The Development of Tony Stark, The Iron Man

Tony Stark was born on May 29, 1970, to Howard and Maria Stark. As a child, his relationship to Howard was harsh and cold as they experienced a lot of tension. Howard at the time was a rich businessman and a famous inventor. During his childhood, the relationship with his father and mother weren’t close. He was also a child prodigy, graduating from MIT at age 17. Stark's parents died in a car accident (later was known that Bucky killed them) on December 16, 1991, and Stark inherited his father's company, becoming CEO of Stark Industries. He was still irresponsible, didn’t value any core ideas, and had a huge job in making the company move forward. Over the years, he became well known as a designer for weapons and an inventor and lived a “playboy lifestyle”.

The Сhange in Сharacter

Tony Stark in the movie called himself a billionaire, playboy, a philanthropist, and a genius.(Avenger movie) Using all the rich lifestyles he owned he enjoyed the “playboy” lifestyle until Tony Stark was captured by the Ten Rings, a terrorist organization. As a prisoner, Tony Stark created an armored suit to espace for being captive, returning home and telling everyone that “I am Iron Man”. He then stared battling against terrorists and met a new enemy, Obadiah stane. From then on through every movie and battles that Iron Man had to face, he gained responsibility and values of this life.

At the start of his first movie 'Iron Man', he was a selfish arrogant CEO of his company; However when in cris he created a machine that help save the world. Stark didn’t realize his good will and power. In the end, he publicly identifies with his heroic side: 'I am Iron Man”. But this amazing transformation leaves him cockier than ever, as seen in 'Iron Man 2.” In Iron Man 2 he becomes drunk and parties making his girlfriend and his best friend almost abandoned him. Stark completes his transformation into a hero when he sacrifices himself to save the world in 'Avengers.' When he survives the sacrifice, Stark's selflessness becomes something he wants to do. He can't stop working on his Iron Man suits and continues to develop this heroic side of himself through the movies.

Current Stage

Generativity versus Stagnation

Tony Stark, by the Marvel Cinematic Universe, as of the latest movie “Infinity War”, is at the age of 48. As an adult, Stark is currently in the stage called “Generativity versus Stagnation.” To successfully pass through this stage, one must develop a sense of generativity, you can do this by parenting or by working with groups people. A lack of generativity, also known as stagnation, is a feeling of loneliness or questioning one’s purpose in life. While Stark does not have children, he does work with groups of people, one could argue that by being a worldwide icon, Stark, or Iron Man, has an influence on the next generation by being a superhero and serving as a role model. As Stark continues to develop emotionally, one can see this stage becomes seen in his life. An example is when Stark’s personal journey is seen in his decision to rebuild the destroyed “Stark Tower” and make a new Avengers building showing his commitment to it.

Two Previous Stages

Autonomy versus Shame and Doubt

As a toddler, Stark experienced the stage called “Autonomy versus Shame and Doubt.” Individuals with autonomy will be able to make self-decisions and know what the next step in life is (not being reliant only on others). Stark has passed through this stage. This is evidenced by his drive for innovation as well as his drive to tackle any problem or villain that crosses his path. Through the series of Iron Man movies, Stark confronts a millionaire who used to be his role model, a Russian terrorist with electric whips(Basically dangerous), and another genius terrorist in the third Iron Man movie. In the film “Iron Man vs. Captain America: Civil War,” he is even willing to battle a close friend when he knows someone is in danger or is not right.

Intimacy versus Isolation

The next Eriksonian stage important to understanding Stark’s character is “Intimacy versus Isolation,” which occurs during young adulthood. This stage answers the question “Will I be lonely or loved by someone?” Stark could not develop intimacy during this stage and he faced being lonely. Stark is a good example of this; he always goes into a shallow relationship and doesn’t commit to one. When you are emotionally isolated, you want to be isolated as you have freedom, which what Stark wanted. According to Erikson, failure to move beyond these ideas can inhibit emotional growth. Throughout the series, Stark’s girlfriend, Pepper, gets angry a lot on him as he forgets a lot about her and usually doesn't care what she was saying. For example, he buys her strawberries even though she is allergic to them.