Summary
Dont you just love agood redemption arc?
What Is the Difference Between a Redemption Arc and an Atonement Arc?
A redemption arc sees a characterbeing redeemed for their actions.
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An atonement arc is very similar, but theres one key difference:the character is not forgiven.
Atonement is a huge part of both types of arc.
The important thing here is that the punishment must fit the crime.
A superhero-admiring boy enrolls in a prestigious hero academy and learns what it really means to be a hero, after the strongest superhero grants him his own powers.
You cant just apologize for committing atrocious actions and call it a day.
This is an important distinction to make for Endeavor specifically.
He (supposedly) wants to atone for his wrongdoings.
In fact, it may be best if he just atones and slips into quiet obscurity.
Sorry not sorry, Endeavor fans.
Endeavors neglect of Touya specifically was so intense that it nearly caused the boys death.
Shoto was a tool.
When that childs Quirk wasnt suitable, he simply had another, Natsuo.
At that point, his other children became things instead of people.
And again, this may not have been his goal at the very start of his marriage with Rei.
Its entirely possible that he expected to have one child, get what he wanted, and be done.
However, thats not what happened, andintentions dont make up for bad actions.
However, it seems that Rei bore a great deal of Endeavors physical and mental abuse.
In addition, it is heavily implied that Endeavor sexually assaulted Rei.
This could imply that she did not consent to birthing Natsuo and Shoto.
It’s representation of bullying offers no accountability to the bully and no empathy to the victim.
However, he is a professional hero.
He has status, money, and power.
We have yet to see this, and this would be part of his atonement.
Heshouldlose everything, especially his hero status, as its the thing that drove him to commit his crimes.
Finally, he should beseeingwhat hes done, and trying to right it.
However, it currently seems as though neither of these things will happen inMy Hero Academia.
Endeavor gave his apologies amidst a major war that required his involvement to achieve victory.
However, there’s a strong argument to be had that this isnt part of his atonement.
He didnt care about his family in the first place.
If he had, he wouldnt have done the things he did.
These are for you!
Theres also an argument to be made that not every crime needs to lead to legal consequences.
Atonement can take other paths, and thats certainly true.
However, in Endeavors case specifically, theres an example to be made.
He is a professional hero, but hes a monster to his own family.
He should get the same treatment.
Maybe once that process truly begins, aredemption arc will be worth even considering.
But honestly, the story wont fall apart if he doesnt get redemption.
It will be more realistic.
Most importantly, it will be a nice deviation from stories that stress forgiveness regardless of the crime.
And in this case, it’s clear that the Todoroki family doesn’t want to see redemption.
My Hero Academiais available to stream on Hulu in the U.S.
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