If you have not seen this Harry Potter fan film yet, STOP WHAT YOU ARE DOING AND WATCH IT!

I have always been fascinated by origin stories, and the choices people made, the situations they endured, and the trials they faced, that made them the person they are and would become.

The truth is, personally, I have always been drawn to darker characters.  Villains in general fascinate me.

I think there is darkness in almost everyone, but what makes a person choose to embrace that darkness?  Why would they give over to it?  What benefit does a person or character get from it?

I have toyed with the idea from time to time of writing a story of Voldemort’s son.  I want to write a story of him not only accepting the darkness within himself, but learning to control it, and use it in the service of good.

I think there is beauty in darkness.  Certainly there is power.  But without control that power can consume and obliviate (pardon the pun) the person itself.

What do you think?  Who is your favorite villain?  What are your theories on what drove them to embrace the darkness within?