One who immediately comes to mind for me is Azula. For all her low levels of empathy and ruthlessness, she's also just a severely damaged fourteen-year-old, and I feel horrible for her. Her eventual mental breakdown hit me quite hard, and I kind of relate to her.
I'm not sure if she counts as a villain since she's the main character, but I'd also say Carrie White. Poor girl was bullied all her life and her happiest moment was ruined by a very cruel prank. Doesn't mean I approve of her reaction, but I still feel for her.
Is there already a thread about this? Kinda surprised there aren't more responses.
Another vote for Zuko for me, also Bucky from Civil War.
Write your story.Probably Count Bleck.
A great Mascot Mook.For me, it would be Light Yagami from the Death Note Series of films. While the manga and anime adaptation had him bored at the beginning, leading to him murdering countless criminals by using the titular notebook, this version is different.
He has a Broken Pedestal towards criminals leaving jail by having certain connections, so he confronts one of them, who draws a knife on him. This feeling of powerlessness is what drives him to use the notebook, and despite the unforgivable kills of certain people connected to his life later on, we know that at the beginning, he saw potential in making the world a better and safer place to live in.
Edited by The12thDoctor on Feb 16th 2020 at 6:29:39 AM
If Villain Protagonists count, Lucy from Elfen Lied is a nice contender, since the closest thing she had to a friend (a Precious Puppy) was murdered right in front of her.
Another sympathetic villain I like is Agatha from ParaNorman, as she was murdered unjustly for her I See Dead People ability, though I do like how Norman bluntly tells her that she can't use it as an excuse to torment the ones who wronged her.
Edited by Segal991 on Jul 4th 2023 at 4:04:55 AM
Oh, I believe in yesterday
For me probably Magneto and Sylvanas Windrunner, although I also like Mr.Freeze and Harley Quinn. Indeed, in the final case I really do wish I could give her a hug (especially the original BTAS version, as she just looks so hugable.)