10 Biggest Ways Walter White Changes During Breaking Bad (2024)

Walter White's character's biggest changes in Breaking Bad is a masterful portrayal of a once virtuous man's descent into darkness. The series explores the transformation of his identity, the erosion of his morality, and the development of his criminal prowess. His journey is marked by ruthless actions, manipulative tactics, and a growing hubris that leads to his tragic downfall. As he loses touch with his empathy and becomes estranged from his family, he fully embraces the criminal lifestyle, ultimately shedding his innocence.

Walter's transformation serves as a cautionary tale, reminding viewers of the moral complexities that can arise in dire circ*mstances and the potential consequences of unchecked ambition and moral compromise. As the show unfolds, Walter's evolution from a mild-mannered high school chemistry teacher to the ruthless drug kingpin known as Heisenberg serves as the central focus, unraveling a complex tale of ambition, desperation, and moral decay. Throughout the series, viewers are taken on an unforgettable journey, witnessing the profound ways in which Walter White's life is irreversibly changed, shaping one of the most compelling and iconic character arcs in television history.

10 Transformation Of Identity

In Breaking Bad, Walter White's transformation of identity is a central theme that drives the narrative. At the outset, Walter is an unassuming high school chemistry teacher, whose life takes an unexpected turn when he is diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. As he delves into the drug trade to secure his family's financial future, Walter White adopts the alias Heisenberg. This alter ego represents a stark departure from his initial persona, embodying a newfound assertiveness and ruthlessness.

Heisenberg not only serves as a shield to protect his real identity but also becomes a symbol of his newfound power and control over his life. This transformation of identity is a reflection of Walter's desire to escape the mundane and powerless existence he once had and to embrace the dangerous and empowering world of crime. As the series progresses, the lines between Walter White and Heisenberg blur, and his two identities become increasingly intertwined, ultimately leading to a complex and multi-faceted character.

9 Moral Descent

One of the most captivating aspects of Walter White's character arc is his moral descent throughout the series. Initially, he is portrayed as a principled and ethical man who adheres strictly to societal norms. However, when faced with a terminal illness and the burden of providing for his family after his death, Walter's morals begin to erode. He justifies his entry into the drug trade as a means to secure his family's financial future, emphasizing his intentions as noble. Yet, with each criminal act and decision, Walter becomes more entangled in a web of lies and deception, pulling him further away from his previous moral grounding.

As he rises to power in the drug world, his actions become increasingly ruthless and unethical. He compromises his integrity and jeopardizes the lives of others, demonstrating a willingness to sacrifice his principles for personal gain. This moral decay is a testament to the show's exploration of the human psyche and the notion that even the most virtuous individuals can be swayed by circ*mstances into making choices they would never have considered before.

8 Turning Into A Criminal Mastermind

Walter White's journey from a novice to a criminal mastermind is an interesting evolution that showcases his exceptional intelligence and resourcefulness. In the early stages of his drug operation, he relies on the expertise of Jesse Pinkman, a former student and small-time drug dealer, to navigate the criminal underworld. However, as Walter gains more experience and confidence, he takes the reins of the operation and starts making strategic decisions that propel him to the top of the drug trade.

His background as a chemist becomes a significant asset, allowing him to produce high-quality methamphetamine, a product that garners immense demand and respect among rival drug dealers. Walter's ability to adapt to challenging situations, anticipate his adversaries' moves, and outwit them makes him a formidable force to be reckoned with. His journey from a hesitant and inexperienced criminal to a calculating and cunning mastermind is a testament to the power of human adaptability and intelligence.

Related: 30 Crimes Walter White Commits In Breaking Bad

7 Ruthlessness Development

Walter White's transformation into Heisenberg is accompanied by an alarming increase in ruthlessness. Initially hesitant about resorting to violence, he is driven to protect his drug empire and ensure his survival. As his criminal endeavors intensify, Walter becomes more comfortable resorting to extreme measures to achieve his goals. He is no longer burdened by the constraints of morality and empathy, which allows him to make cold-blooded decisions without remorse. Walter's ruthlessness is evident in his willingness to eliminate anyone who poses a threat to his operation, leading to a trail of deaths throughout the series.

Whether it is manipulating situations to provoke a rival's demise or orchestrating a complex scheme to eliminate dangerous adversaries, Walter exhibits a calculated and brutal approach. This transformation into a ruthless drug kingpin showcases the dark and sinister side of human nature and highlights the capacity for ordinary individuals to descend into a world of violence and immorality when driven by ambition and desperation.

