The theme you've described revolves around characters who hold immense power and often become corrupt due to their desire to control their world and the people in it. Here are some popular characters from various media that fit this description:
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Walter White (Breaking Bad) - Initially, a high school chemistry teacher, Walter White transforms into a drug lord, using his intelligence and resources to gain power. As he delves deeper into the criminal underworld, his moral compass deteriorates, leading to significant corruption in his character.
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Danny Ocean (Ocean's Eleven) - While he is charming and witty, Danny’s drive to pull off a massive heist often places him in morally ambiguous situations. His ambition can lead to manipulations that corrupt his relationships with others.
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Cersei Lannister (Game of Thrones) - Cersei’s desire for power and control over the Iron Throne leads her to commit acts of betrayal and manipulation, often corrupting those around her as she fiercely protects her family’s legacy.
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Gollum (The Lord of the Rings) - Once a simple hobbit-like creature, Gollum becomes corrupted by the power of the One Ring. His obsession with it leads to moral decay and conflict with other characters, particularly Frodo and Sam.
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Tywin Lannister (Game of Thrones) - Tywin represents absolute power dynamics at play in Westeros. His ruthless tactics and manipulations show how his desire for control leads to corruption within his family and the wider realm.
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Voldemort (Harry Potter series) - Lord Voldemort embodies the classic villain who craves power for its own sake. His quest for immortality and domination results in his moral degradation and the corruption of those who follow him.
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Michael Corleone (The Godfather) - Michael starts as an outsider in the family business but eventually rises to power in the Mafia. His transformation reflects how power corrupts him, creating a morally ambiguous character who struggles with his legacy.
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Amon Goeth (Schindler's List) - As a Nazi commandant, Goeth exemplifies the extreme corruption and moral decay that can arise from absolute power, showing how it can dehumanize individuals and lead to tragic consequences for many.
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Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader (Star Wars) - Anakin's fall from Jedi Knight to Sith Lord reflects the corrupting nature of power and the dark side. His desire to control and protect ultimately leads to his transformation into a figure of tyranny.
These characters illustrate the complex dynamics of power, corruption, and their effects on both individuals and the world around them.