We are constantly drawn back to worlds we love. Whether it’s the familiar galaxy far, far away, the sprawling landscapes of Middle-earth, or the darkly captivating city of Gotham, the desire to delve deeper into established narratives is a powerful one. And often, at the heart of this desire lies a fascination with prequel characters. But why are these figures, whose fates are already predetermined, so consistently captivating? Why do we crave the stories of heroes and villains before they reach their iconic forms?
A prequel character, in its simplest form, is a figure whose story is explored in a narrative set before their established appearances in a previous work. Think of Obi-Wan Kenobi’s journey from headstrong Padawan to wise Jedi Master, Hannibal Lecter’s chilling descent into depravity, or the seemingly innocuous beginnings of President Snow. These characters are not merely echoes of their future selves; they are opportunities to explore the genesis of iconic figures, revealing the events, influences, and choices that shaped their destinies. The popularity of prequel characters stems from the way they expand an already beloved world by showing how their character evolved in the pre-established timeline.
The enduring appeal of the prequel character lies in its capacity to provide context, challenge perceptions, and enrich the worlds we thought we knew. By delving into the past, prequels offer a unique lens through which to re-examine familiar narratives, deepening our understanding and appreciation of the characters we’ve come to cherish (or, in some cases, fear).
The Significance of Characters in Prequels
The most immediate draw of a prequel character is the promise of filling in the narrative gaps. We are often left with tantalizing glimpses of a character’s past, snippets of information that hint at a richer, more complex story. Prequels answer the unspoken questions, connecting the dots between the present and the past. They show us how a character’s experiences shaped their motivations, their relationships, and their ultimate trajectory. Take Anakin Skywalker, for example. While his turn to the dark side in the original Star Wars trilogy is undeniably impactful, it is the prequel trilogy that provides the emotional weight, showing us his vulnerability, his ambition, and the insidious manipulations that led to his transformation into Darth Vader. Without the prequels, Darth Vader is a terrifying villain. With them, he becomes a tragic figure, a victim of circumstance as much as a perpetrator of evil. The context provided by Anakin’s prequel character arc elevates the entire saga.
Beyond simply filling in the blanks, prequels often challenge our preconceived notions of characters. They can subvert expectations, presenting a more nuanced or even sympathetic portrayal of figures we initially perceived as purely good or evil. This complexity is what makes prequel characters so compelling. Consider the television series Better Call Saul, a prequel to the critically acclaimed Breaking Bad. While Saul Goodman is introduced as a morally questionable lawyer, the prequel unveils the struggles and disappointments that shaped his cynical persona. We see Jimmy McGill, a well-meaning but flawed individual, gradually transform into the ethically flexible Saul Goodman. This transformation isn’t a simple descent into villainy; it’s a heartbreaking portrayal of a man pushed to the edge by a system that seems rigged against him. Prequel characters give depth to an otherwise simple plotline by showing the “before” and the gradual shift to the “after.”
Furthermore, prequel characters contribute significantly to world-building and the expansion of established lore. By exploring the past, prequels can introduce new characters, factions, conflicts, and cultural nuances that enrich the overall narrative universe. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, for instance, expands the Star Wars universe by introducing a group of rebel spies who play a pivotal role in the events leading up to A New Hope. These prequel characters are not simply tangential figures; they are integral to the saga’s history, adding depth and complexity to the world. The success of these types of prequels hinges on the interest in prequel characters.
Exemplary Prequel Characters
Several prequel characters stand out as particularly compelling examples of the power and potential of this storytelling approach.
Obi-Wan Kenobi: From Padawan to Mentor
The Star Wars prequels offer a fascinating look at Obi-Wan Kenobi’s journey from eager Padawan to a wise, if somewhat burdened, Jedi Master. We witness his training under Qui-Gon Jinn, his initial struggles with the Jedi code, and his growing respect for Anakin Skywalker. This prequel arc provides a crucial understanding of Obi-Wan’s later actions and motivations, solidifying his status as one of the saga’s most beloved and respected figures. Seeing his journey from an inexperienced youngling to a leader gives further weight to his decisions later on.
Hannibal Lecter: The Genesis of a Monster
Hannibal Rising explores the formative years of Hannibal Lecter, revealing the trauma and psychological damage that shaped him into the infamous cannibalistic serial killer. While some may argue that delving into Lecter’s backstory diminishes his mystique, the prequel offers a chilling glimpse into the origins of a truly disturbed mind. It doesn’t excuse his actions, but it does provide a disturbing context for his later depravity. This prequel character is fascinating because it shows how he ended up that way.
Coriolanus Snow: The Seeds of Tyranny
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes offers a glimpse into the early life of Coriolanus Snow, the ruthless president of Panem in The Hunger Games trilogy. The prequel reveals a young Snow who is ambitious but not yet entirely devoid of empathy. As he navigates the political landscape of Panem and mentors a tribute in the Hunger Games, we see the gradual erosion of his morality, culminating in the tyrannical leader we know from the original series. It provides context into how he ended up in charge.
Jimmy McGill/Saul Goodman: A Descent into “Better Call Saul”
As mentioned previously, the Better Call Saul series is a masterclass in how to develop a prequel character. The viewer already knows what Saul Goodman turns into, so watching the series is a study into what led Jimmy to give up on trying to be a “good” lawyer. His complex relationships, his feelings of inadequacy, and his desperation to succeed all come together to explain how Saul Goodman came to be.
The Perils of Prequel Storytelling
While prequel characters offer immense storytelling potential, they also present a unique set of challenges.
One of the biggest obstacles is avoiding contradictions with established canon. Prequels must seamlessly integrate into the existing narrative framework, avoiding plot holes or inconsistencies that can disrupt the overall continuity. Writers must carefully consider every detail, ensuring that the prequel story aligns with the events and characterizations established in the original work.
Maintaining suspense and audience interest is another key challenge. Since the audience already knows the prequel character’s ultimate fate, it can be difficult to create a sense of uncertainty or surprise. The key is to focus on the journey, not just the destination. The drama comes from exploring how the character becomes who they are, showcasing the choices, conflicts, and experiences that shape their transformation.
Finally, there is the risk of over-saturation. Too much backstory can sometimes diminish the mystery or intrigue of a character. It’s important to strike a balance between revealing information and preserving an element of the unknown, allowing the audience to fill in some of the gaps and draw their own conclusions.
The Future of Origin Stories
The trend of prequels shows no signs of slowing down. From film and television to books and video games, audiences continue to crave stories that delve into the past, offering fresh perspectives on familiar worlds. The key to a successful prequel character lies in its ability to enrich the existing narrative, challenge assumptions, and provide a compelling and emotionally resonant journey.
As storytelling evolves, we can expect to see even more innovative and nuanced approaches to prequel storytelling. Writers will continue to push the boundaries, exploring the complexities of character development and world-building in ways that surprise and delight audiences.
Prequel characters are more than just origin stories; they are opportunities to re-examine our favorite narratives, deepen our understanding of iconic figures, and expand the worlds we love. Ultimately, the allure of the prequel character lies in its ability to make us question everything we thought we knew, challenging us to see familiar stories in a whole new light. What defining moment truly makes a character who they are? Is it nature, nurture, or is it outside forces? It is up to the viewer to decide.
