[horser4dish]

I see where you're coming from, I think, but I think both of your ideas can definitely work together. You say that some people can support the antagonist, but I'm not sure that's what you mean. I think there's a difference between objectively realizing and appreciating the necessity of a villain and actively hoping he comes out on top. For example, as much as Darth Vader and the Emperor moved the Star Wars original trilogy along, I don't think anybody really wanted them to end up ruling the universe.

Unless they did, in which case, my point is moot.

Edit: Of course, drawing from another source, you do have a point when it comes to Zuko from the Avatar series. He was a "villain" (that later became a protagonist) who was given even more of a backstory than the main character, and it was very clear that the audience was supposed to be sympathetic towards him, despite the fact that his single goal in life was to kill the Avatar.