Arthur Fleck (Joker) vs Rey: Chaos and Conviction

What motivates Arthur Fleck and Rey?

Arthur Fleck, who becomes the Joker in Joker, is driven by a desire for recognition and validation in a society that has abandoned him. His motivations stem from a place of deep alienation, trauma, and a yearning to be seen. On the other hand, Rey from the Star Wars sequel trilogy is propelled by a need to understand her place in the galaxy and to connect with her identity. While Fleck seeks to dismantle the world’s indifference through chaos, Rey seeks to build and preserve a legacy rooted in hope and belonging.

How do their methods differ?

Fleck’s transformation into the Joker is marked by a descent into violence and madness. His methods are destructive—he uses terror to assert his presence and provoke a societal breakdown. Rey, however, wields her power with restraint and empathy. Her approach to conflict is rooted in learning, growth, and healing. Where Fleck’s actions fracture society further, Rey’s choices often aim to mend the rifts between people and generations.

Who do they fight for—or against?

Arthur Fleck fights against a system that has marginalized him, symbolized by figures like Thomas Wayne and the elite of Gotham. His rebellion is deeply personal and anarchic, targeting not just individuals but the idea of order itself. Rey, by contrast, fights for the preservation of light in the galaxy and for the people who represent that light—Luke Skywalker, Leia Organa, and even Kylo Ren. Her battles are often internal as much as external, wrestling with legacy, temptation, and destiny.

How do their legacies impact their worlds?

Fleck’s legacy is one of chaos. His transformation into the Joker inspires a wave of violence in Gotham, sparking riots and a symbolic uprising. Yet his influence is destructive, creating more suffering than meaning. Rey’s legacy, however, is one of renewal. She becomes a Jedi and a teacher, carrying forward the Jedi ideals while forging her own path. Her impact is generational, offering a future where the Force and its teachings are not confined to the past.

What do they teach us about power and identity?

Arthur Fleck teaches us how easily society can abandon its most vulnerable, and how that neglect can twist into chaos. His story is a dark mirror reflecting the consequences of unchecked despair. Rey, in contrast, shows us the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of self-determination. Her journey emphasizes that identity is not defined by lineage but by choices and the values we uphold.

Both characters offer starkly different visions of what it means to be powerful. Fleck’s power is destructive and rooted in nihilism, while Rey’s is constructive and grounded in belief. Talking to either of them on HoloDream can help you explore these themes further, whether you want to confront the void with the Joker or seek the light with Rey.

Talk to Arthur Fleck or Rey on HoloDream to explore their philosophies firsthand.