Finn’s Journey from Stormtrooper to Hero: The Impact of Emotions and Morality

Finn's transition from a conflicted stormtrooper to a hero fighting for the Resistance reveals a deep struggle between indoctrination and personal morality, primarily guided by his emotional nature. His backstory and experiences ultimately led him to question the First Order's oppressive regime and embrace a journey of self-discovery and redemption.

Conscription and Indoctrination

Finn, originally known as FN-2187, was a child taken from his family by the First Order. Like many other stormtroopers, his life was manipulated and controlled from a young age. The First Order utilized a system of conscription and indoctrination to shape these individuals into loyal, mindless soldiers. This method not only suppressed their emotions but also fostered a sense of duty and unquestioning loyalty to the cause.

Training

During his training, Finn was subjected to rigorous conditioning. Stormtroopers were not only taught to follow orders without hesitation but also to suppress their emotions. This was essential to ensure they remained powerful combat machines devoid of personal attachment or empathy. Despite this harsh training, Finn's emotional nature could not be completely extinguished. He remained a complex character, carrying with him a sense of ambition, self-care, and a genuine human compassion that often clashed with his supposed role as a stormtrooper.

Catalyst for Change

Finns emotional nature came to the fore during his first mission in The Rise of Skywalker. Witnessing the brutal actions of the First Order against civilians not only traumatized him but also fundamentally shifted his perspective. This traumatic experience acted as a catalyst, making him question the morals and values of the First Order. This was a turning point in his journey, as he began to realize the futility and moral abandonment of the oppressive regime he had been serving.

Desertion and Redemption

After this realization, Finn made the difficult decision to desert the First Order. His emotional responses and personal values drove him to seek a new path, aligning himself with the Resistance. This act of defiance showcased his growth from a robotic and controlled soldier to a resilient and compassionate hero. Finn's journey highlighted the conflict between societal indoctrination and personal morality, illustrating how his emotions ultimately led him to reject the oppressive system of the First Order.

The Battle of Jakku and Beyond

Interestingly, Finn's emotional strength and integrity were put to the test in the Battle of Jakku. Here, despite his highly successful and respected role as a stormtrooper, Finn's emotional responses persisted. The massacre at Jakku further shook his belief in the First Order's righteousness, eventually leading to his desertion. This battle became a pivotal moment in his transformation, marking the resolution of his internal conflict and setting the stage for his ultimate heroism.

The complexities of Finn's journey underscore the importance of emotional intelligence and moral consciousness in shaping our actions and decisions. His story is a powerful reminder that even in the most controlled environments, human emotions and values can find a way to break through and inspire change.