Just like the comics that they are based on, the stories of the MCU tend to be far more complex than simple stories of good versus. evil. Especially as the cinematic universe continues, there are more examples of how the heroes can be flawed and the villains are not as irredeemable as they might seem.
Over the course of the MCU, fans have seen multiple characters who have first impressions that suggest they are not entirely noble. Whether it is arrogance, a vengeful spirit, or some slightly evil tendencies, these characters have proven that over time anyone can become a hero.
Tony Stark
As the first hero in the MCU, Tony Stark somewhat set the standard for complex protagonists in these movies. Though he is a genius when it comes to tech, Stark is quite irresponsible when it comes to how that tech is used.
After being captured by terrorists who are using his own weapons to harm others, Stark realizes he has another purpose. He works to ensure his tech remains in his control, stops manufacturing weapons, and becomes Iron Man to protect the world from future threats.
Skurge
When Heimdall goes into hiding once Loki takes over Asgard, Skurge is promoted to the keeper of the Rainbow Bridge. However, he is a lot less heroic than Heimdall, so when Hela shows up to take over, he quickly pledges his allegiance to her.
Skurge behaves rather cowardly, doing nothing when Hela slaughters Asgardians, but it's also clear that he is filled with guilt. When Thor tries to evacuate the Asgardians, Skurge tries to sneak in with the crowd but his conscience eventually kicks is and he sacrifices himself to allow the others to escape.
Rocket
Part of the charm of the Guardians of the Galaxy is that they are all very messed up individuals who create a dysfunctional family. However, Rocket is the one who has the hardest time accepting that notion of family.
His painful backstory has understandably made him distrustful of others and he can often lash out in angry and hurtful ways to keep people at a distance. Eventually, he acknowledges his tendency to push people away and begins itting how much the others mean to him.
Stephen Strange
It is quite clear that Stephen Strange was largely modeled after Tony Stark as the arrogant and selfish hero. As one of the most talented surgeons alive, Strange saves lives but cares more about the glory. Even after a crippling accident, he does not gain humility but becomes destructive.
He initially begins training in the mystic arts to heal himself, but soon Strange is shown a greater purpose as a hero and puts the lives of others before his own for the first time. He is even willing to be brutally killed again and again in a time loop to save his dimension.
Thor
Arrogance seems to be a common characteristic of Marvel heroes and Thor was perhaps the most arrogant of all. The God of Thunder let that title go to his head as he would go out looking for glory on the battlefield, even reigniting a war with the Frost Giants.
After being cast down to Earth, Thor is stripped of his powers and finds that he is not worthy to lift Mjolnir. This defeat finally gains him some humility and he finally its he has a lot to learn.
Wanda
Few characters have experienced as much tragedy in the MCU as Wanda Maximoff, which explains her complicated arc. True to the comics, she begins as a villain working alongside Ultron to bring down the Avengers only to accept that they are not the true threat. She s the heroes, along with her brother who is killed.
In dealing with her past trauma, Wanda finds happiness with Vision and becomes one of the most powerful Avengers. heading down a dark path again, but she is still a very sympathetic character.
Yondu
Yondu is another rough character from the Guardians of the Galaxy movies whose more positive traits are buried under a gruff exterior. As a rogue Ravager, he abducted Peter Quill from Earth as a child and made for a pretty terrifying captor.
However, Yondu eventually realizes Peter has been like a son to him all this time and that he truly loves him. In the end, Yondu tells Peter how he feels and gives his life to save the closest thing he had to a family.
Bucky
Given how caring and protective Bucky Barnes was to his friend Steve Rogers, it is hard to see all the pain he has to go through later on. After being presumed dead in the war, Bucky is brainwashed into becoming an assassin with no agency of his own.
Thanks to his friend Steve and the Wakandans, Bucky's mind was repaired and he was freed. he is still tormented by the memories, but he is also putting his own life together.
Loki
Back when the MCU was known for lackluster villains, Loki was seen as the best baddie they created. He was a complex and somewhat sympathetic villain who wanted approval from his parents, but it drove him to become an evil god looking to conqueror Earth.
The tense relationship between Loki and Thor softens over time as Thor encourages his brother to be more than just the God of Mischief. Sadly, their reconciliation comes just before Loki is killed by Thanos.
Nebula
Nebula is another tragic character whose life of torture helps to explain her villainous beginnings. She is introduced as Gamora's adoptive sister who suffered at the hands of Thanos. She s Ronan to help fulfill his plans of destroying the galaxy as a way of defeating her father.
Nebula's hatred for Thanos spills over into a hatred for Gamora as well even though she sees her as a sister deep down. The two sisters reconcile and forces, and Nebula later becomes a valuable member of the Avengers.
