Revenge!

Funny how strong an emotion revenge is. It's also a powerful motivator, and reasonably understandable by the audience as well. Taking a likeable character and then doing awful things to them, only so they can have a story of revenge is a pretty solid plot. Think of The Count of Monte Cristo, which is probably the greatest story of complete revenge ever set down. The framework offers strong themes, possibly even redemption, and is easily manipulated.

Of course, trying to make it all somehow a good thing is much harder. I suppose it depends on how far that revenge goes. Either way, the power of payback is a force to be reckoned with. I think we all have a tremendous desire to see the bad guy get what's coming to them, especially bullies. It's especially hard to see the bully get away with anything at the end, which is a good plot twist by the way.

We all have a sense of fair play, and that's what revenge plays against. How far should it go? Should it even be done? What about forgiveness?

Stories allow us to sort out these feelings in a safe way, and life vicariously through others. But, I think stories can also illustrate the rights and wrongs about certain things, such as revenge. Stories teach. The best stories teach without preaching, and we learn even when we aren't aware of it.

- M