Are there any TOA characters you’re apologetic for?
Hmm... If we're talking about characters who were antagonists (because there are tons of characters who made mistakes, but I'll focus more on these ones), I have more than one. Now, I'm not saying that what they did was right or forgivable in any way, just that I understand why they might have acted that way. But to name a few:
Nomura and Strickler: they worked for Gunmar and participated in highly questionable activities, but, remembering nothing of their past before being transformed into changelings, this is all they know. They were molded, raised for this purpose, indoctrinated. Every action is performed for their survival. It was necessary to show them that they could believe in something else and that there weren't only enemies around them.
Draal: He changed quickly, I know, but at first, he was brutal, arrogant, and even tried to kill Jim. But his behavior largely stemmed from his upbringing and the pressure of his father's legacy. He wanted to make a father proud who had been largely absent, and seeing the opportunity to prove himself in the hands of a human made him snap, but he quickly redeemed himself. (Kanjigar, sorry but you suck.)
Angor Rot: a lot of blood on his hands. But guys, his soul was literally stolen by Morgana, who was using it as leverage to control him. He was a hero to his people originally, and he was trying to save them by going to Morgana. Once he got his soul back, no wonder he switched sides.
Bular: Calm down XD! He's still a murderer and a major antagonist, but he grew up under Gunmar's influence and was raised in a culture of war where conquering humans was considered just. Honestly, this is a much more extreme "Draal" case. And he's a Gumm-Gumm. And what's the problem with Gumm-Gumms anyway? That they're human-eating warriors? Ha! As if plenty of other trolls weren't just big brutes and had never eaten humans before!
Aaargh is in the same boat, by the way. But in the same way as changelings. Taken very young, raised like Gumm-Gumm.
Bular is less forgivable than Aaargh, obviously. It's mainly an explanation.
Morgana: She's responsible for quite a few horrors. But let's start from the beginning. She lives in a kingdom where anything related to magic is stigmatized or even eliminated. Only the royal blood card allows her to be spared, and yet things aren't all right there either.
Being resurrected, imprisoned, and used indiscriminately—I don't think that helps her stay sane.
(I could go on like this for a long time if I added more or more than just major or minor antagonists, but you have to know when to stop X) )
