Why did Finn betray the First Order?
In the universe of Star Wars, specifically the sequel trilogy that begins with "Star Wars: The Force Awakens", one character that stands out among the intergalactic array of personalities is FN-2187, or as he later becomes known, Finn. Finn's journey, beginning with his desertion from the First Order, is filled with a complexity that humanizes his character and adds depth to the epic space saga.
As a stormtrooper of the First Order, FN-2187 was indoctrinated from birth, trained to serve without question, and conditioned to suppress all individuality. However, he is not immune to the horrors of war. He experiences a series of events that profoundly impact him, leading to his ultimate decision to desert the organization that raised him. This blog post will delve into the factors that led to this monumental decision, reflecting on the subtle psychological nuances of FN-2187’s character transformation.
The death of his squadmate, FN-2003, or "Slip" as he is known among his squad, serves as the catalyst for FN-2187’s desertion. The fatal injury FN-2003 suffers during the First Order's assault on the village of Tuanul on the desert planet Jakku deeply affects FN-2187. This is a stark and brutal initiation into the reality of war, and it presents a contrast to the sterile and orderly environment of his upbringing within the First Order. FN-2003's final act, smearing his blood on FN-2187's helmet, is a visceral, haunting symbol of the cost of their mission – a cost that FN-2187 is not willing to pay.
Following the death of his friend, FN-2187 is further traumatized by the massacre of the villagers in Tuanul. Ordered by Kylo Ren, the First Order forces, including FN-2187, are commanded to execute the defenseless villagers. This act of brutality exposes FN-2187 to the true nature of the First Order – one that resorts to cruelty and unnecessary violence to achieve its goals. Horrified by the senseless killing, FN-2187 remains motionless, unable to follow the order to fire on the unarmed civilians. This moment highlights his inherent compassion and empathy, qualities that are deemed as weaknesses by the First Order, but are in fact signs of his underlying humanity.
His experiences at Tuanul are traumatic and conflicting for FN-2187. They shake his faith in the First Order and cause him to question the indoctrination he had undergone. This cognitive dissonance intensifies when he returns to the Resurgent-class Star Destroyer Finalizer. Captain Phasma, noticing his distress, orders him to submit his blaster for inspection. Given that he hadn't fired a single shot during the massacre, he knows he would be subjected to punishment and re-evaluation. The realization that he is under suspicion for showing mercy further alienates him from the First Order's beliefs and values.
Faced with the reality of his situation, FN-2187 makes the courageous decision to desert the First Order. The catalyst for his decision is a combination of personal loss, moral horror, and self-preservation. More than that, his decision also embodies his desire for autonomy and his resistance to being used as a mere tool for the First Order's oppressive regime.
Finn's transformation from FN-2187, a faceless stormtrooper, into a hero of the Resistance is a testament to his character's resilience and moral fortitude. His desertion from the First Order is not simply an act of rebellion, but a pursuit of individual freedom and a rejection of an ideology that values power and domination over compassion and empathy. By dissecting the factors that led to this crucial decision, we gain a deeper understanding of Finn's character, his motivations, and his significance in the Star Wars universe. His journey reminds us that even within the darkest spaces, the spark of humanity can ignite a path to redemption.
