I always thought felt bad for the misunderstood bad guy. Sometimes I think with a little love and understanding - the bad guys would change their nefarious ways. To me, the dark characters are compelled to behave that way due to their peers, parents, society never bothering to dig a little deeper to see their true worth. And since they are expected to behave badly - they do.

I empathize because they are misunderstood, put in difficult situations, and at times just give into their darker nature because they can't fight it alone - and no one is there to help.

It's funny when a bad guys shows a glimpse of compassion, you just want to tell them, "I see you."
Would it matter in the long run? I doubt it - it's called fiction for a reason.

Some people are attracted to 'dark' characters because they recognize that we all have a dark side and can see those 'dark' characters as more than just one-dimensional.Even though they are fictional,people tend to make them come alive.

Because evil characters are honest to themselves. And you know they lived in a disillusioned world, our world. They are the ones saying, "There is something wrong with this world" (and it's most often them).

And you know there is something inside of them that we all can relate to. People who are "bad" are people who are in pain.

People want to feel strong, and mystic, also to show people they are not afraid of these characters . and maybe by somehow this evil character reflects the mood of the person choosing it .

I always are attracted by them and get a crush or so.
It is funny but it happens most of the time in books, movies or Tv. I can´t help it.

And if they have a hidden soft side or even have children I fall for them. I always think: Why shouldn´t a bad guy get some loving too?