Lit Alternate Visions of Vader

Calling all creatives.

How else could Vader have been understood?

I can think of two possibilities.

1. This one goes in with George's intention of making the prequels a tragedy of a "chosen one" falling. So, Anakin Skywalker is an exceptionally gifted healer, with healing gifts through the Force that no one had ever seen before. It was miraculous some of the healing he was able to do. Yet, he falls in love with Padme, who is stricken by a terminal disease. He is unable to heal her. The Order counsels that "the will of the force" intends for her to die and there is nothing he can do to save her. He should just accept it as part of life. He disagrees, and tries very very hard to save her -- and is on the verge of saving her when he is interrupted by Obi-Wan, who suspects him of dark side heresy. There is a struggle, and in the process the healing ritual is interrupted, Padme dies, and Anakin is disfigured.

2. A more standard approach, which I see in ANH. Anakin Vader the Prussian general, from a long line of Vaders on the Corellia system. He guides the small Republic systems against a larger, more sinister threat, and he wins miraculous victories through his valiant leadership and some good luck along the way. They defeat the enemies, who are barbaric, imagine a planet of Mauls, but along the way the toils of war start to chip away at his innocence. One day after a particularly bloody campaign, his friend and mentor Obi-Wan leaves. Obi-Wan later resurfaces as the leader of the opposition, claiming that the Republic he had fought for is corrupted and needs to be opposed. Anakin is outraged, feels betrayed. He tracks down Obi-Wan, fights him. There is a moment when Obi-Wan is about to die, and Anakin saves him one last time, but then is unable himself to get to safety. Obi-Wan leaves him, thinking him dead, but Anakin emerges later, more determined to hold the Republic together. He continues with the atrocities, think General Sherman burning down Atlanta, which do finally end the war. His wife is horrified by the atrocities and flees. Ironically, his son is raised by the simple bumpkin Skywalker family, not knowing of his noble origin, living the life of a simple farmer.