How much more interesting to think that the fictional character who killed billions is not pure evil but instead a person twisted by circumstance, someone longing to be freed from their physical and mental prison forged by a life of abuse and powerlessness

How much more interesting to see Hux suggest using the weapon, not bc of some homicidal glee, but bc he knows this is the role he must fulfill to survive. Proving himself the rabid cur, ever more ruthless, to avoid the pain that always came with disappointing authority figures

How much more interesting to recognize fear in a young man’s eyes as he walks the path laid for him by his father, trapped in the desperate hope that this at last will be enough, this at last will mean he’s safe, knowing in a split second of regret—that is not his lot in life