Empathy in fiction: portrayals in movies and television
Empathy goes beyond simply understanding emotions. Those gifted with the ability often become a powerful force that can change the trajectory of events and transform the dynamics of relationships and conflicts.
Star Wars
Empathy is deeply woven into the moral fabric of both Jedi and Sith. To a Jedi, empathy means more than just knowing how others feel. They want to connect with all living things and create peace across the galaxy. Therefore, Jedi Masters train their padawans to understand the struggles, fears, and hopes of those they protect.
The Sith use their empathy to fuel their power and ambition. The practitioners of the dark side of the Force use it to exploit the fears and vulnerabilities of others.
Anakin Skywalker (Hayden Christensen) demonstrates exceptional Force sensitivity and a strong capacity for empathy. However, his natural aptitude becomes a double-edged sword. His internal struggles blocked his ability to understand others, pushing him down a dark path that changed him into Darth Vader (played by David Prowse in the original trilogy).
Marvel Multiverse
In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, one notable example comes from Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, where Mantis (Pom Klementieff) can perceive and manipulate the emotions of others. The death of trillions of lives causes her to be flooded with an overpowering wave of emotions following Thanos's snap.
In season seven of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Melinda May (Ming-Na Wen) gets empathic abilities that alter her perception and interaction after a near-death experience.
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Exploring empathy in Wicked Hunt
SK Alexander explores how Nathaniel Colt’s empathy shapes the narrative within his paranormal suspense thriller, Wicked Hunt, Book One in “The Empath Series”.
Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987–1994)
Counselor Deanna Troi's (Marina Sirtis) empathic prowess results from her heritage as a half-human, half-Betazoid. Her telepathic and empathic skills make her an invaluable counselor and advisor aboard the USS Enterprise-D. Captain Picard and his command crew rely heavily on her insights for conflict resolution and sound decision-making.
Profiler (1996-2000)
Dr. Samantha “Sam” Waters (Ally Walker) is a borderline-empathic criminal profiler working for the FBI. In her mind, she “sees” the thoughts of the perpetrators and their victims. Her insights help her understand criminals on a deep level, giving her valuable clues normal investigations might not catch.
Charmed (1998-2006)
In the supernatural TV series, Phoebe Halliwell’s (Alyssa Milano) Wiccan powers gradually evolve to include empathy. Also, her Psychic Reflection enables her to reflect emotions and memories onto others.
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Empathy in fiction: portrayals in literature and comics
While paranormal abilities like telepathy, telekinesis, and clairvoyance often receive the most attention, empathy still is a mainstay in fiction.
Angel (1999-2004)
In the spin-off of the beloved Buffy the Vampire Slayer series, two central characters possess empathic abilities:
Krevlornswath of the Deathwok Clan aka Lorne (Andy Hallett) is an anagogic demon who reads people’s auras and sees their future while they sing, hum, or whistle. This enables him to guide the show’s protagonists.
Later in the series, Illyria, an ancient and powerful demoness, takes over the body of Winifred ‘Fred’ Burkle (both portrayed by Amy Acker). Ironically, Illyria's connection with Wesley Wyndam-Pryce (Alexis Denisof) allows her to feel his deep love and sorrow for Fred, adding emotional complexity.
Firefly (2002-2003)
In the short-lived sci-fi series Firefly and its subsequent film Serenity, River Tam’s (Summer Glau) perceptiveness and intuition are both a strength and a burden. T Because of the trauma and experimentation she suffered, she can't process information selectively. Overwhelmed by sensory input, she can't distinguish her feelings from those of others.
Wire in the Blood (2002-2008)
Dr. Tony Hill's (Robson Green) empathy lets him understand the complexities of criminals’ minds. To understand their motives and methods, Tony immerses himself in the twisted psychology of the perpetrators, nearly losing himself in the process.
The series was based on the Tony Hill and Carol Jordan Series by Scottish writer Valarie “Val” McDermid.
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Stargate Atlantis (2004-2008)
Teyla Emmagan’s (Rachel Luttrell) tele-empathetic power enables her to sense the Wraith, the dominant species in the Pegasus Galaxy. This ability frequently reveals crucial insights into the Wraith’s intentions and nature.
Hannibal (2013-2015)
Will Graham’s (Hugh Dancy) empathy allows him to enter the minds of the killers he hunts, exposing him to the darkest aspects of human nature. He sees into the minds of criminals, experiencing their thoughts and emotions as his own, blurring the lines between his identity and theirs.
The show drew inspiration from Thomas Harris’s Hannibal Lecter novels and movies.
Buy "The Empath Series"
“The Empath Series” is a paranormal suspense series about a reclusive empath rejoining the world and the people he left behind.
If you enjoy stories with a psychic investigator, serial killers, and an insolent dog, then you will love “The Empath Series”.
