors involved. (That's why Christians believe in not judging others.) Whereas in fiction you can be reasonably certain to have all the information bearing on the act in front of you.
I don't have time to address any other posts right now. Maybe later.