He felt nothing as the boy, his son, approached him with a look of hesitant supplication in his tear-filled eyes. He didn't flinch when the back of his hand knocked the boy to the floor. It was upon seeing the look in the child's eyes - a look of utter amazement and terror - that the man gasped, inhaling so deeply and so deeply that it seemed as if no force could ever force the air out again. What had he done? What had he become? As his head spun and his surroundings seemed to converge on him, the only other thought that found room in his reeling mind was the simple but unshakeable resolve that this would never, ever happen again. He would change. Such scenes are far from rare in literature or storytelling in general. The idea of ​​someone getting involved in some sort of evil, then realizing their mistake and seeking redemption, is a theme used quite often. Sometimes a story may include several of these "fallen angels" in its plot. For example, in Great Expectations by Charles Dickens, Estella, Pip and Magwitch could be considered suitable for this subtheme of "fallen angels on their way home". Everyone began their life innocent and full of potential; each fell from his own innocence, or was forced to suffer a similar fall; each, at some point, also recognized the decline they had suffered and took steps to correct it. Perhaps the most understated candidate for fallen angel status, due to her essentially unchanging attitude and apparent rejection of the very idea of ​​improvement, is Estella. There's no debating whether or not his life began with an almost angelic innocence, because all lives do. Furthermore, it is not difficult to distinguish a fall from such innocence: Miss Havisham is obviously responsible, having a... middle of paper... Perhaps one of Charles Dickens' most characteristic attributes was his ability to create a truly realistic character. Each one feels real, as if Dickens was simply watching and recording the story as it unfolded before him, and no invention was necessary. Estella, Pip and Magwitch were no exception. Not only did their personalities give them such a believable air, but their situations did too, because everyone can relate to them, the fallen angels. Estella has been corrupted by a sinister and embittered woman; Pip believes that money and status are synonymous with happiness and value; Magwitch spent much of his crime-filled life behind bars. Eventually, however, each realized that their life was simply no way to live, and each made an effort to improve. They overcame their obstacles. The fallen angels were returning home.