Why are some people attracted to evil characters?

I always thought felt bad for the misunderstood bad guy. Sometimes I think with a little love and understanding - the bad guys would change their nefarious ways. To me, the dark characters are compelled to behave that way due to their peers, parents, society never bothering to dig a little deeper to see their true worth. And since they are expected to behave badly - they do.
I empathize because they are misunderstood, put in difficult situations, and at times just give into their darker nature because they can't fight it alone - and no one is there to help.
It's funny when a bad guys shows a glimpse of compassion, you just want to tell them, "I see you."
Would it matter in the long run? I doubt it - it's called fiction for a reason.

I think some people are attracted to 'dark' characters because they recognize that we all have a dark side and can see those 'dark' characters as more than just one-dimensional.Even though they are fictional,people tend to make them come alive.

I also thing the 'dark' characters are the underdogs of sorts and who doesn't like rooting for the underdog? :P

It all traces back to our childhood, folks....sorry to break that to you.

I think because people want to feel strong, and mystic, also to show people they are not afraid of these characters . and maybe by somehow this evil character reflects the mood of the person choosing it .

Some people want to walk on the wild side, or they think that they can somehow change this person by their own example.
Some people just go nuts and throw all caution to the wind. But basically I think its their insecurity. They have never known security and see an evil person as as strength they need for themselves. I think that once they realize this is a partnership that is of unequal yoke, they must depart or be miserable for eternity.

I love Naraku from InuYasha because he's incredibly intelligent and evil and manipulative, but also a coward...he manages to ruin everybody's lives while rarely putting himself in actual danger. Clever. Plus, he's ALMOST pitiable at times, what with the whole does he maybe love Kikyo thing...but mostly I just like intelligent cowards because I am one, lol. Plus, of course, he's hot. lol.

Well, for me it's because they're just like me. I like characters I can relate to. I think people like these characters because all people are like that deep down. The idea of doing the things these people do and getting away with it is very appealing and intoxicating (as is anyone in complete control of a situation, which they always manage to be, I know I love power and control), and yet it's fictional so the audience doesn't have to feel bad about what they're seeing or the fact that they like the character. And it's interesting what you touch on - that in the end, these characters are human too. People don't always want to see that or find that. It bothers them. Darker characters show that the world is not black and white. And SimpleSimonette is right - often the worst deviants are those that never wanted to be, but were forced into a certain role. Most of these characters secretly want to be like anybody else. And as I have said before, I am, all in all, more man than monster.

Todd Manning from One Life To Live is so Hot!

people secretly would like to be evil because they see it as exciting and a way out of the doldrums of their boring life and their depression.