6 Growing A Manipulative Nature

One of Walter White's most potent attributes is his exceptional ability to manipulate others to serve his interests. Initially, he employs his skills in manipulation to hide his criminal activities from his family and close associates. As the series progresses, Walter's manipulation becomes more pervasive, and he skillfully exploits the weaknesses and vulnerabilities of those around him. Whether Walter is tragically deceiving Jesse Pinkman to maintain control over the drug operation or convincing others of his innocence and benevolent intentions, Walter proves to be a master manipulator.

He capitalizes on emotions, trust, and the desperation of those in his circle to bend them to his will. This manipulative nature enables him to maintain a facade of normalcy in his personal life while simultaneously orchestrating a criminal empire behind closed doors. Walter's prowess in manipulation makes him an unpredictable and formidable character, capable of turning allies into foes and adversaries into pawns in his dangerous game of power.

5 Inflated Ego And Hubris

As Walter White ascends into the drug world, his ego and hubris grow in tandem. Initially, he enters the drug trade with the primary goal of securing his family's financial future after his death. However, as he achieves success and recognition, his motivations shift towards power and dominance. His ego inflates as he witnesses the impact of his actions, and he starts to believe in his invincibility as Heisenberg. This arrogance blinds him to the potential consequences of his decisions and the dangers he exposes himself and his family to.

His overconfidence leads him to dismiss the threats posed by his rivals and underestimate their capabilities, setting the stage for several dangerous encounters. Walter's hubris is ultimately his tragic flaw, as it drives him to make increasingly reckless decisions that lead to the unraveling of his empire and personal life. This character flaw exemplifies the age-old theme of hubris leading to a character's downfall, and Walter's story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition and ego.

4 Increased Lack Of Empathy

Throughout the series, Walter White's transformation into Heisenberg is marked by a gradual loss of empathy for others. Initially, he is motivated by a genuine concern for his family's well-being, but as his criminal activities intensify, he becomes desensitized to the suffering he causes. This lack of empathy is evident in his ability to order killings and engage in violent confrontations without remorse. He becomes increasingly detached from the consequences of his actions, seeing them as necessary evils to maintain control and protect his empire.

This transformation highlights the dehumanizing effect of the drug trade and how the pursuit of power and money can erode one's moral compass. As Walter embraces his new identity as a ruthless drug lord, he becomes cold and callous, no longer recognizing the man he once was. This emotional detachment allows him to make decisions without being burdened by guilt or remorse, further solidifying his transformation into the dark and sinister figure of Heisenberg.

3 Estrangement From Family

Walter White's involvement in the drug trade takes a significant toll on his family life. Initially, he enters the criminal world intending to provide for his family after his death, believing that his actions are a necessary sacrifice for their future. However, as his criminal activities escalate and his secrets unravel, he becomes estranged from his wife, Skyler, and his son, Walter Jr. Skyler's discovery of his double life creates a rift in their marriage, leading to lies and deception that drive them further apart.

Walter's transformation into Heisenberg distances him emotionally from his family, and he becomes increasingly absorbed in the criminal lifestyle, leaving little room for genuine connection with his loved ones. The deterioration of Walter's family life is a poignant aspect of his character arc, underscoring the devastating impact of his choices on those he once sought to protect and providing a heartbreaking portrayal of the tragic consequences of his actions.

2 Embracing The Criminal Lifestyle

Initially drawn into the drug trade out of desperation, Walter White's character evolves from a reluctant participant to a man who willingly embraces the criminal lifestyle. His initial foray into the drug world is motivated by a desire to secure his family's financial future after his imminent death. However, as he experiences the excitement and power that come with being Heisenberg, he becomes increasingly drawn to the adrenaline rush and allure of the criminal lifestyle. Walter revels in the danger, the thrill of outsmarting his enemies, and the immense profits generated by his drug operation.

The once risk-averse and law-abiding chemistry teacher is now intoxicated by the illicit world he inhabits, willingly taking on greater risks and embracing the violence and deception that define his new identity. This transformation illustrates how the allure of power and success can lead individuals down a dark and destructive path, blurring the lines between right and wrong, and making them unrecognizable to their former selves.

1 Loss Of Innocence

Walter White's journey from a mild-mannered and naive chemistry teacher to a ruthless drug kingpin is a profound portrayal of the loss of innocence. At the series' inception, Walter is portrayed as a sympathetic character burdened by life's hardships and with a deep sense of responsibility towards his family. However, as he ventures into the criminal world, he is forced to confront the harsh realities of the drug trade and the immense consequences of his actions. Walter's initial justifications for his criminal activities slowly give way to a darker and more sinister transformation.

This causes him to shed his innocence and embrace the darker aspects of his personality. This loss of innocence is symbolic of the show's exploration of the human psyche and the moral complexities that individuals grapple with when confronted with dire circ*mstances. Walter's journey serves as a poignant reminder of how circ*mstances can shape and transform a person, blurring the lines between good and evil and illustrating the unpredictable nature of human behavior.